In November, 2020, we said “Goodbye, dear friend,” when Australia’s legendary Argyle Diamond Mine was retired. As 2021 concludes, the final diamond collection from the final year of Argyle operations is being sold, closing out nearly four decades of ongoing excitement.
The 38th Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender
The Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, an invitation-only event staged by Rio Tinto for the past 38 years, has been considered by many to be the most anticipated diamond sale in the world. It has showcased the pinnacle of the Argyle Diamond mine’s production to an elite list of collectors, diamond connoisseurs and luxury jewelry brands, year after year. The event will have its final curtain call in Antwerp, where bids will close on October 4, 2021.
As described by Rio Tinto’s Patrick Coppens:
The first Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender was held in Antwerp in 1984 and I am delighted to host the final epic collection in Antwerp. Over the past 38 years Argyle pink diamonds have pushed the boundaries of rarity and value appreciation to new extremes.
Comprising 70 diamonds weighing 81.63 carats, the 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has a record number of diamonds larger than one carat. The collection is headlined with Lot Number 1, Argyle Eclipse™, a 3.47 carat diamond that is the largest Fancy Intense Pink diamond ever offered at the Tender, and emphasizes five “hero” stones.
Context
Patrick commented on the special, unique nature of diamonds offered at the event:
When you consider the number of diamonds presented at the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender since 1984 would barely fill two champagne flutes, you begin to grasp the rarity and the tremendous gravitas of this final collection. Many of the invitees have participated in the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender for more than three decades and across generations, so it is an emotional moment in the history of Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds business and the natural fancy colored diamond industry.
Let’s revisit the stars of the show.
Lot #1 – Argyle Eclipse™
3.47 carat Fancy Intense Pink SI2 Radiant Cut
The largest fancy intense pink diamond offered in tender history.
Lot #2 – Argyle Stella™
1.79 carat Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink SI2 Square Radiant Cut
The largest vivid purplish pink diamond offered at this final tender.
Lot #3 – Argyle Lumiere™
2.03 carat Fancy Deep Pink SI2 Square Radiant Cut
The second square radiant cut diamond above two carats ever presented at tender.
Lot #4 – Argyle Solaris™
2.05 carat Fancy Intense Pink SI2 Radiant Cut
The seventh largest fancy intense pink radiant cut diamond offered at tender.
Lot #5 – Argyle Boheme™
1.01 carat Fancy Red I2 Radiant Cut
One of only two coveted fancy red diamonds offered in this final tender.
One journey ends. Another begins.
The Argyle pink diamond story has continued to enthrall, throughout the years, following the remarkable discovery of the Argyle mine in 1979. The final Tender collection of these beyond rare diamonds will be keenly sought after as heritage gemstones of the future, coveted by collectors and connoisseurs from around the world.” – Patrick Coppens, Rio Tinto
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Also offered alongside the 2021 annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender are 41 lots of carefully curated Argyle blue diamonds, weighing 24.88 carats in total. Titled Once in a Blue Moon, these are the very last blue and violet diamonds to emerge from the Argyle mine.
Both face to face and virtual viewings are being conducted in Antwerp catering for those markets where COVID-19 restrictions prevent travel. Bids close on October 4, 2021.
