Canada's first diamond mines were located on Point Lake, near Yellowknife. When diamonds began to turn up, several more mines were built. These mines are wide, exposed pits, and the freezing temperatures can make it an incredible challenge to maintain operations throughout the year. These mines have an average lifespan of twenty years. The Canadian diamond trade is known for its exquisite finished products.

Canada's industry also bears the distinction of being morally superior to the African diamond trade, which has been rocked by negative media attention regarding the dubious ethical practices within the business. African diamond mines are generally located in volatile nations, and the heads of the mining industry are often tied up in the funding of terrorist activity and illegal arms deals. You can identify a Canadian diamond by any number of tiny logos embossed on the underside of the stone, invisible to the eye, but identifiable when the light filters through the stone.

Canadian diamonds tend to be naturally bright white, a desirable fashion characteristic. Employees of Canadian diamond mines generally make more than a sustainable income, often earning an annual salary in excess of $60,000. There is higher security in diamond mining jobs, although there are many temporary positions to be had. The Canadian diamond trade is a major employer of native peoples, for instance, the Yellowknife Dene Tribe owns and operates a large diamond cutting and processing center. Of course, there are plenty of diamond cutting and polishing specialists who emigrate from Asia and the Middle East, and make a good living on this highly specialized skill.

Often the raw stones are shipped to Canada's major cities: Vancouver, Quebec, Toronto, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal, where they are processed, cut, polished, and mounted. The diamond industry is the source of thousands of jobs throughout Canada, both directly and incidentally tied to the trade. As the mines began to prove lucrative, it became necessary to build roads and homes in nearby areas. Business owners like grocers and restaurateurs have also benefited from the diamond industry's success. The mines are still producing and they continue to grow.