Indian jewellers visit Argyle Diamond Mine

The association between Rio Tinto and India’s gem and jewellery industry further continued with 20 of India’s leading independent jewellers making a first visit to the Argyle Diamond Mine in the remote east Kimberley region of Western Australia. The delegation led by Vikram Merchant, Manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds’ Mumbai office includes jewellers from northern and eastern India. This will be their opportunity to see at first hand the scale and investment in the Argyle underground mine.

India has been a key centre for manufacturing Argyle diamonds. Also, jewellery comprising Argyle diamonds are sold in 150 of the largest independent retail jewellery stores in India. % % Shane Johnson, Managing director of the Argyle Diamond Mine said, “India is the powerhouse of the global diamond industry and an important consumer market for Argyle diamonds. Rio Tinto is delighted to welcome these companies who are developing the Indian market for Argyle diamonds in new and exciting ways.”

Rio Tinto launches its consumer advertising campaign for Argyle diamonds in India titled “Nazraana” tapping into the gifting rituals with affordable diamond jewellery.

Vikram Merchant added, “The relationship between Argyle and the Indian diamond industry is very special and was forged 25 years ago when Argyle looked to India’s developing expertise in diamond cutting, the main vehicle for understanding the profitability of the unique Argyle production.

Also, Rio Tinto’s developing Bunder diamond project in Madhya Pradesh is a further indicative of the strength of this enduring relationship.