Toronto-based Harry Winston Diamond Corporation lifted second-quarter net earnings to $49,9-million, from $20,1-million a year earlier, the firm reported on Tuesday.

The high-end jewellery retailer, which also owns 40% of the Diavik diamond mine, in Canada's Northwest Territories, increased sales to $186,1-million for the three months ended July 31, compared with $173,3-million in the same period last year.

Earnings also benefited from a $5,3-million foreign exchange gain during the quarter, compared with a net forex loss of $11,8-million a year earlier.

"The international cachet of the Harry Winston brand has proven its strength despite difficult trading conditions in both the US and Japanese markets,” said chairperson and CEO Robert Gannicott.

Harry Winston, formerly known as Aber Diamonds, bought high-end jewellery retailer Harry Winston in 2006.

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