The legend of Argyle pink diamond has grown over the past ten years. At the 1989 Christie’s auction in New York a 3.14 carat Argyle pink sold for $1,510,000. Privately, Argyle has sold pink diamonds for up to $1 million a carat.
For those that are fortunate to attend the Argyle tenders, things have undegone a little bit of a change this year. New Format, New Countries… its all in the name of Grand Passions
This year will see Rio Tinto’s 2009 Argyle Pink Diamond Tender celebrate its 25th anniversary. Hip Hip Hooray Henry.
This year its all about Grand Passions, and 43 of the RAREST and BEST PINK DIAMONDS from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia will be available, including four outstanding heart shaped gems.
Everytime I think about the fact that there is only 10 years remaining of the Argyle Diamond Mine, I get a tear in my eye, as these rare pink diamonds will be fought for by tooth and nail not necessarily by those that love to wear them but by savy investors, cowardly collectors and down right ruthless diamond experts from around the world.
“The pink diamonds selected for this year’s Tender are a fitting tribute to the artistry and passion of all those who worked to bring them to the market place. These diamonds are for appreciators of the truly exceptional and we are delighted to be showcasing them to the world.” According to Josephine Archer, the Business Manager for Argyle Pink Diamonds.
So what will the Argyle stable’s be filled with this year,
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A magnificent 2.61carat intense pink heart shaped diamond named Argyle AmourTM. The Argyle AmourTM is the most valuable heart shaped pink diamond ever produced from the Argyle mine. Exuding passion, romance and warmth, this extraordinary diamond captures all that is Amour.
The two other “hero” stones set to captivate bidders are
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The Argyle ShalimarTM diamond, a 1.25 carat purplish pink round diamond named after the exotic garden sanctuary built by Indian emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, and in the theme of legendary passions, the Argyle ScarlettTM diamond, a 1.10 carat red oval diamond.
According to Jean-Marc Lieberherr, General Manager for the sales and marketing for all diamonds from Rio Tinto’s diamond mines, “excitement around this Tender collection is understandable. The rarity of Argyle pink diamonds has created a connoisseurship for them and there is a growing recognition that the earth will not produce pink diamonds for that much longer.”
This will be the first year that the Argyle Pink Diamond Tender will be presented in Mumbai. Also, for the first time, Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Ateliers in London, Sydney and Perth will showcase these rare diamonds to their respective clients at in-store preview events.
Tender viewings will be held in Mumbai (August 6-10), Perth (September 1-11) and Hong Kong (September 19-27).
One hopes that the experience for people in selected atteliers in London, Sydney & Perth is frightfully more exciting than a bit of Fry and Laurie in the Jewellery store.
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