Records achieved at Rio Tinto's 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender

Rio Tinto’s 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender known as the Red Edition for it offered three Fancy Red diamonds, created records for the most valuable diamonds ever sold from the Argyle Diamond Mine.

The Argyle Phoenix™, a 1.56 carat Fancy Red diamond, achieved the highest per carat price for a diamond ever produced from the Argyle mine. Argyle Dauphine™, a 2.51 carat Fancy Deep Pink diamond, broke the record for the highest price paid for an Argyle diamond in overall value terms. This was also a world record for a Fancy Deep Pink diamond.

The tender offered a total of 64 pink, red and blue diamonds, ranging in size from 0.20 carats to 3.02 carats, and achieved a 100 percent sale. Many of the 64 diamonds sold above pre-Tender estimates, reflecting increasing demand form the world’s top jewellers, designers, collectors and connoisseurs. Both established and emerging markets were well represented in the winning bids. There were a record number of bids over US$1 million and bids broke through the US$2 million ceiling for a single stone.

Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said “We are delighted with the results for the 2013 Tender collection which are a reflection of their rarity, provenance and global reach. The Argyle ore-body is extraordinary and after 30 years of production it continues to produce the world’s most coveted diamonds.” The Argyle underground mine, which produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s rare pink diamonds, was commissioned in April 2013 and extends the life of the mine until at least 2020.