Rio Tinto unveiled a preview of its final showcase of rare Argyle pink, red and blue diamonds from its iconic mine. As mining ceased at Argyle on 3 November 2020, the 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender showcases the final collection from the last year of Argyle operations, with viewings set to take place in Perth, Sydney, Singapore and Antwerp over the course of the next three months.
“A historic collection of extraordinary diamonds and a testament to the amazing Argyle ore body and the men and women who have worked so hard to bring these diamonds to market”, says Sinead Kaufman, Chief executive of Rio Tinto.
The tender is titled The Journey Beyond, comprises 70 diamonds weighing 81.63 carats and has a record number of diamonds larger than one carat. It’s headlined with Lot Number 1, Argyle EclipseTM, a 3.47 carat diamond that is the largest Fancy Intense Pink diamond ever offered at the Tender.
For the past 38 years, the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is an annual invitation-only event, widely considered to be the most anticipated diamond sale in the world, showcasing the pinnacle of Argyle’s production to an exclusive group of invitees, making this last one historic.
“The Argyle pink diamond story has continued to enthrall throughout the years following the remarkable discovery of the Argyle mine in 1979. The final Tender collection of these beyond rare diamonds will be keenly sought after as heritage gemstones of the future, coveted by collectors and connoisseurs from around the world”, commented Patrick Coppens, General manager of Sales and Marketing at Rio Tinto.
The 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender will be showcased in Perth, Antwerp, Singapore and Sydney, subject to COVID-19 protocols. Bids close on September 1, 2021.
DIAMONDSTENDER ( Vitor Rita Diamond Trader -11341 ) 