Records Crash at Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender

Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has produced strong results, with records set for the most valuable diamonds ever sold from the Argyle diamond mine.

The tender collection included three fancy red diamonds, as well as 64 pink, red and blue diamonds. They ranged from 0.20 carats to 3.02 carats.

Two special records were broken: the 1.56-carat fancy red Argyle Phoenix diamond achieved the highest per carat price for a diamond ever mined at the Argyle operation.

Meanwhile, the 2.51-carat fancy deep pink Argyle Dauphine diamond broke the record for the highest price paid for an Argyle diamond in overall value terms, and also a world record price for a fancy deep pink diamond.

"All 64 diamonds in the 2013 tender were sold, many well above pre-tender estimates, reflecting increasing demand form the world’s top jewelers, designers, collectors and connoisseurs. Both established and emerging markets were well represented in the winning bids. There were a record number of bids over $1 million and bids broke through the $2 million ceiling for a single stone," the company said.

Rio Tinto Diamonds Managing Director Jean-Marc Lieberherr stated: “We are delighted with the results for the 2013 tender collection which are a reflection of their rarity, provenance and global reach. The Argyle ore-body is extraordinary and after 30 years of production it continues to produce the world’s most coveted diamonds.”