Rio Tinto Launches Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender 2012

(IDEX Online News) – With 56 pink diamonds, including two red stones, and an additional 19 blue diamonds, this year’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender offers buyers a chance to buy increasingly rare colored diamonds.

The tender will be previewed in Perth, London and Hong Kong during September and October. Bids will close on October 15.

Highlights of this year’s sale – “hero stones” include the Argyle Siren, a 1.32 carat square radiant cut Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond and the Argyle Satine, a 1.02 carat cushion cut Fancy Intense Purplish Pink diamond.

Notable diamonds from the “Once in a Blue Moon” blue diamond collection include the Argyle Allure, a 0.33 carat heart shaped diamond and the similar sized oval and pear shaped blue and violet diamonds, Argyle Elektra and Argyle Heloise.

“We are delighted to offer a highly sought after collection of rare pink, red and blue diamonds, which are destined for investment portfolios or heirloom pieces of jewelry,” said Josephine Johnson, manager of Argyle Pink Diamonds.

“Excitement around this year’s Tender collection is understandable as Argyle pink diamonds are a diminishing natural treasure distinguished by their uniqueness, their limited availability, their exceptional craftsmanship, their rich provenance and their natural beauty,” said Jean-Marc Lieberherr, Rio Tinto Diamonds chief commercial officer.

The Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia produces virtually the world’s entire supply (+90 percent) of rare pink diamonds, as well as sporadically producing blue diamonds.