We apologize that the claims portal has been experiencing technical difficulties. If you experience difficulties, please contact the claims administrator at [email protected] or 1.877.563.7614 to request a claim form. Claimants who contact the claims administrator directly will have until March 8, 2024 to provide the claims administrator with a completed form. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The Diamonds class action alleges that the Defendants unlawfully conspired to raise, maintain, fix and stabilize the price of natural diamonds for use as gemstones in jewellery or for investment (“Gem Grade Diamonds”) between January 1, 1994 and October 14, 2016.
Gem Grade Diamonds are mined from the earth and, after cutting, polishing and other finishing, are valued based on their beauty, colour, cut, clarity, and other characteristics. Gem Grade Diamonds are sold in their polished form to purchasers who incorporate the diamonds into jewellery and other products for resale.
Developments
Claims Process
Make a Claim Now
Anyone in Canada who purchased Gem Grade Diamonds or Gem Grade Diamond Products between January 1, 1994 and October 14, 2016 is eligible to claim settlement benefits.
- Gem Grade Diamonds are diamonds that have been or could have been used in diamond jewellery or for investment purposes (as distinguished from diamonds used for industrial purposes).
- Gem Grade Diamond Products are Rough Diamonds, Polished Diamonds, Diamond Jewellery, or any other products consisting of or containing one or more Gem Grade Diamonds. It excludes products containing man-made or industrial diamonds.
The claims process is now open. The deadline to make a claim is February 6, 2024.
Claims can be submitted online at www.CanadianDiamondsClassAction.ca. If you have any questions please email [email protected] or call the claims administrator toll-free at 1.877.563.7614.
We apologize that the claims portal has been experiencing technical difficulties. If you experience difficulties, please contact the claims administrator at [email protected] or 1.877.563.7614 to request a claim form. Claimants who contact the claims administrator directly will have until March 8, 2024 to provide the claims administrator with a completed form. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please see the Notices for more details about the claims process:
Settlement
A Settlement has been reached in the class action. Pursuant to the Settlement, the Defendants agreed to pay CDN$9.4 million for the benefit of Class Members.
The Settlement and Distribution Protocol were approved by the Courts in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
A further class proceeding was commenced in Saskatchewan in Daniel Ammazzini and Olson Goldsmiths Inc v Anglo American PLC et al., Saskatchewan Court, File No. 877 (Saskatoon Registry) (the "Saskatchewan Action"). A condition of the Settlement is that the Saskatchewan Court dismiss or permanently stay the Saskatchewan Action.
On March 4, 2019, the Saskatchewan Court permanently stayed the Saskatchewan Action. The Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan denied leave to appeal this decision. The Supreme Court of Canada also denied leave to appeal.
An Amended Distribution Protocol was approved by the Courts in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
FAQs
What is a Class Action?
A class action is a lawsuit that is brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group of people whose claims share common legal and/or factual issues. Class actions provide a cost-effective way for groups of people with common interests to pursue a legal claim.
What does “certification” mean?
Certification is the motion where the court determines whether the action can properly be pursued as a class action. The court will consider factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to other methods, such as individual actions).
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the class action?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Who is affected by the diamonds class action?
You are affected by the class action and are a “member” of the class if you are a person in Canada who purchased a Gem Grade Diamond between January 1, 1994 and October 14, 2016.
Can I join the class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action unless you “opt-out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
However, if you wish to participate in the pending distribution, you must file a claim. The deadline to make a claim is February 6, 2024. Claims can be submitted online at www.CanadianDiamondsClassAction.ca
Can I exclude myself from the class action?
No, the deadline for opting out of the class action has passed.
What should I do to protect my rights?
To protect your rights, you should:
- Check if you are eligible to participate in the pending distribution. See www.CanadianDiamondsClassAction.ca for information about eligibility.
- If you are eligible to file a claim, file a claim on or before February 6, 2024. Claims can be submitted online at www.CanadianDiamondsClassAction.ca.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
If you have a question, please contact Class Counsel by telephone at 604.689.7555 or 1.800.689.2322 or by email at [email protected]