Sale of "Old Masters" from Argyle Mine
October 08, 24
(IDEX Online) - Rio Tinto is to sell a legacy inventory of seven pink, red and violet diamonds from the iconic Argyle mine, in Western Australia, that closed in 2020.
The "Old Masters", from in size from 0.60 carats to 2.63 carats were all unearthed from the mine over a decade ago, in one case from 1987.
"Each diamond has been carefully retrieved from private vaults and handpicked for inclusion in this year's tender," the company said.
They will headline the 2024 Beyond Rare Tender, entitled Colour Awakened, featuring a total of 76 diamonds, weighing 39.44 carats from both Argyle and Rio Tinto's Diavik mine, in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
"Four years on from the closure of the Argyle mine, our Beyond Rare Tender platform is a testimony to the enduring prestige of the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand, the quality of production from our Diavik mine, and the ongoing demand for highly collectible natural diamonds," said Sinead Kaufman, chief executive of Rio Tinto Minerals.
The 48 lots will be showcased in London, Australia, Singapore and Belgium. Bids close on 18 November.
Pic courtesy Rio Tinto.