It is the largest Fancy Red Diamond to be part of Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, in its entire history. And now, this 2.11 carat polished radiant cut diamond, known as The Argyle Everglow™,  which will be “the dazzling centrepiece” of the  forthcoming 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, has been unveiled  at  a “world exclusive preview” in New York.

Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds chief executive Arnaud Soirat said “We are delighted to announce this historic diamond at our Tender preview, a testament to the unique Argyle ore-body that continues to produce the world’s rarest gems.”

Rio Tinto in its press note stressed: “Unprecedented in size, colour and clarity, The Argyle Everglow™ has been assessed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a notable diamond with a grade of Fancy Red VS2.”

In the 33 years since the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has been held, there have been less than 20 carats of Fancy Red certified diamonds sold, Rio Tinto said.

Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said:  “The Argyle Everglow™ represents rarity within rarity and will drive global demand from collectors and connoisseurs in search of the incomparable.”

The tender is an annual showcase of the rarest diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine.  The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is named ‘Custodians of Rare Beauty’, in honour of its “rich provenance and honourable pedigree”.

The tender includes a total of The 58 diamonds weighing 49.39 carats. Included in this are   four Fancy Red diamonds; four Purplish Red diamonds; two Violet diamonds; and one Blue diamond.

“The collection comprises five “hero” diamonds selected for their unique beauty and named to ensure there is a permanent record of their contribution to the history of the world’s most important diamonds,” Rio Tinto said. These are:

•          Lot 1: Argyle Everglow™, 2.11 carat radiant shaped Fancy Red diamond

•          Lot 2: Argyle Isla™, 1.14 carat radiant shaped Fancy Red diamond

•          Lot 3: Argyle Avaline™, 2.42 carat cushion shaped Fancy Purple-Pink diamond

•          Lot 4: Argyle Kalina™, 1.50 carat oval shaped Fancy Deep Pink diamond

•          Lot 5: Argyle Liberté™, 0.91 carat radiant shaped Fancy Deep Gray-Violet diamond

The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender will be showcased in New York, Hong Kong and Perth with bids closing on October 11, 2017.