2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender preview unfolds in Copenhagen

Rio Tinto’s 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender with 63 pink, red and violet diamonds was launched during a world exclusive preview in Copenhagen against the backdrop of a rare Argyle pink diamond jewellery exhibition.

The exhibition hosted by Denmark’s premier luxury jeweller Hartmann’s consisted of rare pink diamond jewellery and was in recognition of the importance of Denmark in the story of Australia’s most valuable gems. The exhibition was at the Moltkes Palace in Copenhagen.

The 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is named “Chroma Collection” because of its potency of colour, comprises 57 pink diamonds, two violet diamonds and four red diamonds and weighs a total of 58.24 carats.

Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals chief executive Alan Davies said “The 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is an exceptional offering to the world’s most astute diamond collectors. The Chroma Collection is one of the finest we have ever seen across all rarity factors with an unprecedented spectrum of colour, size and clarity. We are already seeing strong global interest from established and emerging markets.”

The Argyle Violet, a 2.83 oval shaped violet diamond, is the highlight of the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. It is the largest violet diamond ever recovered from the Argyle mine – the only source of hydrogen-rich violet diamonds in the world.

All the diamonds in the Tender have been recovered from the Argyle underground mine, which became fully operational in 2015.

Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Simon Trott said “This year’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is extraordinary and is testament to the unique Argyle orebody that continues to produce the world’s rarest gems.”

The collection comprises five “hero” diamonds selected for their unique beauty and named to ensure there is a permanent record of their contribution to the history of the world’s most important diamonds. These include - the Argyle Violet™, 2.83 carat oval shaped violet diamond , the Argyle Ultra™, 1.11 carat pear shaped violet diamond, the Argyle Viva™, 1.21 carat pear shaped Vivid purple-pink diamond, the Argyle Thea™, 2.24 carat radiant cut Vivid purplish pink diamond and the Argyle Aria™, 1.09 carat oval shaped Fancy Red diamond.

Following the Copenhagen exclusive preview, the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender will be showcased during invitation-only viewings in Hong Kong, New York and Perth and bids will close on 12 October 2016.