Rio Tinto unveiled a preview of its spectacular 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender against the backdrop of an exclusive diamond jewellery exhibition with premier Danish luxury jeweller Hartmann’s in Copenhagen.

The 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender includes 63 pink, red and violet diamonds and represents the finest of a year’s production from Rio Tinto’s Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia.

The 2016 Tender, named the “Chroma Collection” because of its potency of colour, comprises 57 pink diamonds, two violet diamonds and four red diamonds and weighs a total of 58.24 carats.

The Argyle Violet, a 2.83 oval shaped violet diamond, is the dazzling centrepiece of the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. It is the largest violet diamond ever recovered from the Argyle mine, and extremely rare – with just 12 carats of polished diamonds coming from the Argyle mine and included in the iconic Tender over 32 years.

Besides, there are four other ‘hero’ diamonds being presented:

• Argyle Ultra™, 1.11 carat pear shaped violet diamond

• Argyle Viva™, 1.21 carat pear shaped Vivid purple-pink diamond

• Argyle Thea™, 2.24 carat radiant cut Vivid purplish pink diamond

• Argyle Aria™, 1.09 carat oval shaped Fancy Red diamond

All the diamonds in the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender have been recovered from the Argyle underground mine, which became fully operational in 2015.

Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals chief executive Alan Davies said, “The Chroma Collection is one of the finest we have ever seen across all rarity factors with an unprecedented spectrum of colour, size and clarity. We are already seeing strong global interest from established and emerging markets.”

Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Simon Trott said “This year’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is extraordinary and is testament to the unique Argyle orebody that continues to produce the world’s rarest gems.”

Following the Copenhagen exclusive preview, the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender will be showcased during invitation-only viewings in Hong Kong, New York and Perth and bids will close on 12 October 2016.

Diamond Jewellery Exhibition

The two-day exhibition, being held at the Moltkes Palace in Copenhagen, displays jewellery worth over US$20 million and comprises a number of signature pieces of Argyle pink diamond jewellery including The Copenhagen Pink, an exceptional ring with a 1.41 carat pear shaped Fancy Vivid pink diamond from the iconic Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. Also included in the jewellery exhibition is The Argyle Blossom, a floral masterpiece that pays homage to past Argyle Pink Diamond Tenders incorporating five pink diamonds and one violet diamond totalling 3.55 carats.

Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said “We are delighted to partner with Hartmann’s whose exquisite craftsmanship, careful custodianship and passion for Argyle pink diamonds is second to none. Peerless pink diamonds from Western Australia have found their way into the finest of bespoke Scandinavian jewellery.”

The Scandinavian market for Argyle pink diamonds has grown substantially over the past decade with a strong appreciation of the rarity, beauty and extraordinary colour palate of Australia’s most beautiful export.

The owner of Hartmann’s jewellery Ulrik Hartmann - who is also a Select Atelier of Argyle Pink Diamonds - said “Argyle pink diamonds are ethically mined and crafted with an unbroken chain of custody from a remote corner of Australia and are a source of fascination for European markets. We have seen and continue to see, strong demand for these truly rare gems.”

Pic caption: The Argyle Violet
Courtesy Rio Tinto