DiamondBuzz
Canada Announces Tax Relief to Support Struggling Diamond Sector in Northwest Territories
Government steps in with targeted financial measures to stabilize region’s largest industry amid falling prices and market uncertainty.
The Canadian government has introduced a series of tax-relief measures aimed at supporting the diamond-mining sector in the Northwest Territories, as the industry faces mounting financial challenges. The initiative seeks to preserve economic stability in a region where diamond mining contributes approximately 20% of its GDP, with major operations including Diavik, Ekati, and Gahcho Kué.
According to the Government of the Northwest Territories, the sector is currently under pressure from low global diamond prices, inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and emerging tariff impacts. These conditions have led to significant losses for mining companies. Mountain Province, co-owner of Gahcho Kué with De Beers, reported a $56.4 million net loss in 2024, while Ekati’s owner Burgundy Diamonds lost $94.7 million and Diavik operator Rio Tinto reported a $127 million underlying loss.
To address these issues, the government will double the number of local diamond valuations in 2025 and 2026, covering associated costs to help producers move rough stones to market more efficiently. A temporary reduction in the minerals tax rate will result in $11.2 million in property tax savings for the three mines. Additionally, funds previously set aside for carbon tax contributions will be released to ease cash flow constraints.
The government will also collaborate with Indigenous governments and development corporations to offer further infrastructure and transitional support.

“This is about protecting our economy from sudden shock,” said Caroline Wawzonek, minister of finance for the Northwest Territories. “These targeted, short-term supports are not about corporate profits — they’re about maintaining stability for the workers, families, communities, and Indigenous governments that rely on [the diamond] sector. Our government’s support must be directed to ensuring that Northwest Territory-based labor and businesses are protected in this challenging operating environment.”
DiamondBuzz
Ashth Prive Unveils Udaya – A Limited-Edition Jewellery Collection Inspired by the Timeless Geometry of Rani ki Vav
A 24-piece IGI-certified lab-grown diamond collection translating Rani ki Vav’s sacred geometry into architectural high jewellery
Ashth Jewellery, the luxury designer lab-grown diamond brand known for its design innovation and conscious philosophy, announces the launch of its newest high-jewellery collection, Udaya – a tribute to India’s architectural heritage and enduring craftsmanship.
Udaya is inspired by the architectural brilliance of the 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage site Rani ki Vav, a rare monument commissioned by Queen Udayamati in memory of her King in Patan, Gujarat. Unlike monuments that rise towards the sky, this stepwell descends into the earth, revealing intricate stone lattices, sacred geometry, and rhythmic symmetry. The monument embodies quiet strength and timeless grace – a lasting feminine legacy that anchors the spirit of the collection.


The collection reinterprets these architectural motifs through a distinctive craft innovation. Each piece features 7 to 13 carat rose-cut and portrait-cut diamonds. Their flat, transparent surface allows light to pass through the stone, revealing hand-engraved architectural motifs in gold beneath. As light passes through the stone, the engraved motifs beneath are revealed, bringing the architecture to life
The collection reinterprets these architectural motifs through a distinctive craft innovation. Each piece features 7 to 13 carat rose-cut and portrait-cut diamonds. Their flat, transparent surface allows light to pass through the stone, revealing hand-engraved architectural motifs in gold beneath. As light passes through the stone, the engraved motifs beneath are revealed, bringing the architecture to life.


The design language is shaped by the rhythmic symmetry of Patola weaving, where repetition and proportion create harmony. This textile discipline is translated into finely structured engravings, measured intervals, and balanced proportions, lending each piece a sense of order and quiet refinement.
A limited edition of 24 unique designs, each jewel is individually numbered in Gujarati, reinforcing its rarity and collectible nature. The gold is finished using a specialised polishing technique that creates a subtle textured surface reminiscent of aged stone echoing the character of the monument that inspired it.
Every piece is IGI-certified and BIS hallmarked, reflecting Ashth’s commitment to quality alongside its philosophy of responsible luxury.

“Design has always been at the heart of Ashth. With Udaya, we explored the idea of depth, inspired by the layered architecture of Rani ki Vav. By combining portrait and rose-cut diamonds with hand-engraved gold surfaces beneath, we’ve created jewellery where light becomes a medium to reveal craftsmanship. The collection reflects our approach to luxury – thoughtful, architectural, and deeply rooted in storytelling.” shares Kaivan Shah, Co-founder of Ashth
With its signature philosophy ‘Mine. Not Mined.’, Ashth continues to redefine luxury by combining design excellence, cultural storytelling, and environmentally responsible diamonds.
Store Locations: Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa, Raipur and Surat
source: Asth
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