Rio Tinto unveils the Argyle Alpha – the largest Vivid Pink diamond

 

Rio Tinto is auctioning the Argyle Alpha, the largest Vivid Pink diamond in the history of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.

Anglo-Australian multinational Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest metals and mining corporations, has unveiled the largest Vivid Pink diamond in the history of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, during a world exclusive preview in Sydney.

The 2018 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection comprises six ‘hero’ diamonds selected for their unique beauty and named to ensure there is a permanent record of their contribution to the history of the world’s most important diamonds.

The 3.14 carat polished emerald cut diamond, known as The Argyle Alpha, is part of the dazzling line-up of 63 rare pink, red and violet diamonds in the 2018 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. Following viewings in Sydney the collection will be showcased in Sydney, Hong Kong and New York with bids closing on 10 October 2018.
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“I am delighted to unveil this stunning Argyle Alpha diamond, the largest Vivid Pink diamond presented since the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender began in 1984,” said Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques.

“Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine is the world’s only source of these highly coveted pink, red and violet diamonds and we expect considerable interest in this year’s collection. The combination of strong demand and extremely limited world supply continues to support significant value appreciation for Argyle pink diamonds.”

The 2018 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is named ‘Magnificent Argyle’ in honour of Argyle’s role in charting the history of the world’s most coveted diamonds. The 63 diamonds in the Tender weigh a total of 51.48 carats –including five Fancy Red diamonds, two Purplish Red diamonds and three Violet diamonds.

Lot 1, The Argyle Muse, a 2.28 carat polished oval diamond, the dazzling centre piece of the collection, is the largest purplish red diamond ever offered at Tender, and with an unrivalled potency of colour will be keenly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs from around the world. To add to its prestige The Argyle Muse originated from a 7.39 carat rough diamond that yielded a second purplish red diamond for inclusion in the 2018 Tender .