Canada is a relatively new diamond producer. While alluvial diamonds found in the United States and southern Canada in the late 1800s suggested that glaciers may have transported the crystals from Hudson Bay in northeastern Canada, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the first kimberlite was discovered. In April 1990, after a decade of exploration across 750 miles (1,130 km) in the Northwest Territories, the discovery of chrome diopside (a bright green indicator mineral) suggested a kimberlite pipe nearby and led to the first major diamond mine, Ekati. This find triggered an exploration rush that thrust the country into the ranks of the world’s top diamond producing nations.

Diamonds remained hidden deep within the earth for hundreds of millions of years, until volcanic activity violently transported them upwards towards the earth’s surface in magma. Vertical rock formations, called “kimberlite pipes,” are remnants of these ancient volcanoes. Erosion subsequently frees rough diamonds from their host rock to be transported by rivers and deposited sometimes at great distances, from their original source. Miners in places like India and Brazil would uncover them in alluvial deposits. Today, most diamonds are found in kimberlite pipes, which are the primary source of mined diamonds.

Photo of the cut and polished 1.50 CT oval brilliant diamond.
All photographs of diamonds in this article are from the G.I.A. archives.

The Light From Canada Diamond is unique because it exhibits rare, antique-style characteristics such as the "open culet" and an elongated, flatform typically found in antique Indian diamonds from the famous Golconda diamond mines. The fact that this diamond maintains optimal brilliance and life while maximizing its face-up surface area makes it truly rare and exceptional.

While waiting for the Light From Canada to arrive, Edelweiss began to plan it's a stunning setting. Working with our sketch artists, we created a ring design study comparing three main designs. Drawing and testing a variety of settings, Edelweiss chose a solitaire ring design for The Light From Canada but offers complete custom jewelry services should a client want to modify the ring in any way.

Are you interested in our detailed diamond booklet? Download it here.