4 September 2013
Rio Tinto has collaborated with talented local and international jewellery designers in an exciting new market development in China.
The design collaboration is the next stage in Rio Tinto’s strategic decision to develop the diamond fashion jewellery market in China, creating opportunities for diamond purchasing beyond the solitaire engagement ring.
Inspired by Rio Tinto’s Argyle diamonds, five designers – Fei Liu, Huang Chao Yan, Aya Kamimura, Wen Wei Tong and Zhong Hua – were invited to create jewellery collections for the Chinese market.
Leading designer Fei Liu who has won international acclaim for his bespoke jewellery, commented on his collaboration with Rio Tinto,
“My work with diamond fashion jewellery is an adventure, an exciting journey. Not only does it change my understanding of diamonds, more importantly, it allows more people to experience my designs.”
Incorporating design insights from market research and industry trends, the result is 13 fashionable and accessible collections in tune with Chinese consumer’s needs.
According to Rita Maltez, Manager of Rio Tinto’s Greater China Representative Office, “This initiative brings to life the innovative design talent that is so important as the Chinese market for diamond jewellery continues to develop.
“The collections are stunning examples of what can be achieved when creative talents come together with a shared vision – in this case the vision to redefine jewellery for women across Greater China.”
Initial test marketing of the collections has been very positive and the 13 collections will feature in Rio Tinto’s inaugural The Fashion of Diamonds publication which will be launched with the collections in Shanghai in November.
About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto has been in the diamonds industry for more than 30 years and operates a fully integrated diamond exploration, mining and sales and marketing business. Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Africa and 100% interest in an advanced diamond project in India. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to be present in all established and emerging markets and across all product segments.
Rio Tinto’s diamonds are sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in New York, Mumbai and Hong Kong and a stand- alone pink diamond business in Perth, Western Australia.
The production from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine is characterised by smaller, affordable diamonds ideally suited to creating fashion jewellery – affordable, daily wear diamond jewellery.
Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices.
Website: www.riotintodiamonds.com
About Rio Tinto Diamonds in China
Rio Tinto Diamonds has a long history of being “first movers” in establishing new markets and new categories of diamonds. Rio Tinto Diamonds objective is to channel a larger share of its diamond production to China by being present on the ground and investing in market development initiatives in partnership with customers and key players at all stages of the diamond jewellery value chain.
Rio Tinto Diamonds has forged a strategic partnership with China’s premier diamond jewellery retailer, Chow Tai Fook focused on developing the diamond fashion jewellery market in Greater China.