Rio Tinto has concluded its third and final Beyond Rare™ Tender, titled The Art Series: Into the Light, marking the end of a remarkable four-decade legacy of sourcing the world’s rarest coloured diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia and the Diavik mine in Canada. The curated tender drew strong global demand from jewellers, collectors and connoisseurs across Europe, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and the Middle East.

The final collection comprised 52 lots weighing a total of 45.44 carats, including six ‘Masterpieces’ selected to represent the pinnacle of production from both mines. Among the highlights were Argyle’s last available pink, red and violet diamonds — coveted globally for their extraordinary rarity — alongside notable Diavik white diamonds.

The prestigious Lot 1, featuring a pair of Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink pear-shaped diamonds alongside a 5.11 carat Flawless D colour Emerald-cut Diavik diamond, was secured by Singapore-based Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon Partner™ Glajz THG in collaboration with luxury Scandinavian jeweller Hartmann’s.

Strong bidding was also recorded from Japan, a long-time centre of appreciation for Argyle coloured diamonds. Distinguished diamantaire Kashikey secured three key lots, including the only Fancy Red diamond in the final offering.

With Argyle mine operations closing in 2020 and Diavik set to end production in 2026, this final tender marks Rio Tinto’s complete transition out of diamond mining.

Patrick Coppens of Rio Tinto’s Diamonds business said the tender represents a fitting conclusion to a story that reshaped global appreciation for coloured diamonds. “The world remains captivated by the beauty, rarity and provenance of these diamonds, and the legacy of Argyle will continue to inspire for generations.”

Over 40 years, only around 2,500 carats of polished pink, red and blue Argyle diamonds were released globally — representing less than 0.0003% of the mine’s total output — cementing their status among the rarest gems on Earth.