Rio Tinto’s 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection of 62 rare pink, red,
blue and violet diamonds from its Argyle mine in Australia has delivered a
record result, reflecting their extraordinary rarity and unique provenance.
The 2020 collection continued its trajectory of double digit price growth and
a record number of participants with successful bidders from eight countries.
Whilst bids and values remain confidential, Lot Number 1, the 2.24 carat
Argyle Eternity™, the most valuable diamond in the collection and the most
valuable Fancy Vivid diamond in the Tender’s 37 year history, was sold to Hong
Kong fancy coloured diamond specialist, Kunming Diamonds. Kunming Diamonds was
also the successful bidder of other lots in the Tender.
Harsh Maheshwari, Director of Kunming Diamonds said “It is an extraordinary
opportunity and a privilege to be part of the history making Argyle diamond
mine. We are humbled to be the custodians of these iconic rare jewels and are
delighted to be part of their enduring legacy.”
Other record breaking diamonds from the 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender
included Lot Number 6, Argyle Infinite™, a 0.70 carat oval Fancy Dark
Violet-Gray diamond which will take its place in Argyle history as the most
valuable diamond in this colour category ever produced at the mine and
presented at the annual Tender.
Almost the entire world’s supply of rare pink, red and violet diamonds come
from Rio Tinto’s Argyle diamond mine which ceased production on 3 November,
2020, after 37 years of production. Shaped by the forces of supply and demand,
the value of Argyle pink diamonds sold at Tender has appreciated over 500 per
cent over the past two decades, outperforming all major equity markets.
Patrick Coppens, General Manager of sales and marketing for Rio Tinto’s
diamonds business said “We are delighted with the results of the 2020 Argyle
Pink Diamonds Tender, a testament to the unique Argyle ore body and its place
in the history of the world’s most famous diamonds.”
The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for the 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds
Tender, delaying the launch and reducing the number of face to face viewings
due to travel restrictions. To overcome this, live streaming and an exclusive
virtual portal allowed bidders from around the world see the display of the
dazzling gems, supported by technology to enable exacting colour calibration
and magnification of the diamonds.
Also included in the 2020 offering were 12 additional lots of carefully
curated and never to be repeated sets of miniature rare Argyle pink, red, blue
and violet diamonds, weighing 13.90 carats in total. Titled The Petite Suites,
the diamonds were meticulously collected over a five-year period, with each
highly-considered parcel designed to strike a harmonious balance between size,
shape, colour and clarity. Demand for The Petite Suites was competitive
particularly amongst luxury jewellers with a strong design sensibility. Famed
Australian jeweller, John Calleija who successfully bid on several lots of The
Petite Suites said “I am thrilled with my success at this year’s Tender and
the exciting design possibilities unleashed by these colourful and uniquely
Australian jewels.”
The 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender was the penultimate showcase with a final
Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender occurring in 2021, drawing upon the 2020
production from the now shuttered Argyle mine.
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