(IDEX Online) - Rio Tinto is showcasing the 64 pink and red diamonds that make up the 2019 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. The diamonds are being shown in Perth, Singapore, London and New York, with bids closing on 9 October 2019.
The 64 diamonds in the collection weigh 56.28 carats and include six outstanding or "hero" diamonds.
They are:
Lot 1: Argyle Enigma,1.75-carat modified radiant Fancy Red diamond, which is just one of three red diamonds in the collection.
Lot 2: Argyle Amari, 1.48-carat heart-shaped Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond
Lot 3: Argyle Elysian, 1.20-carat modified cushion shaped Fancy Vivid Pink diamond
Lot 4: Argyle Verity,1.37-carat oval shaped Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond
Lot 5: Argyle Opus, 2.01-carat round shaped Fancy Intense Pink diamond
Lot 6: Argyle Avenoir, 1.07-carat oval shaped Fancy Red diamond
Rio Tinto says it expects demand for the 64 diamonds - especially for the three red stones - to elicit especially strong interest from Asian buyers. The color red is symbolic across much of Asia.
Rio Tinto's Argyle diamond mine in the far north of Western Australia produces virtually the world's entire supply of pink, red and violet diamonds. The mine will close in 2020 after almost four decades of production.