Rio Tinto launches its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender

Rio Tinto launched its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, which it notes would attract global demand. The tender was launched at a world exclusive preview at the Sydney Opera House.

The Tender has been named the “Connoisseur’s Collection” and features some of the most vivid pink and red diamonds ever unearthed from the Argyle mine. There are 65 diamonds weighing a total of 44.14 carats, including four Fancy Red diamonds. Five “hero” diamonds in the collection were 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.

Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said “Every Argyle pink diamond in the collection is around 1.6 billion years old, coveted for their unsurpassed beauty and a credit to the craftsmanship and pursuit of excellence by all those involved in bringing them to market.”

Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals chief executive Alan Davies said “This collection is one of the most beautiful in the history of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. The unique combination of colour, shape and clarity of these diamonds will ensure it is a very special collection. The Argyle Diamond Mine has changed the course of the history of pink diamonds and this year’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is testament to this extraordinary mine that continues to produce the world’s most sought after gems.”

The names of some of the best diamonds in the Tender have been inspired by the world of ballet in recognition of Argyle Pink Diamonds partnership with The Australian Ballet. These are:

- Argyle Prima™ - a 1.20 carat Fancy Red pear shaped diamond coveted for its unique combination of size, shape, colour and clarity which is rarely seen in the rarefied fancy coloured diamond world

- Argyle Aurora™ - a 1.47 carat Fancy Red oval shaped diamond, named in honour of Princess Aurora from The Sleeping Beauty

- Argyle Allegro™ - a 0.79 carat Fancy Red radiant shaped diamond, named after the brisk and lively ballet movement and reminiscent of the red colour dancing within this diamond

- Argyle Spectre™ - a 1.93 carat Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink shield shaped diamond. The vibrant pink colour and strong shape of this diamond is inspired by the ballet Le Spectre de la rose

- Argyle Élevé™ - 1.44 carat Fancy Intense Pink emerald shaped diamond, inspired by the ballet movement of rising high without bending and reflecting of the perfect long lines and elegance of the emerald shape

The 2015 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender viewings are slated in Sydney, Hong Kong, New York and Perth and bids will close on 21 October 2015.