2020 Argyle Tender diamonds revealed

Described as “one of the final collections” of Argyle Mine stones ahead of its closure at the end of 2020, this year’s Tender comprises 62 loose diamonds, weighing a total of 57.23 carats.

“We have seen, and continue to see, strong demand for these highly coveted diamonds, which together with extremely limited global supply, supports the significant value appreciation for Argyle pink diamonds.”

Arnaud Soirat, Rio Tinto

In addition, 12 sets of small pink, red, blue and violet diamonds, collected over the past five years, will also be offered. Referred to as ‘Petite Suites’, the diamonds weigh 13.90 carats in total.

Of the loose stones, this year’s Tender features six named ‘hero’ diamonds including the Argyle Eternity – the largest fancy vivid round brilliant diamond ever offered at the Tender. Weighing 2.24 carats, the Argyle Eternity is vivid purplish pink.

Arnaud Soirat, chief executive Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds, said, “Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine is the first and only ongoing source of rare pink, red and violet diamonds in the world. We have seen, and continue to see, strong demand for these highly coveted diamonds, which together with extremely limited global supply, supports the significant value appreciation for Argyle pink diamonds.”

Commenting on the One Lifetime, One Encounter collection, Steve Der Bedrossian, CEO SAMS Group – which specialises in Argyle diamonds – said, "The Argyle Tender is always remarkable and the mine keeps giving us extraordinary diamonds. This year's Tender is notable as the 'hero' stones include the largest vivid round brilliant cut, the largest vivid pear shape, the largest purple-pink, and also a trio of very rare blue and violet diamonds.

"And of course, this year feels even more significant as there is the sense that this will all be history very soon – in the near future, we will be talking about 'the Argyle days'," he added.

Harsh Maheshwari, director Kunming Diamonds, shared similar sentiments, telling Jeweller, "It has been quite an emotional journey for us, from our first Tender less than a decade ago, to acquiring the Everlastings Collection and being appointed an Argyle Pink Diamonds Authorised Partner [this year]. Knowing that we won't be able to have the opportunity of seeing such a global phenomenon in the near future as the mine shuts is beyond belief.

"We, like many others, carry a sentimental value with Rio Tinto's Argyle Mine and the rare stones."

"I predict that demand will increase for these already incredibly rare and collectable one-in-a-million diamonds, and we know that they have always represented an excellent investment."

John Calleija, Calleija

He added, "We are extremely excited about 2020's Tender and the unique collection, Petite Suites. They always amaze us with marvellous stones, especially the 'hero' stones. It is very rare to find Argyle Pinks in such sizes, and they each have a unique attribute to them, especially the Argyle Eternity."

Award-winning jeweller John Calleija, whose namesake brand has boutiques in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and London, said, "The closure of the mine is incredibly significant for the industry and it’s also quite poignant for me personally as Argyle pink diamonds have been my passion for more than 30 years. With the mine closing, I predict that demand will increase for these already incredibly rare and collectable one-in-a-million diamonds, and we know that they have always represented an excellent investment."

He added, "This year’s Tender really has some extraordinary diamonds. Just look at the magnificent Argyle Eternity, and you’ll know that you really will have to wait an eternity for another gem to rival this beauty. Having three spectacular blue 'hero' diamonds really showcases these precious gems. Blue diamonds are often forgotten when their pink and red sisters take centre stage, but they absolutely deserve their place in history!"

Michael Neuman, director Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier in Sydney, said he was most excited by the selection of violet-blue diamonds in the Tender.

"The Argyle blues are unique in the world. All other blues are coloured by the element boron, whereas the unique, “hydrogen-rich” chemical composition of Argyle blues is what leads to the occasional “violetish blue” or “blue-violet” diamonds which are so sought after by diamond connoisseurs and collectors the world over," Neuman explained.

"As far as we know, these are the only diamonds which attain this rare and quite beautiful violet hue."

Neuman noted that a number of red diamonds had also been included, continuing a relatively recent trend in the Argyle Tender. "This has been one of the main points of difference of the past 10 years – the inclusion of straight red diamonds, as opposed to purplish-red, in each and every one, with several reds in most.

"It has been quite an emotional journey for us, from [...] acquiring the Everlastings Collection and being appointed an Argyle Pink Diamonds Authorised Partner [this year]. Knowing that we won't be able to have the opportunity of seeing such a global phenomenon in the near future as the mine shuts is beyond belief."

Harsh Maheshwari, Kunming Diamonds

"There’s probably been an average of less than one straight red for every year of the Tender, and more than half of them have appeared in the last decade," he added.

Of the Petite Suite sets, Der Bedrossian said that in previous years, melee tenders often took place separately in March. However, including the most striking smaller diamonds as sets in the main Tender increased their appeal for jewellers, as they could create a "special and unique masterpiece" using all the stones from a set.

Neuman added, "They will enable jewellers who end up purchasing them to create 'legacy' pieces as a testament to the range of colours available from Argyle and for collectors to own a 'set' of diamonds which had been carefully curated over the mine's final years."

Patrick Coppens, general manager diamond sales and marketing Rio Tinto, said, “The Argyle pink diamond story has continued to enthral throughout the years following the remarkable discovery of the Argyle mine in 1979. The 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is a collection of rare earthly treasures, intricate works of art and with a potency of colour that will be keenly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs from around the world.”

Indeed, Calleija told Jeweller, "My passion for these magnificent gifts of nature will certainly continue, as Calleija is fortunate to have one of the world’s finest collections of Argyle pink diamonds and their beauty will continue to inspire me for years to come."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, selected buyers have been invited to ‘virtually preview’ the Tender stones. Physical viewings will take place later in the year at the Argyle Mine in the Kimberley region, and in Perth, Singapore and Antwerp. Bids close on 2 December 2020.

2020 Argyle Tender ‘Hero’ Stones

NOTE: Stone sizes above are not to scale
 

2020 Argyle Tender Petite Suites

NOTE: Stone sizes above are not to scale