Rio Tinto Unveils Argyle Rose: One of the last of the Argyle Pink Diamonds
Rio Tinto, the owner of the now-closed Argyle mine in East Kimberley, Australia, has recently revealed the Argyle Rose.
The Argyle Rose is priced at A$2 million and will be exclusively available for purchase through the designers Solid Gold Diamonds, located in Perth. The piece showcases the last diamonds mined from the Argyle mine, including rare pink and blue diamonds.
A Captivating Masterpiece
The centrepiece of the Argyle Rose is a 1.36 carat fancy deep pink radiant-cut diamond. This is one of only twelve diamonds with a colour grading of 1P from the last 30 years of Argyle’s production.
Surrounding the centre stone are petal-shaped pink and blue Argyle diamonds, totalling 1.89 carats, accompanied by 2.80 carats of brilliant white diamonds. This rose motif is set in a combination of platinum and 18k white gold.
The Argyle Rose can be worn as either a ring or a statement pendant.
A Lasting Legacy
Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Minerals, expressed her delight in introducing the Argyle Rose to the world. She emphasised the rich history and provenance of this jewellery piece.
“These rare and precious diamonds are one and a half billion years old, from one of the most beautiful places on earth, and the world is simply not producing them anymore.” said Kaufman.
Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon Partner program
The Argyle Rose is an integral part of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon Partner program, initiated by Rio Tinto in 2022, to ensure the preservation of the origin and value of Argyle pink diamonds.
With the closure of the Argyle mine in November 2020 after 37 years of operation, the program aims to celebrate and protect the legacy of these exceptional gemstones.
The Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon Partner program collaborates with renowned international jewellers, known for their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs. Solid Gold Diamonds, located in Perth, Western Australia, has been involved with Argyle diamonds for three decades.
Peter Greene, Executive Chairman of Solid Gold Diamonds, said that “As a pioneer custodian of Argyle pink diamonds, it was incredibly humbling to be asked to design a true generational heirloom for the Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon program.”