12 August 2014
Rio Tinto’s iconic Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has been unveiled during a world exclusive preview in Sydney, with the 2014 collection boasting a record four rare Fancy Red diamonds.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the world’s most anticipated diamond sale, the 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection comprises 55 diamonds, including 51 pink and purplish red diamonds and four Fancy Red diamonds.
The 2014 Tender is expected to attract global demand with the inclusion of the best Argyle pink diamonds and the four rare Fancy Red diamonds – taking the total to just 13 Fancy Red diamonds to have been included in the annual Tender during the last 30 years.
The hero of the 2014 collection is a spectacular 1.21 carat radiant cut Fancy Red diamond named Argyle Cardinal™ after a small red northern American bird.
Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said “Decades ago, no one would have believed that Australia held the secret of diamonds, let alone virtually the world’s entire source of rare pink and red diamonds. The pinnacle of the production from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine, the annual pink tender diamonds are now celebrated internationally as amongst the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. We have seen and continue to see sustained demand and price growth for Argyle pink diamonds.”
Other diamonds headlining the 2014 collection – and in keeping with the theme of rare and beautiful birds from around the world – include the Argyle Rosette™, a 2.17 carat Fancy Intense Purple-Pink emerald cut diamond and the Argyle Toki™, a 1.59 carat Fancy Intense Purplish Pink emerald cut diamond.
Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said “We are delighted to present the 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender to the world and celebrate the beauty, rarity and extraordinary provenance of these diamonds. These are all one-of-a-kind gems that will take their place in the history of great collectible diamonds.”
Tender viewings will be held in Sydney, New York, Hong Kong and Perth with bids closing on 8 October 2014.
About Argyle Pink Diamonds
Pink diamonds, produced at Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia, are highly coveted as the world’s most sought after gems. The Argyle Diamond Mine produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds, which are sold in a broad range of colours and sizes to an international customer base.
The market for pink diamonds is quite separate to white diamonds, and due to their rarity, pink diamonds typically command prices far in excess of white diamonds.
The best diamonds are reserved for the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds business is located in Perth, Western Australia, alongside its cutting and polishing factory. Website: www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au
About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments. Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India. Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating mines is sold through its Diamonds Sales and Marketing office in Antwerp, Belgium with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council.
Contacts
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