Birks to Showcase One of the World's Largest Pink Diamonds at its Edmonton Store

The 10-carat polished stone is the largest pink diamond to ever be displayed at Birks

MONTREAL, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Birks, Canada's leading manufacturer and retailer of fine jewellery since 1879, is announcing it will showcase one of the world's largest pink diamond ever - a 10-carat Fancy Light Purplish Pink radiant cut stone - at its Edmonton store this coming April 13-17.

The 10-carat pink diamond originated from a very rare rough stone of 21.35 carats found in a South African mine, making it one of the world's largest pink diamonds ever mined. Because of the diamond's large size, it took an unusual 3½ months to cut and polish the stone. The combination of the diamond's purple and pink hues creates a unique and eye-catching colour. The pink diamond is currently set in a beautiful platinum ring design.

This pink diamond is of an extreme rarity; it has been reported that since its founding 244 years ago, the auction house Christie's - one of the most important resellers of diamonds in the world - has only auctioned 18 polished pink diamonds over 10 carats. The South African 10-carat-sparkler, made from a 21.35-carat rough stone, is even larger than Australia's biggest rough pink diamond weighing 12.76 carats, recently unearthed at its Argyle mine.

"Birks has been committed to providing diamonds of a superior quality since its early beginnings," says Deborah Nicodemus, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, Birks & Mayors Inc. "We are very excited to be showcasing one of the world's largest pink diamonds ever mined, which highlights Birks' authority in precious gemstones and gives us a chance to offer a truly unique experience to our clients," she concluded.

About Birks

Birks & Mayors is a leading retailer with 59 luxury jewellery stores in Canada and the United States. The Company operates 32 stores under the Birks brand in most major markets in Canada and 24 stores under the Mayors brand in Florida and Georgia, two retail locations in Calgary and Vancouver under the Brinkhaus brand, and one retail location in Orlando under the Rolex brand. Birks was founded in 1879 and developed over the years into Canada's premier retailer, designer and manufacturer of fine jewellery, timepieces, sterling and plated silverware and gifts. Visit www.birks.com.

SOURCE BIRKS & MAYORS INC.

Image with caption: "Birks, Canada's leading manufacturer and retailer of fine jewellery since 1879 will showcase one of the world's largest pink diamond ever, a 10-carat Fancy Light Purplish Pink radiant cut stone, at its Edmonton store this coming April 13-17 (CNW Group/BIRKS & MAYORS INC.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120403_C2736_PHOTO_EN_11891.jpg