Rio Tinto’s record-breaking tender for Argyle Pink Diamonds

Share
Rio Tinto has experienced a record-breaking tender for its 2021 Argyl Pink Diamonds collection following face-to-face and virtual viewings

The 2021 Argyle Pink Diamond’s are a collection of rare pink and red diamonds that were mined from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in Australia. Before its closure, the mine came across 70 of the rare gems, titled The Journey Beyond, which was mined in November 2020—the final year of operations at the site. 

Argyle's legacy in rare diamonds

Following a series of diamond viewings, both virtually and face-to-face, the collection received record-breaking results, as 19 viewers from nine different countries committed their bids to the rare items. Two of the bids came from Calleija, Australian jeweller and Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Atelier, as it successfully claimed lot number one—a 3.47 carat Argyle pink diamond named Argle Eclipse—and number five, which is the Argyle Bohème, a 1.01 Carat Fancy Red diamond. 

Jeweller John Calleija says, ‘It is an extraordinary opportunity and a privilege to be part of this historic collection. We are humbled to be the custodians of these uniquely Australian jewels and are delighted to be part of their enduring legacy’.

The other three hero diamonds of the collection were won by previous Argyle Pink bidders in the US, who claimed the Argyle Stella, Argyle Solaris and the Argyle Lumiere.

‘We are delighted with these results that are a reflection of the beauty, rarity and unique provenance of Argyle pink diamonds. They are also a testament to all those involved in taking these gems from a mine in remote Western Australia to the world’, says Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Minerals.

‘We are extremely proud of the Argyle Pink Diamonds business and its legacy will continue as we retain and manage the brand through a proprietary Argyle pink diamonds trading platform, certification processes and creative collaborations with our trusted partners’.

The Rio Tinto diamond business supplies almost all of the world’s rare pink, red and violet diamonds and is the primary owner and operator of the Diavik diamond mine in Northwest Canada.

 

For more mining insights, check out the latest issue of Mining Global Magazine. 
images

Share

Featured Articles

Intel Ridding its Supply Chain of Conflict Minerals

Intel first began to work towards responsibly sourced conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries about 12 years

IEF on 'Paradox' of Mining's Role in Quest for Clean Energy

International Energy Forum says mining is the 'paradox' at heart of quest for clean energy but recognises the industry is addressing sustainability issues

ABB Reduces its Industrial e-Waste Impact

Leading global engineering company ABB – with strong mining presence – cuts industrial e-waste by promoting reuse and recycling in a push for circularity

Mining Automation Drives Efficiency and Safety Gains

Digital Mining

New Schneider SBS Energy Solution for Mining Sector

Smart Mining

Mining Conflicts Hit Communities As Battery Demand Soars

Sustainability