Perth: Rio Tinto has brought its celebrated Beyond Rare Tender series to a close, presenting 52 lots of exceptional fancy colour diamonds sourced from its Australian and Canadian mines.
Titled “Into The Light,” the event was the third and final edition in Rio Tinto’s annual Art Series. With the Argyle Diamond Mine having ceased operations in 2020 and the Diavik Mine in Canada set to conclude production by 2026, this tender represented a rare and historic opportunity for collectors to acquire some of the last diamonds from these iconic sites.
The 45.44-carat collection comprised six masterpieces, seven curated sets, and 39 individual stones. Exhibited in Hong Kong, Australia, and Antwerp, the tender closed for bids on 20 October 2025.
Global competition was fierce. Fancy colour diamond specialist Leibish & Co. secured 21 of the 52 lots, including fancy red, violet, and pink diamonds, as well as select stones from Diavik’s legacy inventory.
“To secure such a significant portion of this historic tender is a tremendous honour and a reflection of our commitment to excellence,” said Leibish Polnauer, President of Leibish & Co. “These Argyle pinks and rare coloured diamonds are among the most difficult to source in the world, and their scarcity ensures lasting investment value.”
Lot One was acquired by Argyle Icon Partner John Glajz in partnership with Hartmann’s of Copenhagen, continuing their creative collaboration following last year’s Violet Ice project. Their new piece, Pink Ice, unites a 5-carat, D-colour, Flawless Type IIa diamond from Diavik with the final matching Argyle pink pear shapes.
“Pairing a pristine Diavik diamond from beneath the Arctic chill with radiant pink gems born in the Australian outback tells a powerful story of legacy and rarity,” said Glajz. “With Argyle closed and Diavik nearing its end, Pink Ice is both a tribute and a timeless symbol of Rio Tinto’s legacy.”
The conclusion of Beyond Rare marks the end of an era in Rio Tinto’s fancy colour diamond history. Collectors and experts alike expect demand for these natural treasures to remain strong, reflecting their enduring beauty and scarcity.
