Is a Canadian Diamond Right for You?

Feb 19

When you think of the world’s most precious gems, your mind likely drifts to the mines of South Africa or the bustling diamond hubs of Antwerp. But did you know that right here in Canada we have the Canadian diamond.

Mined from the rugged terrain of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, these stones are more than just sparkling accessories. They represent a revolution in how we value, track, and choose our jewelry. In fact many of us jewellers refer to the Canadian diamond as the 5th C of diamond quality.

Here is why Canadian diamonds have become the standard for the modern, conscious consumer. In fact many other countries are also looking at our legacy of transparency and traceability for their stones.

1. Ethical by Nature, Not Just by Label

The term "conflict-free" is often used in the jewellery industry, but Canadian diamonds take this promise a step further. Canadian diamonds are mined under strict labour and environmental regulations.

Fair Wages: Miners in the Canadian North are protected by robust labor laws and receive competitive pay.
Indigenous Partnerships: Major mines like Diavik and Ekati have formal agreements with local Indigenous communities, ensuring that the economic benefits—jobs, infrastructure, and education—stay within the region.
Strict Oversight: Every step is monitored by the Canadian government, making these stones some of the most transparently sourced gems on Earth. There is also strict environmental laws about how the land is left after mining.

2. Purity from the Permafrost

Formed up to 3.5 billion years ago deep within the Earth’s crust, Canadian diamonds were only discovered in the 1990s by geologists Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson. With carbon dating we can decifer that Canadian diamonds are the oldest diamonds on earth.

While a diamond's sparkle is primarily determined by its Cut, Canadian stones are prized for their high natural quality. They are often "Type IIa" diamonds—the most chemically pure type—meaning they have no measurable nitrogen impurities, resulting in exceptional brilliance.

3. The "Birth Certificate": Traceability

One of the coolest features of a Canadian diamond is its pedigree. Most authentic Canadian diamonds come with a unique tracking system, such as the CanadaMark™ certification.

Pro Tip: Canadian diamonds are laser engraved with an inscription on the diamond's "girdle" (the outer edge). It often features a tiny maple leaf or polar bear logo along with a serial number.

This number acts like a birth certificate, allowing you to trace your specific stone back to the exact mine it came from. In a world where supply chains are often murky, this "mine-to-finger" transparency is a rare luxury.

4. Environmental Stewardship

Mining in the Arctic is no small feat. To protect the delicate ecosystem, Canadian mines operate under some of the highest environmental standards in the world.

Wildlife Protection: Mines have strict protocols to minimize impact on caribou migrations and local fish populations.
Mandatory Restoration: Companies are legally required to provide financial bonds that guarantee the land will be reclaimed and restored once the mine’s life cycle is over.

A Quick Comparison

Feature Canadian Diamonds Standard Global Diamonds

Origin Arctic Canada (NWT, Nunavut) Various (Africa, Australia)

Traceability High (Laser-inscribed serial numbers) Varies (Often grouped by parcel)

Ethics Guaranteed conflict-free & fair labour Kimberley Process