Rio Tinto just unveiled six super-rare “hero” diamonds from its 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, an annual presentation of the finest production from the famous Australian mine. The 2019 tender could be the last for Rio Tinto, as the mining company will shutter its flagship Argyle mine in 2020 after 37 years of operation.
The Argyle Enigma
, a 1.75-carat modified radiant-cut Fancy Red diamond, is the most noteworthy of the hero stones because it has the distinction of being one of only three fancy reds weighing more than 1.5 carats to be produced by the Argyle mine.
“Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine is the first and only ongoing source of rare pink diamonds in history,” said Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds chief executive Arnaud Soirat. “With the lifecycle of this extraordinary mine approaching its end, we have seen, and continue to see, unstoppable demand for these truly limited-edition diamonds and strong value appreciation.”
In addition to pink diamonds, the Argyle mine, in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia, is also known for producing red, purple and blue specimens.
The six hero diamonds are part of a larger tender collection titled “The Quest for the Absolute.” It includes 64 diamonds weighing a total of 56.28 carats.
Here’s a closeup look at the six hero diamonds…
• Lot 1: Argyle Enigma
, 1.75-carat modified radiant Fancy Red diamond;
• Lot 2: Argyle Amari
, 1.48-carat heart-shaped Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond;
• Lot 3: Argyle Elysian
, 1.20-carat modified cushion-shaped Fancy Vivid Pink diamond;
• Lot 4: Argyle Verity
, 1.37-carat oval-shaped Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond;
• Lot 5: Argyle Opus
, 2.01-carat round-shaped Fancy Intense Pink diamond;
• Lot 6: Argyle Avenoir
, 1.07-carat oval-shaped Fancy Red diamond.
These diamonds, each a natural treasure, are a testament to the enormous range and depth of offering from the Argyle ore body, nearly four decades from when production commenced, noted Soirat.
Soirat also paid tribute to “the bold and innovative spirit of employees, communities, customers, suppliers and all those who have contributed to one of the great diamond mines of the world.”
The 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is being showcased in Perth, Hong Kong and New York, with bids closing on October 9, 2019. Over the past 20 years, the value of Argyle pink diamonds sold at the tender have appreciated 500%, according to Rio Tinto.
Credits: Images courtesy of Rio Tinto.