Rio Tinto’s 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender scores record results

1025

Rio Tinto has announced that its 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection of 62 rare pink, red, blue and violet diamonds from its Argyle mine in Australia has delivered a record result, continuing its trajectory of double-digit price growth and a record number of participants with successful bidders from eight countries.

Harsh Maheshwari, Director of Kunming Diamonds said the record result reflected the extraordinary rarity and unique provenance on each diamond in the collection.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity and a privilege to be part of the history making Argyle diamond mine,” he continued.

“We are humbled to be the custodians of these iconic rare jewels and are delighted to be part of their enduring legacy.”

Adertisement

Whilst bids and values remain confidential, Lot Number 1, the 2.24 carat Argyle Eternity, the most valuable diamond in the collection and the most valuable Fancy Vivid diamond in the Tender’s 37 year history, was sold to Hong Kong fancy coloured diamond specialist, Kunming Diamonds.

Other record-breaking diamonds from the 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender included Lot Number 6, Argyle Infinite™, a 0.70 carat oval Fancy Dark Violet-Gray diamond which will take its place in Argyle history as the most valuable diamond in this colour category ever produced at the mine and presented at the annual Tender.

The 2020 offering also included 12 additional lots of carefully curated and never to be repeated sets of miniature rare Argyle pink, red, blue and violet diamonds, weighing 13.90 carats in total.

The 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender was the penultimate showcase with a final Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender occurring in 2021, drawing upon the 2020 production from the now shuttered Argyle mine, which ceased production on 3 November 2020, after 37 years in operation.

Image credit: https://www.riotinto.com/