(IDEX Online) – Rio Tinto has unveiled the largest Fancy Red diamond in the history of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, during a world exclusive preview in New York.

 

The 2.11 carat polished radiant cut diamond, known as The Argyle Everglow™, is the centrepiece of the 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender – an annual showcase of the rarest diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine.

 

Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds chief executive Arnaud Soirat said: “We are delighted to announce this historic diamond at our Tender preview, a testament to the unique Argyle ore-body that continues to produce the world’s rarest gems.”

 

Unprecedented in size, color and clarity, The Argyle Everglow has been assessed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a notable diamond with a grade of Fancy Red VS2. In the 33-year history of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, there have been fewer than 20 carats of Fancy Red certified diamonds sold.

 

Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said: “The Argyle Everglow represents rarity within rarity and will drive global demand from collectors and connoisseurs in search of the incomparable.”

 

The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is named ‘Custodians of Rare Beauty’ in honor of its rich provenance and honorable pedigree. The 58 diamonds in the Tender weigh a total of 49.39 carats – including four fancy red diamonds, four purplish red diamonds, two violet diamonds, and one blue diamond.

 

The collection comprises five “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:

 

 

• Lot 1: Argyle Everglow, 2.11 carat radiant shaped fancy red diamond

 

• Lot 2: Argyle Isla, 1.14 carat radiant shaped fancy red diamond

 

• Lot 3: Argyle Avaline, 2.42 carat cushion shaped fancy purple-pink diamond

 

• Lot 4: Argyle Kalina, 1.50 carat oval shaped fancy deep pink diamond

 

• Lot 5:

 

• Argyle Liberté, 0.91 carat radiant shaped fancy deep gray-violet diamond

 

The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender will be showcased in New York, Hong Kong and Perth, with bids closing on October 11.