YELLOWKNIFE, Canada - The Northwest Territories' three diamond mines - Rio Tinto's Diavik Diamond Mine, De Beers Group and Mountain Province Diamonds' Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine, and Burgundy Diamond Mines' Ekati Diamond Mine - have collaborated on a stunning one-of-a-kind pendant featuring diamonds from all three operations in a unique Northern design.
The pendant, set in 18-karat white gold, features a round brilliant-cut 0.41 carat Ekati diamond, a radiant-cut 0.51 carat Gahcho Kué diamond, and a round brilliant-cut 0.41 carat Diavik diamond. The three diamonds are set in a bespoke caribou antler design, paying homage to the unique Northern origin of the gems. It was designed by Adamas Diamonds and has an appraised retail replacement value of over C$12,000.
The pendant has been donated by the three diamond mines to be auctioned at the 2024 MAX Awards, taking place on Thursday, 28 November in Yellowknife as part of the 2024 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum.
All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Yellowknife Community Fundraising Club's Adopt-A-Family program, which provides gifts and groceries to local families and children in need during the holiday season.
Matthew Breen, Chief Operating Officer, Diavik Diamond Mine, said: "While the design of this piece itself tells a story about our respect for the land, wildlife, people and culture of Northern Canada, it's the collaboration behind this effort among the three diamond mines that reveals the spirit of this place we call home. This pendant will raise a significant amount of money to support Adopt-A-Family, as an example of Yellowknifers coming together to support one another."
Avischen Moodley, Country President, De Beers Canada, said: "Gahcho Kué mine is pleased to collaborate on this amazing work of art that we hope will help bring enormous benefits to the Adopt-a-Family program and the families the organization supports during the holiday season. Caribou have sustained the people of the NWT for thousands of years, and this one-of-a-kind diamond necklace is symbolic of the benefits the diamond mines bring to the NWT and reflects our desire to leave a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we work."
Jeff Reinson, Vice-President Operations, Burgundy Diamond Mines, said: "This exquisite piece of jewellery represents the strength and beauty of the North, our partnerships, and our shared commitments to the communities and the environment in which we operate. Each of the three mines, Ekati, Diavik, and Gahcho Kué, has supplied a diamond for the setting. The caribou motif represents the deep cultural connection Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Territories have with the animals. We are proud to share with our community partners in the stewardship of these lands, waters, and life upon them. Each mine continues to uphold the responsibility for safeguarding the natural world, while celebrating the rich traditions of the North, and supplying these brilliant gems to the world."
Kathy Gray, spokesperson for the MAX Awards, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Rio Tinto, De Beers Group/Mountain Province Diamonds, and Burgundy Diamonds for this stunning, one-of-a-kind pendant, featuring diamonds from each of the NWT's operating mines, for our auction fundraiser. This generous contribution will go a long way in helping us achieve our goal, ensuring that Adopt-A-Family can provide holiday gifts, winter clothing, and food to children in need."
The yearly MAX Awards celebrate people making a difference in the Northwest Territories Mining and Exploration industry, recognizing achievements in the areas of economic leadership, environment and social responsibility, Indigenous achievement in mining or exploration, and distinguished service. Tickets to the event can be purchased online through this link.
