Saskatchewan’s legislative assembly is a bit blingier these days, thanks to the 156 diamonds and gold gracing its ceremonial Black Rod.
After a year of planning, designing, and crafting, the province’s Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield accepted the rod, which is used to escort members or representatives of the royal family into the house.
Shore Gold donated 156 Saskatchewan diamonds, which were polished by Crossworks Manufacturing at its facility in Sudbury, Ont. The rod’s design incorporates symbols of Saskatchewan life, such as a wheat sheaf, a prairie lily, feathers, and a Metis sash.
“Crossworks is pleased to have been a part of the unveiling of the Black Rod of Saskatchewan,” said Dylan Dix, Crossworks’ group executive.
“The diamonds that were set into this beautiful scepter were polished by our artisans in Sudbury and we are excited to be a part of Saskatchewan’s diamond legacy. To have the honour to be part of our country’s heritage and traditions is something that will live with me, my family, and my company forever.”
The metre-long rod also includes a 2005 Gold Sovereign Coin, four ounces of gold, and wood from the Duchy of Cornwall, which was presented by the Prince of Wales during his visit to the province in 2012.
“We have done some pretty spectacular projects, but this is definitely the biggest,” said Regina goldsmith Scott Olsen, who created the Black Rod.
