The Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection: A Historic Farewell to an Iconic Mine

Rio Tinto has proudly announced the unveiling of the “Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection,” a truly exceptional compilation of rare pink diamonds. This collection represents a momentous occasion, marking one of the final offerings from the legendary Argyle diamond mine, nestled in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia. As the mine prepares for its anticipated closure in 2020, this collection emerges as a poignant testament to its extraordinary legacy, offering collectors and connoisseurs a final opportunity to own a piece of geological marvel.

Curated with meticulous precision, the Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection is designed to showcase the complete and breathtaking spectrum of colours found within Argyle pink diamonds. These magnificent gems, each weighing 0.14 carats and below, collectively paint a vibrant tapestry of hues, from delicate rose to intense fuchsia. The collection underscores the unparalleled beauty and unique characteristics that have made Argyle pink diamonds the most coveted and celebrated fancy colour diamonds in the world.

Unprecedented Rarity and Exclusivity

The collection comprises 64 distinct lots, with a combined weight of 211.21 carats. To put its rarity into perspective, these diamonds represent a mere two percent of the Argyle mine’s total annual pink diamond production. The inherent scarcity of these smaller, yet equally captivating, diamonds is further highlighted by Rio Tinto’s projection that less than 100 carats of equivalent profile will be yielded by the mine before its eventual closure. This extreme rarity imbues the Everlastings™ Collection with an unparalleled sense of urgency and historical significance, solidifying its status as a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition.

Vivienne Becker, a renowned jewellery historian, perfectly encapsulates the sentiment surrounding this release: “The Everlastings Collection™, representing one of the last offerings of its kind from the Argyle mine, will feed the unstoppable demand from designers and jewellers who appreciate the finite rarity of these beautiful gems.” Her observation underscores the unique position of Argyle pink diamonds in the luxury market – a demand that has consistently outstripped supply for decades, driven by their exquisite beauty and the mystique surrounding their origin.

The Argyle Mine: A Legacy of Colour

For over three decades, the Argyle mine has been the world’s primary source of pink, red, and violet diamonds, accounting for approximately 90% of the global supply of these extraordinary coloured stones. Located in one of the most remote parts of Australia, the mine’s unique geological conditions have baffled scientists for years, as the precise mechanisms responsible for the vivid pink hues remain largely a mystery. Unlike other coloured diamonds which derive their colour from chemical impurities, Argyle pink diamonds are believed to owe their spectacular colour to structural deformation within the crystal lattice, caused by intense pressure and heat during their formation deep within the Earth.

The impending closure of the Argyle mine signifies a profound shift in the global diamond industry. It marks the end of an era for a resource that has consistently produced the most sought-after and valuable coloured diamonds known to mankind. The finite nature of its output, particularly as it pertains to these smaller, yet equally vibrant, stones, only amplifies the appeal and investment potential of collections like the Argyle Pink Everlastings™. This collection serves not only as a tribute to the mine’s incredible yield but also as a definitive statement on the enduring value and desirability of its precious output.

Assurance of Authenticity and Uniqueness

Understanding the immense value and heritage associated with these diamonds, Rio Tinto ensures that every single lot within the Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. This crucial documentation provides buyers with absolute confidence in the provenance and genuine nature of their acquisition, a factor of paramount importance in the high-value diamond market. The meticulous traceability from the mine to the market is a hallmark of Rio Tinto’s commitment to integrity and quality, ensuring that each diamond carries its unique story and certified heritage.

Alan Chirgwin, Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds vice president of sales and marketing, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for this unique offering: “We are delighted to offer for the first time ever this unique collection of rare Argyle pink diamonds, destined to be in strong demand by the world’s finest jewellers.” He further emphasized the painstaking effort involved in assembling such a diverse and comprehensive collection from a certifiable source, noting, “The accumulation of these diamonds from a certifiable source in various shapes, sizes and colours is the result of a painstaking endeavour, unlikely to be ever repeated.” This sentiment reinforces the collection’s singular place in history, a feat of curation unlikely to be replicated once the Argyle mine ceases operations.

The Global Tender: An Exclusive Opportunity

The Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection will be presented alongside the highly anticipated annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. This prestigious event provides an exclusive platform for the world’s most discerning diamantaires, collectors, and luxury jewellers to bid on these extraordinary gems. The tender will be showcased in key global hubs of luxury and finance, including Perth, Singapore, London, and New York, ensuring accessibility to an international clientele eager to participate in this historic event. Bids for this unparalleled collection are scheduled to close on October 9, 2019, marking a critical deadline for those wishing to secure a piece of this dwindling treasure.

The global reach of the tender highlights the international fascination with Argyle pink diamonds. These stones transcend mere aesthetic appeal, embodying a narrative of geological wonder, meticulous craftsmanship, and finite supply. Their presence in major cities across continents underscores their universal allure and the premium placed on their acquisition by those who appreciate the apex of natural beauty and rarity in the world of gemstones. Participation in such a tender is not merely a transaction; it is an entry into an exclusive circle of individuals who understand and cherish the profound significance of these diamonds.

Investment and Legacy

Beyond their breathtaking beauty, Argyle pink diamonds have consistently demonstrated robust investment value. Their extreme rarity, coupled with increasing demand and now the imminent closure of their primary source, positions them as highly sought-after assets. The Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection, with its certified authenticity and documented provenance, offers a compelling proposition for investors and collectors alike. Each diamond in the collection is not just a gem; it is a tangible piece of history, an heirloom to be passed down through generations, its value appreciating not only in monetary terms but also in its unparalleled narrative.

The closure of the Argyle mine in 2020 will leave an irreplaceable void in the world’s supply of natural pink diamonds. While other mines occasionally yield pink diamonds, none have done so with the consistency, quality, and quantity of Argyle. This collection, therefore, represents more than just a final offering; it is a profound capstone to the mine’s incredible legacy. It allows a select few to forever own a fragment of this extraordinary chapter in geological history, ensuring that the legend of Argyle pink diamonds will indeed be everlasting.

The Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection is poised to captivate the hearts and imaginations of the global luxury market. It is an invitation to celebrate the vibrant legacy of the Argyle mine and to secure a truly unique and irreplaceable treasure, solidifying its place in the annals of diamond history.