Rio Tinto’s 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender delivers a dazzling set of results
December 17 2020 - 5:04PM
Business Wire
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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Communications Manager, Rio Tinto Diamonds Robyn Ellison
M +61 417 968 359 E Robyn.Ellison@riotinto.com Media Relations,
United Kingdom Illtud Harri M +44 7920 503 600 David Outhwaite
T +44 20 7781 1623 M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations,
Americas Matthew Klar T +1 514 608 4429 Media Relations,
Asia Grant Donald T +65 6679 9290 M +65 9722 6028 Media
Relations, Australia Jonathan Rose T +61 3 9283 3088 M +61 447
028 913 Matt Chambers T +61 3 9283 3087 M +61 433 525 739 Jesse
Riseborough T +61 8 6211 6013 M +61 436 653 412 Rio Tinto
plc 6 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20
7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Limited
Level 7, 360 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283
3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404
Category:Argyle
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