Rio’s Pink Diamond Tender Achieves “Record Breaking Prices”
October 25, 07
High interest and fierce competition characterized the 23rd annual Rio Tinto Diamonds Argyle pink diamond tender, resulting in some record breaking prices, according to the miner. Purplish reds and deep pinks were among the 65 diamonds tendered.
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All 65 diamonds were sold to 17 successful bidders.
The goods, including a rare grey-violet diamond, were viewed by some 100 potential bidders last month in secret locations in Perth, Hong Kong and New York.
“The Argyle Signature Stones picked for 2007’s tender attracted substantial interest due to the range of vivid and deep colors, excelling the high standard set in previous years,” the firm said.
Diamond designer and luxury retailer John Calleija, who participated in the tender for the 11th time, succeeded in buying four diamonds, including three of the purplish red diamonds. “I am already planning jewelry designs for my Argyle Signature Stones which will be the flagship of my new London store,” he said.
“This year, the diamonds received an unprecedented level of interest, and competition was fierce,” said Jean-Marc Lieberherr, general manager Sales and Marketing, Rio Tinto Diamonds. “As only a handful of such high-quality diamonds are produced each year they are also a smart investment choice, guaranteed to grow in value,” he added.