“Every Canadian diamond is a story, billions of years in the making,” muses Brent Harden, President of La Maison d’Or and a Certified Gemologist. This holiday season, Ottawa’s premiere family jeweller invites you to make the holidays unforgettable with treasures from Canada’s Arctic mines—a dazzling testament to ethical luxury and timeless beauty.
With a legacy spanning 75 years, La Maison d’Or has been at the forefront of helping Ottawa residents celebrate life’s milestones. This Christmas, they’re inviting clients to experience the brilliance of Canadian diamonds—diamonds born deep beneath the earth’s surface, ethically unearthed from the pristine wilderness of the Northwest Territories and Quebec. These Maple Leaf Diamonds™ embody the spirit of the season—sparkling, rare, and unforgettable.
“Maple Leaf Diamonds are more than just jewellery; they’re a commitment to quality and a nod to Canada’s heritage,” explains Harden. “Each stone is GIA-certified, individually selected, and carries its own unique story.” His passion is evident; eight out of ten GIA-certified diamonds fail to make the cut, ensuring only the finest adorn La Maison d’Or’s counters.
The Canadian Diamond Journey
From Ekati™, Diavik™, and Gahcho Kué mines in the Northwest Territories to the Renard mine in Quebec, Maple Leaf Diamonds™ trace their origin back to some of the oldest geological formations on Earth. Formed over 3.5 billion years ago, these stones are laser-inscribed with a tracking number and the Maple Leaf Diamonds™ logo—guaranteeing their Canadian provenance. “It’s a meticulous process,” Harden notes. “Every step, from rough crystal to polished gem, ensures traceability and ethical sourcing.”
La Maison d’Or offers its clients not just diamonds but peace of mind. Maple Leaf Diamonds are tracked under the Canadamark hallmark program, ensuring compliance with the strictest ethical, environmental, and social standards. Each gem is a symbol of love, devotion, and integrity—perfect for the holiday season.
Brent Harden and the La Maison d’Or Connection
At the heart of La Maison d’Or’s dedication to Canadian diamonds is Brent Harden’s personal connection and passion for these rare gems. As a Certified Gemologist, Harden has a meticulous eye for quality, but it was his journey to the Ekati™ mine—the first Canadian diamond mine—that deepened his commitment to ethically sourced, exceptional diamonds.
“Standing on the tundra, witnessing the sheer scale and complexity of mining operations was awe-inspiring,” Harden recalls. The trip offered a rare glimpse into the intense labor and precision required to bring each diamond from deep within the earth to brilliance. It underscored the legacy and responsibility that La Maison d’Or holds dear: connecting clients not just with beautiful jewellery, but with pieces that carry a story of sustainable sourcing and Canadian heritage.
Brent Harden, President of La Maison d’Or, steps off the plane in Yellowknife, embarking on a journey to the heart of Canada’s diamond heritage at the Ekati™ mine.
Harden’s visit to the mine also highlighted the intricate processes of ethical mining and environmental stewardship. From water recycling practices to wildlife monitoring, every step was designed to minimize impact and maintain a connection to the land. “Seeing it firsthand changes everything,” Harden reflects. “It’s about honoring the journey these stones take and respecting the environment from which they come.”
La Maison d’Or’s Maple Leaf Diamonds™ embody this ethos, offering clients a meaningful choice—luxury jewellery that not only captivates but also aligns with values of sustainability, integrity, and traceable provenance. Harden’s careful selection of each stone guarantees only the finest adorn their showcases, ensuring that every client walks away with a piece of Canadian history.
Brent Harden and his friend Paul stand at the Ekati™ Mine site, witnessing firsthand the origins of Canada’s iconic Maple Leaf Diamonds™, deep in the heart of the Northwest Territories.
A Special Holiday Shopping Experience
While La Maison d’Or’s Maple Leaf Diamonds™ are a shining example of their commitment to excellence, they are just one part of the store’s distinctive holiday experience. Clients are invited to enjoy personalized concierge service, whether it’s selecting the perfect engagement ring or finding a meaningful gift for a loved one. With options for one-on-one appointments, curated gift guides, and beautifully wrapped packages, La Maison d’Or transforms holiday shopping into an unforgettable, luxurious experience.
Learn more about La Maison d’Or’s Maple Leaf Diamonds and their intricate selection process.
Brent with the mayor of Yellowknife, Rebecca Alty
