Rio Tinto’s historic 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds™ Tender delivers record breaking results
October 27 2021 - 5:30PM
Business Wire
Rio Tinto’s 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds™ Tender collection of 70
rare pink and red diamonds from its Argyle mine in Australia has
delivered the most significant set of record breaking results in
its 38-year history.
The 2021 collection, titled The Journey Beyond™, is a historical
collection comprising the pinnacle of the Argyle production, mined
in its final year of operations, before closing in November
2020.
The 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds™ Tender delivered record breaking
price performance across individual diamonds and for the overall
collection. The diamonds were fiercely contested around the world
in a series of virtual and face to face viewings.
Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Minerals said “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.”
The 2021 collection continued its trajectory of double digit
price growth with 19 successful bidders from nine countries. Lot
Number 1, Argyle Eclipse™, a 3.47 carat, radiant shaped Fancy
Intense Pink diamond was won by famed Australian jeweller and
Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Atelier™, Calleija. Calleija was also
the successful bidder for Lot Number 5, Argyle Bohème ™ a 1.01
Carat, radiant shaped Fancy Red diamond. With COVID-19 restrictions
in place in Australia Calleija bid exclusively based on a virtual
viewing of the collection.
Jeweller John Calleija said “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 from the 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds
collection were won by long standing bidders, with Lot Number 2,
Argyle Stella™ and Lot Number 4, Argyle Solaris™ going to Singapore
and Lot Number 3, Argyle Lumiere™ to the US.
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. With 37 years of Argyle pink
diamond production in global markets Rio Tinto made the decision to
retain the Argyle Pink Diamonds™ brand and maintain its position as
a pre-eminent fancy coloured diamond specialist.
Sinead Kaufman said “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.”
In addition to owning the Argyle Pink Diamonds™ brand Rio Tinto
is the majority owner and operator of the Diavik diamond mine in
the Northwest Territories of Canada and has signed an exploration
joint venture agreement with Endiama, the national diamond mining
company of Angola, to evaluate the Chiri kimberlite in the Lunda
Sul Province of Angola.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211027005509/en/
Please direct all enquiries to
media.enquiries@riotinto.com
Communications Manager, Rio Tinto Diamonds
Robyn Ellison M + 61 417 968 359 E
robyn.ellison@riotinto.com
Media Relations, UK
Illtud Harri M +44 7920 503 600
David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493
Media Relations, Australia
Jonathan Rose M +61 447 028 913
Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739
Jesse Riseborough M +61 436 653 412
Media Relations, Americas
Matthew Klar T +1 514 608 4429
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
riotinto.com
Category: Argyle
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