Perth: Rio Tinto’s iconic Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has been unveiled during a world exclusive preview in Sydney, with the 2014 collection boasting a record four rare Fancy Red diamonds.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the world’s most anticipated diamond sale, the 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection comprises 55 diamonds, including 51 pink and purplish red diamonds and four Fancy Red diamonds.
The 2014 Tender is expected to attract global demand with the inclusion of the best Argyle pink diamonds and the four rare Fancy Red diamonds – taking the total to just 13 Fancy Red diamonds to have been included in the annual Tender during the last 30 years.
The hero of the 2014 collection is a spectacular 1.21 carat radiant cut Fancy Red diamond named Argyle Cardinal™ after a small red northern American bird.
Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said “Decades ago, no one would have believed that Australia held the secret of diamonds, let alone virtually the world’s entire source of rare pink and red diamonds. The pinnacle of the production from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine, the annual pink tender diamonds are now celebrated internationally as amongst the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. We have seen and continue to see sustained demand and price growth for Argyle pink diamonds.”
Other diamonds headlining the 2014 collection – and in keeping with the theme of rare and beautiful birds from around the world – include the Argyle Rosette™, a 2.17 carat Fancy Intense Purple-Pink emerald cut diamond and the Argyle Toki™, a 1.59 carat Fancy Intense Purplish Pink emerald cut diamond.
Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said “We are delighted to present the 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender to the world and celebrate the beauty, rarity and extraordinary provenance of these diamonds. These are all one-of-a-kind gems that will take their place in the history of great collectible diamonds.”
Tender viewings will be held in Sydney, New York, Hong Kong and Perth with bids closing on 8 October 2014.
