Rio Tinto's Pink And Red Diamond Tender Delivers 'Exceptional Results'

The Argyle Cardinal diamond.

(IDEX Online News) – Rio Tinto's 30th anniversary collection of 54 rare pink and red diamonds from its Argyle diamond mine delivered "exceptional results, achieving the highest average price per carat since the tender began in 1984," the firm said.

With a record number of more than 600 bids, the collection received successful bids for the rare diamonds from 10 countries.

While bids and total values remain confidential, the overall prices for Argyle's signature pink diamonds have more than tripled since the year 2000, Rio Tinto Diamonds said in a statement.   

The most valuable diamond in the 2014 collection is the Argyle Cardinal a spectacular 1.21-carat radiant cut Fancy Red diamond which was sold to one of Argyle's exclusive retailers, Glenn Bakker Jewels, for an undisclosed sum.

In its 30 year history the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has offered only 13 Fancy Red diamonds, with only three being larger than one carat. 

Rio Tinto Diamonds Managing Director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said: "We are delighted with this result which reflects the global appeal and enduring value for these increasingly rare and iconic gems."