The ceremonial mace of the Ontario legislature will be encrusted with two diamonds fresh from the province's first diamond mine.
Diamonds from De Beers Canada's Victor Mine were on the mace when it was presented to parliament at a special Queen's Park ceremony, March 24.
The mace was set to undergo re-plating and repair when the House rose for winter recess last December. The setting -- of one cut and polished diamond, and the other in its natural rough form -- was designed by De Beers jewelry award winner Reena Ahulwalia.
De Beers Canada president-CEO Jim Gowans was thrilled to be part of provincial history. "The De Beers Canada Victor Mine is extremely proud of the superior quality diamonds we produce and equally proud to be able to share them with the people of Ontario in this historic way."
Another cut and polished diamond from Victor was donated and set up for display in the east gallery of the Legislature.
The Victor Mine began operations in January 2008 and is located on the James Bay Lowlands.
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