Places_We_Visited

On our first field trip, we went to the Saskatchewan Research Council. We learned A LOT. That is where we got our kimberlite ore.

We learned that there is probably going to be a huge diamond mine in Saskatchewan.

At the Saskatchewan Research Council, they take diamonds from the Kimberlite ore, they heat up the ore and separate the diamonds. They examine the diamonds through a microscope so they can predict where more diamonds will be found.TOP

On March the 22^nd, our group went on a field trip to Birks. We decided it would be an important part of of our project because after diamonds are mined, they are sold.

Birks sells all sort of jewelry. We met with Gemologist, Bonnie Russell. She does all the appraisals for Birks, (which means how much they cost), on all sorts of jewelry and stones, including diamonds.

Bonnie Russell has been working with stones for over 20 years. She asked us what did a diamond and a pencil have in common? The answer is, both have minerals, (the pencil's lead).

Ms. Russell explained how Canada is becoming one of the top producers of diamonds, especially right here in Saskatchewan.

We each received a small booklet on Diamonds, from Birks. This book explained all about the 4 C's, and the grading of diamonds, in addition to cuts and clarity.

Another topic was inclusions, she said inclusions are one way to tell if the diamond is real. They are small imperfections or marks within the stone, almost like little tiny cracks.

She also pointed out the various parts of a cut diamond, such as the top, and the girdle. The girdle is where all Canadian diamonds are marked with either a maple leaf (for Birks) or a polar bear for another company. These engravings are done with a laser, they also carry a number on them to prove they are really Canadian diamonds. Many people want to have a Canadian diamond. The most popular cut of diamonds according to Ms. Russell is the round brilliant (see diagram). The round brilliant cut always has 58 facets, (sides to a diamond)

Ms. Russell says many people want to have a Canadian diamond, although many countries produce diamonds, like South Africia, Russia, India. She spoke briefly regarding "conflict diamonds" ( see diamond wars ) . She says many people won't buy "conflict diamonds" because the diamonds are sold to get weapons and carry out wars.

Ms. Russell also showed us one diamond from the showcase; it had a platinum band (harder than a gold band) and a Canadian diamond that was 1.02 carets. This ring cost over 19-thousand dollars.

One very interesting fact Ms. Russell told us was how you could tell a fake diamond like a cubic zirconia from a real diamond. If the stone is loose, just take it to a lined piece of paper. If you can see the line through the diamond, it is a fake. Real diamonds bend the light and won't allow the line to be seen.

We also saw a replica of both the colour and size of the famous " Hope Diamond" we have enclosed a photograph of it. In fact every time Ms. Russell does an appraisal, the owner receives a picture of the diamond or stone for insurance purposes, just like the one shown here on the website.

After her presentation, Ms Russell answered any questions we had. When we left we were all given a candy light up ring, cut in a round brilliant design as a parting gift.