Japanese Theme to Last Argyle Sale Before Closure
September 27, 20
(IDEX Online) - The last sale of pink diamonds before the iconic Argyle mine closes will have a Japanese theme.
The invitation-only tender will take its inspiration from Ichi-go ichi-e - Japan's cultural concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment.
The mine in the remote East Kimberley region Western Australia has been the source of 90 per cent of the world's pink diamonds for almost four decades, but owners Rio Tinto will close it in November as the cost of extraction becomes uneconomic.
There will be just 62 pink, red, violet and blue diamonds in the 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, such is the rarity of the prized pink and other natural-colored stones.
Among the lots are six 'hero' diamonds - sized just 0.33ct to 2.45ct - including one named Argyle Sakura, honoring Japan's love of the cherry blossom hues of Argyle pink diamonds.
Viewings will take place at the Argyle mine, in Perth, Australia, then Singapore and Antwerp. Sealed bids close on 2 December 2020.
Pic show the six Argyle Heroes 2020