Rio Tinto’s 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender delivers exceptional results

For its 30th anniversary collection, Rio Tinto had offered 54 rare pink and red diamonds from its Argyle diamond mine. The sale garnered the highest average price per carat since the Tender began in 1984, and overall exceptional results.

Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said “We are delighted with this result which reflects the global appeal and enduring value for these increasingly rare and iconic gems.” The Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has been a landmark event on the global diamonds calendar since its inception in Antwerp 1984. In its 30 year history the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has offered only 13 Fancy Red diamonds, with just three of these gems larger than one carat. Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said “Each of these rare diamonds is a miniature masterpiece and appreciation of their value and beauty continues to rise.”

Bids and total values remain confidential, yet overall prices for Argyle’s signature pink diamonds have more than tripled since the year 2000.

The 2014 tender attracted a record number of over 600 bids and internationally interest, with successful bids for the diamonds submitted from ten countries. The most valuable diamond in the 2014 collection is the Argyle Cardinal™, a 1.21 carat radiant cut Fancy Red diamond sold to one of Argyle’s exclusive retailers or Select Atelier™, Glenn Bakker Jewels for an undisclosed value. Buyer Glenn Bakker said “This red diamond is of exceptional rarity and as its custodian I am humbled to be a part of its incredible journey that spans more than 1.6 billion years. It gives me the rarest of opportunities to develop a creation that will dignify its place in Australian history.”