(IDEX Online News) – Rio Tinto’s 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has delivered a strong set of results, including records for the most valuable diamonds ever sold from the Argyle diamond mine, the firm reports.

 

Known as the ‘Red Edition’ with the inclusion of three fancy red diamonds, the 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection featured 64 pink, red and blue diamonds, ranging in size from 0.20 carats to 3.02 carats.

 

Two significant records were broken, with the Argyle Phoenix™, a 1.56-carat fancy red diamond, achieving the highest per carat price for a diamond ever produced from the Argyle mine.

 

And the Argyle Dauphine™, a 2.51-carat fancy deep pink diamond, broke the record for the highest price paid for an Argyle diamond in overall value terms, and also achieved a world record price for a fancy deep pink diamond.

 

"All 64 diamonds in the 2013 tender were sold, many well above pre-tender estimates, reflecting increasing demand form the world’s top jewelers, designers, collectors and connoisseurs," the firm said in a statement.

 

"Both established and emerging markets were well represented in the winning bids. There were a record number of bids over $1 million and bids broke through the $2 million ceiling for a single stone."

 

Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said: “We are delighted with the results for the 2013 tender collection which are a reflection of their rarity, provenance and global reach. The Argyle ore-body is extraordinary and after 30 years of production it continues to produce the world’s most coveted diamonds.”

 

The Argyle underground mine, which produces more than 90 percent of the world’s rare pink diamonds, was commissioned in April 2013 and extends the life of the mine until at least 2020.