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RAPAPORT... The Black Rod of Saskatchewan scepter was unveiled at a ceremony at the Government House, following a year of planning, designing and crafting. The Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield accepted the ceremonial Black Rod and it has been incorporated into the traditions and practices of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, which just opened its third session of the 27th legislature on October 23.
Shore Gold Inc. donated 156 diamonds for the scepter from its exploration projects in Saskatchewan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the legislative building. The rough diamonds were polished by Crossworks Manufacturing in their polishing facility in Sudbury, Ontario. The rod’s intricate design incorporated symbols from all walks of Saskatchewan life -- a wheat sheaf, a prairie lily, feathers and a Metis sash.
Additionally, the design of the Black Rod incorporated a 2005 Gold Sovereign Coin, four ounces of gold and Duchy of Cornwall Wood, presented by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales during his visit to the province in 2012.
“Crossworks is pleased to have been a part of the unveiling of the Black Rod of Saskatchewan,” said Dylan Dix of Crossworks. “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 honor to be part of our country’s heritage and traditions is something that will live with me, my family and my company forever.”
Goldsmith Scott Olsen, who created the Black Rod and is from the province's capitol city of Regina, said, “We have done some pretty spectacular projects, but this is definitely the biggest.”
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