Pretty in pink
RIO Tinto has unveiled its annual showcase of the world’s rarest pink and red diamonds in an exclusive preview at the Argyle mine site in the east Kimberley region of WA.
The 64-diamond collection, including three Fancy Red diamonds and weighing 56.28 carats in total, make up the 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.
Rio Tinto Copper and Diamonds chief executive Arnaud Soirat said the diamonds, each “a natural treasure”, were a testament to the enormous range and depth of offering from the Argyle ore body, nearly four decades from when production commenced.
“Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine is the first and only ongoing source of rare pink diamonds in history,” he said.
“With the life cycle 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.”
Mr Soirat also paid tribute to “the bold and innovative spirit of employees, communities, customers and suppliers and all those who have contributed to one of the great diamond mines of the world”.
The 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection, titled “The Quest for the Absolute” comprises 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
The 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is being showcased in Perth, Hong Kong and New York, with bids closing on October 9, 2019.