Argyle shows every facet, especially red
Rio Tinto had 64 of them on show from its Argyle Diamond Mine as part of its annual tender process.
For the first time in the mine's 30-year history, the tender includes three extremely rare red diamonds.
The 2013 collection also includes 58 pink and three blue diamonds.
"Since mining began in 1983, only six diamonds certified as Fancy Red by the Gemological Institute of America have been presented for sale at the annual tender," Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said. "To have three of these red diamonds on one tender is a very special moment in time."
Ms Johnson said that in 2008 the mine sold a red diamond for more than $1 million a carat.
The largest red diamond on the 2013 tender is a 1.56 carat round gem named Argyle Phoenix in honour of the newly commissioned Argyle underground mine.
Ms Johnson said different markets around the world had preferences for different coloured diamonds.
She said the Japanese preferred pink diamonds, while Europeans and the US market had a fondness for the rare red diamonds, which they buy as collector's items.
"The purplish pink ones are sought after in Japan because they reflect their cherry blossom colour," she said.
"They have a romantic view of the diamond. There's a strong engagement market in Japan."
Australia is Argyle Diamonds' third-largest market behind Japan and the United States.
Tender viewings of this year's collection will be held in Perth and Hong Kong, with previews in Sydney, New York and Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Rio Tinto's 2013 Argyle Diamond Mine tender featured 64 diamonds in total: three extremely rare red diamonds, 58 pink diamonds and three blue diamonds, shown as part of the mine's annual tender process.
The three red diamonds are notable because, in the mine's 30-year history, only six diamonds had previously been certified as Fancy Red by the Gemological Institute of America and presented at the annual tender. Having three on one tender was described as a very special moment.
Argyle's red diamonds can command very high prices: the article notes that in 2008 the mine sold a red diamond for more than $1 million per carat, highlighting the premium placed on their rarity.
The Argyle Phoenix is the largest red diamond on the 2013 tender — a 1.56 carat round gem — named to honour the newly commissioned Argyle underground mine, making it a standout piece in that year's collection.
According to Argyle Pink Diamonds management, Japanese buyers prefer pink and purplish-pink diamonds (partly because they reflect cherry blossom colours and suit a strong engagement market), while European and US buyers tend to favour the rarer red diamonds as collector's items.
Australia is Argyle Diamonds' third-largest market behind Japan and the United States. Tender viewings for the 2013 collection were held in Perth and Hong Kong, with previews in Sydney, New York and Tokyo.
Yes. The article explains regional preferences: Japan has a romantic and engagement-driven market for purplish-pink diamonds, while Europe and the US have a fondness for rare red diamonds as collectible items, indicating tailored marketing and demand by region.
Everyday investors should note that Argyle coloured diamonds are highly sought after for their rarity and regional demand patterns. The mine's limited supply of Fancy Red stones, record sale prices (for example, a red diamond sold for over $1 million per carat in 2008) and special annual tenders all contribute to their appeal as collectible gems rather than conventional investments.
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