Argyle Pink Diamonds

BEYOND RARE

The story of the Argyle pink diamond is almost as captivating as the rare gem itself.

Across the breadth of 1.6 billion years, on a journey from the crucible of the Earth’s centre, the most intriguing diamond in history emerges, with an exquisite beauty that is both regal and enthralling.

A miniature universe in crimson; the Argyle pink diamond’s spectacular outback home can be glimpsed in this marvel that depicts every cast of the desert sunset.

Light radiates from its facets in a softness of colour imbued with heartfelt expression. In intimate juxtaposition to the stone’s invincibility, this delicate palette traverses the palest blush, through cherry blossom and soft rose, to sensual violet, cornflower blue and dramatic red.

So precious are these stones, that for every million carats of rough pink diamonds produced from the mine, only one polished carat is offered for sale by annual tender.

There has never been a diamond mine that produces rare pink diamonds like the Argyle Diamond Mine. The rarest of all diamonds will become rarer still. It is estimated that there are less than 500 tender quality Argyle pink diamonds left to be discovered.

It is inevitable that this ultimate limited edition would speak to collectors of fine art. These stones are also creations nurtured by the artisanal skill of the world’s finest cutters and polishers.

Every brilliant masterpiece that is expertly and lovingly crafted from the rough did not touch human hands until it had completed its passage through a land as remarkable as the discovery it yielded. These modern-day alchemists now listen to the stone in order to bring its story to life.

HISTORY

Diamonds were first discovered in the Western Australia’s vast east Kimberley region in October 1979, when a geologist noticed a diamond embedded in an anthill.

A Rio Tinto owned mine was built on the site in 1985, and of the approximately 20 million carats of rough produced annually, less than 0.1% are pink. With just an estimated few years of supply remaining in the mine, as time passes the Argyle pink diamond becomes evermore precious.

The exact story behind their formation remains largely a mystery, adding to their allure and intrigue. It is thought however, that the colour is obtained as a result of extraordinary pressure beneath the Earth’s surface. As pressure raises the diamonds closer to the surface, it is believed that their lattice structure becomes altered, thus refracting light and producing colour.

Looking into a pink diamond and it is hard to look away, for within its many facets lies a story of profound transformation, of endless time and enormous energy. You will be gazing deep into the past and catch a glimpse of the future.

SUSTAINABILITY

An Argyle pink diamond's journey from the mine is under the guiding care of the standards of the Responsible Jewellery Council that Rio Tinto, the owner of the Argyle Diamond Mine, upholds as a founding member. This adherence across the entire supply chain ensures each certified diamond is as sustainable and ethically sound as it is beautiful and rare.

The Traditional Owners of the mine's lease area feel a strong link to their land and believe they have certain obligations to it. Argyle, in respect of these, is committed to positive outcomes for both the environment and local people. This responsibility is their legacy to the land. The Argyle Diamond Mine funds community development projects encompassing health, education, training, business and employment opportunities. Today, one in four of its employees are indigenous.

An engagement of the custodians of the land in the destiny of the Argyle pink diamond by Rio Tinto was unique in mining history; the company would not commence with the underground mine without the approval of the Traditional Owners and appropriate agreements. Quality Argyle pink diamonds left to be discovered.

It is inevitable that this ultimate limited edition would speak to collectors of fine art. These stones are also creations nurtured by the artisanal skill of the world’s finest cutters and polishers.

Every brilliant masterpiece that is expertly and lovingly crafted from the rough did not touch human hands until it had completed its passage through a land as remarkable as the discovery it yielded. These modern-day alchemists now listen to the stone in order to bring its story to life.

CHAIN OF CUSTODY

An Argyle pink diamond travels its journey from the mine under the care of these important commitments, offering reassurance that each certified diamond is as sustainable and ethically sound as it is beautiful and rare.

Every diamond over fifteen points (0.15 carats) is laser inscribed with a unique lot number that is only visible under magnification and is issued with an Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification Document.

This document delivers with it, an important guarantee on the chain of custody from the mine to the point of purchase, giving assurance that the gem has always been in the care of Argyle Pink Diamonds and its trusted trade partners

SELECT ATELIER

From the moment a rough Argyle pink diamond is unearthed until the time it is offered for purchase as a polished stone, the definitive collectable is upheld by professional vigilance and dedicated care. To own a precious Argyle pink diamond is to experience a sense of timelessness, cradled in the palm, which is almost impossible to express in words.

The distribution of Argyle pink diamonds that are not sold through the annual tender is rightfully managed until it reaches its final owner. These diamonds are sold as loose polished diamonds throughout the year.

A group of master craftsmen known as Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Ateliers and Authorised Partners have been appointed to ensure all market initiatives are in support of the standards of care and chain of custody that are set from the mine discovery to the acquisition of finished fine jewellery or polished diamonds.