Rio Tinto has unveiled its annual showcase of the world’s rarest pink and red diamonds at its Argyle mine site in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The 64-diamond collection, including three Fancy Red diamonds and weighing 56.28 carats in total, make up the 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.
Rio Tinto Copper and Diamonds chief executive Arnaud Soirat said he was delighted to be at the Argyle mine site for the preview.
“These diamonds, each a natural treasure, are a testament to the enormous range and depth of offering from the Argyle ore body, nearly four decades from when production commenced,” he said.
The mine is the first and only ongoing source of rare pink diamonds in history, however, as the mine approaches the end of its tenure, demand has skyrocketed for the limited-edition diamonds.
Soirat also paid tribute to “the bold and innovative spirit of employees, communities, customers and suppliers and all those who have contributed to one of the great diamond mines of the world.”
The 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection, titled “The Quest for the Absolute” comprises six hero diamonds:
Lot 1: Argyle Enigma,1.75 carat modified radiant Fancy Red diamond
Lot 2: Argyle Amari, 1.48 carat heart shaped Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond
Lot 3: Argyle Elysian, 1.20 carat modified cushion shaped Fancy Vivid Pink diamond Lot 4: Argyle VerityTM,1.37 carat oval shaped Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond
Lot 5: Argyle Opus, 2.01 carat round shaped Fancy Intense Pink diamond
Lot 6: Argyle Avenoir, 1.07 carat oval shaped Fancy Red diamond
The 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is being showcased in Perth, Hong Kong and New York, with bids closing on October 9 2019.
