James visited the Rio Tinto splitting facility, where Gaeleen Macpherson and Melanie Sangris introduced her to the sorting process, showcasing rough diamonds possibly mined by Sangris herself. Sangris’ journey in mining began with the Mine Training Society, which significantly impacted the community by increasing female participation in mining. Gaeleen and Melanie marveled with James at being among the first to see these diamonds since their formation over 3 billion years ago. Kateri Lynn demonstrated the intricate diamond-cutting process at the Diamonds de Canada cutting facility in Yellowknife. Each diamond is scanned using advanced technology to map out an optimal cutting strategy. Under Derrick Sangris’ skilled guidance, a laser intricately slices through the diamond to create facets. The journey culminates at the polishing station, where diamonds are polished by hand. Benjamin King, CEO of Diamonds de Canada, emphasized the facility’s role in
generating additional training and employment and enhancing natural diamonds’ economic value for locals in the NWT. As the adventure concluded, James and other new-found friends returned to the Arctic Duchess to plunge into the frozen lake on a -30-degree night. Though shocking in its icy grip, this plunge was a moment of clarity and exhilaration. It was a fitting finale to a journey that had unveiled not just breathtaking vistas and the dance of the Northern Lights but also the significance of natural diamonds in the area, far beyond being merely an economic cornerstone. Surrounded by the quiet majesty of the Arctic tundra and the camaraderie of those who had shared this unique adventure, Lily James and her companions felt a profound connection to this place. The experience underscored the undeniable truth that natural diamonds, much like the Northern Lights, are awe-inspiring phenomena integral to the fabric of life in the Northwest Territories.
69 POLACHECK’S JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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