Rio gems to benefit Canadian families
Rio Tinto, De Beers Group, Mountain Province Diamonds and Burgundy Diamond Mines have collaborated to design a pendant featuring diamonds from their Canadian mines.
The pendant is set in 18-karat white gold and features a range of bespoke diamonds, including:
-a round brilliant-cut 0.41 carat diamond from Burgundy Diamond Mines’ Ekati mine
-a radiant-cut 0.51 carat diamond from the Gahcho Kué mine, owned by De Beers Group and Mountain Province Diamonds
-a round brilliant-cut 0.41 carat from Rio Tinto’s Diavik mine.
The three diamonds are set in a caribou antler design, which pays homage to the unique northern origin of each gem. It was designed by Adamas Diamonds and has an appraised retail replacement value of over $CAD12,000 ($12,963).
The pendant has been donated by all three mines and will be auctioned at the 2024 MAX Awards, set to take place on November 28 as part of the 2024 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum in Canada.
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 period.
“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,” Rio Tinto chief operating officer – Diavik diamond mine Matthew Breen said.
“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.”
Last month, Rio Tinto launched its second Beyond Rare diamond tender, which showcased 48 pieces from its diamonds business, including nine sets of white and yellow diamonds from Diavik.