09 September 2013
The world’s most exclusive diamond sale, the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, has debuted in Hong Kong, with 64 of the world’s rarest pink, blue and red diamonds.
For the first time in the 30-year history of the Argyle Diamond Mine, Rio Tinto will be showcasing three Fancy Red diamonds at its annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. The three red diamonds will headline the Hong Kong viewings and represent the pinnacle of value and ultimate rarity in the diamond industry.
The hero of the collection is a 1.56 carat round gem, Argyle Phoenix™, named in honour of the newly commissioned Argyle underground mine.
According to Josephine Johnson, Manager, Argyle Pink Diamonds
“The Argyle Phoenix™ is an exquisite diamond, worthy of the Gemmological Institute of America’s highest grading. Its transformation from a 1.6 billion year old rough diamond into a jewel for the 21st century is truly extraordinary.”
The Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender comprises the best of a year’s production from the Argyle mine in Western Australia. This year’s collection is notable for its unique combination of colours and sizes.
In addition to the three Fancy Red diamonds there are three blue diamonds and 58 pink diamonds in a wide range of shades and hues. For the first time in eight years there is a diamond greater than three carats – the 3.02 carat Radiant, Fancy Intense Orangy Pink diamond, named Argyle Imperial™. Equally unusual is the 0.71 carat blue heart-shaped diamond, Argyle Celestial™, which is expected to be sold with a matching heart-shaped fancy pink diamond from the collection.
Excitement around this year’s Tender collection is understandable as Argyle pink diamonds are a diminishing natural treasure distinguished by their uniqueness, their limited availability, their exceptional craftsmanship, their rich provenance and their natural beauty.
According to Josephine Johnson,
“This year is one of the finest Tenders we have seen with an extraordinary array of individual and special diamonds. Global interest has been intense and Hong Kong provides the final opportunity for investors, collectors and diamond connoisseurs to attend.”
Bids for the 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender close on October 2nd.
About Argyle Pink Diamonds
Pink diamonds, produced at Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia, are highly coveted as the world’s most sought after gems. The Argyle Diamond Mine produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds, which are sold in a broad range of colours and sizes to an international customer base.
Pink diamonds’ value is directly related to their rarity. The market for pink diamonds is quite separate to white diamonds, and due to their rarity, pink diamonds typically command prices far in excess of white diamonds.
The best diamonds are reserved for the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds business is located in Perth, Western Australia, alongside its cutting and polishing factory. Website: www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au
A summary of the heroes of the 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender
Argyle Phoenix™ 1.56 CARAT, ROUND BRILLIANT, Fancy Red, I2
Argyle Seraphina™ 2.02 CARAT, PRINCESS, Fancy Intense Purple-Pink, SI2
Argyle Imperial™ 3.02 CARAT, RADIANT, Fancy Intense Orangy Pink, SI1
Argyle Aurelia™ 1.18 CARAT, OVAL, Fancy Intense Purplish Pink, SI2
Argyle Dauphine™ 2.51 CARAT, RADIANT, Fancy Deep Pink, SI2
Argyle Celestial ™ 0.71 CARAT, HEART, Fancy Dark Gray-Blue, VS1