Rio Tinto announces winning bids for its iconic red, pink and blue diamonds
Rio Tinto announces winning bids for its iconic red, pink and blue diamonds
Rio Tinto's 2012 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, the most exclusive diamond sale in the world, has demonstrated strong global appeal and delivered an exceptional result for its iconic gems.
Bids for this year's Tender collection of 56 single pink diamonds, including two red diamonds and an additional 19 lots of blue diamonds from Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, closed on October 15th. The collection was keenly contested with the final results demonstrating continued strong price appreciation.
Successful bidders for the 2012 Tender collection were from both established and emerging markets. According to Josephine Johnson, Manager for Argyle Pink Diamonds, "We were delighted to see such a strong appetite for this unique “rainbow collection”.
Several beautiful diamonds from the collection have a new home in India, an important emerging market for rare pink diamonds, and the “hero” blue diamond, Argyle Elektra™, is destined for Japan, the most established market for pink diamonds. Across all other markets, including their Australian birthplace, there was strong evidence of the Argyle pink diamond's compelling combination of rich provenance, exceptional craftsmanship, and natural beauty.”
John Glajz, Argyle Pink Diamonds’ largest Asia Pacific partner was the successful bidder of the most valuable diamond from the collection, Argyle Siren™, a 1.32 carat square radiant cut Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond. Commenting on his newest acquisition, John said, “I was thrilled to receive the news. This is a rare diamond from a rare collection, incomparable from the perspective of a connoisseur and I look forward to designing an heirloom piece of jewellery to honour its heritage.”
Many of the successful bidders were part of the exhibition at Kensington Palace on October 9th, where more than US$65 million of one-of-a-kind pink diamond jewellery was showcased to celebrate royal connections in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.
According to Jean-Marc Lieberherr, Chief Commercial Officer for Rio Tinto Diamonds, "These rare Argyle diamonds provide the escalating intrinsic value of an investment and are destined for the exclusive echelons of the world’s most sophisticated collectors.”
About Argyle Pink Diamonds
Pink diamonds, produced at Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia, are highly coveted as the world's most sought after gems. The Argyle Diamond Mine produces more than 90 per cent of the world's pink diamonds, which are sold in a broad range of colours and sizes to an international customer base.
Pink diamonds’ value is directly related to their rarity. The market for pink diamonds is quite separate to white diamonds, and due to their rarity, pink diamonds typically command prices far in excess of white diamonds.
The best diamonds are reserved for the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. Rio Tinto's Argyle Pink Diamonds business is located in Perth, Western Australia, alongside its cutting and polishing factory. Website: www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
Photographs of the diamonds and interviews with successful bidders are available. Please contact Karen Halbert on +61 (0) 3 9283 3627 or Edward Creese on +61 (0) 3 9283 3314.
Contact:
Communications Manager, Rio Tinto Diamonds
Robyn Ellison
+61 417 968 359
Further information:
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Website: www.riotinto.com
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