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Articles
Canadian Diamonds: Questions and Answers
Q: Why are diamonds branded?
A: A comparison of the legendary jewellery brands of the world reveals a common theme: a relentless pursuit of quality. The trust that a quality product and service instills in the mindset of the consumer is invaluable. As a producer of the most precious and enduring symbol of love, Polar Diamonds stands behind its belief that the pursuit of quality should never be underestimated. We brand our diamonds simply because it provides a guarantee to our customers of our high standards of quality.
Q: Where do Polar Diamonds come from?
A: All of our diamonds are mined, cut and polished in Canada, in a factory located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and employing 100% Canadian workers.
Q: What is government certification in relation to diamonds and why is it important?
A: The only government certification available today is through the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) in Canada. This program, the world's first, guarantees not only a diamond's place of origin (where it was mined) but also, its place and quality of manufacture. Diamonds cut in Canada, by Canadian manufacturers, under the strict scrutiny of a government body, obviously carry a greater validity and provide higher value and peace of mind. In addition to the GNWT certificate, Polar Diamonds provides the most comprehensive diamond quality guarantee in the world.
Q: Are "Canadamark" diamonds cut in Canada?
A: No. Canadamark, which is promoted by some as a defining mark of Canadian diamonds, actually provides diamonds which are manufactured by a multi-national corporation in a foreign locale by foreign workers. Canadamark diamond is not government certified in any way.
Q: What is the "Canadian Diamond Certificate"? Are these diamonds government-certified in any way?
A: Canadian Diamond Certificates are created and produced by a diamond manufacturer with cutting operations in Vietnam and Vancouver. These diamonds are not certified by any government.
Q: How does an "Ideal" cut affect a diamond's value?
A: All diamonds in North America are appraised for both cut value, and how closely they align to a defined "Ideal" balance of dispersion, brilliance and scintillation, which in combination define the beauty of the diamond.
All fancy and round Polar Bear Diamonds™ are cut to maximize the play of light while always falling within the standards defined by the world's best gem laboratories and by the world's best cutters and polishers. It is important to understand that a quality certificate from one of these gem labs significantly enhances a diamond's value and premium marketability.
Q: Can diamond manufacturers legally use terms such as "Made in Canada", "Canadian Diamond" and Canadian symbols to market diamond which are cut and polished outside Canada?
A: The Competition Bureau of Industry Canada has developed a policy or code that states that any diamond can use these terms and symbols as long as it has been mined in Canada. There is great concern within the diamond industry as to what this means practically to diamond manufacturers, jewelers and the diamond-buying public.
When you select a Polar Bear diamond™, you can be certain that it was mined responsibly. The companies that mine diamonds in the Northwest Territories must observe strong Canadian laws that protect the Arctic environment and the mine workers. Before diamond companies can build mines in Canada's Arctic, they are required to make a careful assessment of the environment. Under the permitting process, mining companies must demonstrate that impacts on vegetation, air and water quality, and wildlife populations are sustainable. In addition, social and economic impacts on northern communities are carefully examined.
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