Birks: the first 200 diamonds from Quebec's Renard diamond mine

Canadian luxury jewellery retailer Birks unveiled the first 200 diamonds from Quebec’s Renard diamond mine, owned by Stornoway Diamond Corporation. Located 250 km north of the Cree community of Mistissini and 350 km north of Chibougamau in the James Bay region of north-central Quebec, the Renard mine is Quebec’s first diamond mining operation.

Birks had already made a commitment to offer exclusively Canadian diamonds for its engagement rings. In 2010, Birks was the first jeweller to feature diamonds from the Victor mine in Ontario. Birks guarantees the traceability of each Canadian diamond, from the mine where it originated to the finished product, thereby guaranteeing a 100% ethical diamond. The unveiling follows Birks previously announced commitment to offer exclusively Canadian diamonds for its engagement rings and equally coincides with Montreal's 375th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of Canada.

“We’re very proud to unveil the first certified diamonds from a mine in Quebec. Established in Montreal in 1879, Birks is a resolutely Quebec and Canadian brand. These exceptional diamonds are an outstanding example of the quality of our natural resources. As a Canadian leader in the jewellery market, we are convinced they will appeal to our customers, who are increasingly interested in knowing the provenance and traceability of precious stones,” said Jean-Christophe Bedos, President and CEO of Birks Group Inc.

Each stone, displayed and available for purchase in the store, comes with a Birks Quebec diamond certificate of authenticity and a unique serial number to confirm its provenance and traceability. Each stone will be micro-engraved with the maple leaf and the fleur de lys, symbols of Canada and Quebecrespectively, visible only with a 10x magnifying glass.

The Renard mine is Quebec's first diamond mining operation. The Birks selection consists of diamonds ranging from 0.18 carats to a 10.01 carat stone. The stones can be purchased individually as loose diamonds, or mounted into a ring, pendant or earrings, according to customer preferences.

Birks currently operates 46 luxury jewelry stores across Canada, Florida and Georgia.