Fans of beautiful pink diamonds should take notice because Rio Tinto has unveiled the largest vivid pink diamond ever discovered at its Argyle Mine as part of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender 2018.
During an exclusive preview of the tender in Sydney, Australia, guests were invited to ogle at The Argyle Alpha – a 3.14 carat polished emerald-cut diamond. It is one of a dazzling line-up of 63 rare pink, red and violet diamonds that form the entire Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, which will now tour Hong Kong and New York to secure bids ahead of the October deadline.
The Argyle Alpha is the largest vivid pink diamond presented by Rio Tinto since the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender began in 1984.
The Argyle Muse (left) and the Argyle Alpha. Image Credit: Rio Tinto.
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Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said: “Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine is the world’s only source of these highly coveted pink, red and violet diamonds and we expect considerable interest in this year’s collection. The combination of strong demand and extremely limited world supply continues to support significant value appreciation for Argyle pink diamonds.”
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The 2018 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, also known as ‘Magnificent Argyle’, presents 63 diamonds with a total weight of 51.48 carats – including five fancy red diamonds, two purplish red diamonds and three violet diamonds.
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The 2.28 carat oval-shaped Argyle Muse – the largest purplish red diamond ever to be offered at tender – originates from a 7.39 carat rough diamond that also yielded a second purplish red diamond, which will also be offered for sale.
The Argyle Muse. Image Credit: Rio Tinto.
The six ‘hero’ diamonds in this year’s tender (pictured above) will certainly have to be seen to be believed. A list can be seen below:
Lot 1: Argyle Muse, 2.28 carat oval shaped fancy purplish red diamond
Lot 2: Argyle Alpha, 3.14 carat emerald shaped fancy vivid purplish pink diamond
Lot 3: Argyle Maestro, 1.29 carat square radiant shaped fancy vivid purplish pink diamond
Lot 4: Argyle Alchemy, 1.57 carat princess shaped fancy dark gray-violet diamond
The Argyle Alchemy. Image Credit: Rio Tinto.
Lot 5: Argyle Odyssey, 2.08 carat round brilliant shaped fancy intense pink diamond
Lot 6: Argyle Mira, 1.12 carat radiant shaped fancy red diamond
Although all bids are entirely private, it is safe to expect that some of the world’s most iconic jewellery houses and collectors will be jostling to take a look… especially as the Argyle Mine in Kimberley, Western Australia, is expected to be depleted by 2020.
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Cover image: Highlights from the 2018 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender – named ‘Magnificent Argyle’ in honour of Argyle’s role in charting the history of the world’s most coveted diamonds. Credit: Rio Tinto.
