SourcingNov 07, 2022
More Than 100 Pink Diamonds Are Now On ViewSourcingJan 24, 2023
Tiffany Buys 35 of the Last Diamonds Recovered From Argyle
Purchased directly from Rio Tinto, the collection consists of pinks, purples and one red, none larger than 1.52 carats.
Tiffany & Co. announced Tuesday that it’s bought a collection of 35 pink and purple diamonds Rio Tinto recovered in the final days of mining at Argyle. Two of the diamonds are pictured here. (Image credit: Tiffany & Co.)
New York—Tiffany & Co. has purchased 35 diamonds from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia, a “final bespoke curation” of the rarest stones from the now-closed mine, the jeweler said.
Reported in Sunday’s New York Times and formally announced by Tiffany Tuesday morning, the retailer bought the diamonds directly from Rio Tinto, which unearthed the diamonds in the mine’s final days.
The cache, dubbed the “Tiffany Collection,” comprises fancy intense pink, fancy intense purplish-pink, fancy vivid pink, fancy vivid purplish-pink and deep pink diamonds, as well as one fancy red diamond.
They range in size from 0.35 carats to 1.52 carats, a typical size for the most desirable pink and purple diamonds from the mine though, Tiffany noted, there are two diamonds over 1 carat. (The biggest vivid pink diamond ever included in the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender was 3.14 carats, the aptly named “Argyle Alpha.”)
Tiffany is not disclosing the purchase price, though brand President and Chief Executive Anthony Ledru confirmed to the Times it was the jeweler’s largest purchase of 2022.
The jeweler said Tuesday it will show the diamonds to select clients for a limited time at “global Tiffany high jewelry events;” the Times reported the diamonds will be shown in New York City and Doha, Qatar.
Tiffany also will incorporate the pink diamonds into capsule collections and, potentially, pieces in Blue Book, its annual high jewelry catalog.
Located in Western Australia, the Argyle Diamond Mine opened with alluvial mining in 1983 and closed in November 2020, spelling the end of a major source of natural colored diamonds and removing a total of 11 million carats from the market, about 10 percent of global supply.
Though most of its production consisted of brown diamonds, Argyle became famous for its vivid pinks, reds, and purples, the best of which Rio Tinto took on a global tour each year for the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.
Over time, the highly saturated stones became coveted collectors’ items, skyrocketing in price and becoming a brand all their own, literally.
After the mine closed, Rio Tinto retained “Argyle Pink Diamonds” as a brand.
Rio Tinto never released prices paid for individual stones or totals from any of the tenders, but in 2020 the miner said the value of Argyle pink diamonds had appreciated more than 500 percent in the past 20 years, outperforming all major equity markets.
Tiffany Chief Gemologist Victoria Wirth Reynolds said the collection Tiffany purchased showcases the range of colors Argyle produced and aligns with the retailer’s goal of being able to tell consumers the exact source of their diamonds.
“Not only are they incredibly rare, but these diamonds also align perfectly with our Diamond Craft Journey initiative, whereby we provide our clients information on the provenance—or the region or countries of origin—for every newly sourced, individually registered diamond that we set in jewelry,” she said.
The debut of the 35-diamond “Tiffany Collection” marks the first time Rio Tinto has curated and named a bespoke collection in honor of a jeweler.
“We are delighted that this collection of rare Argyle Pink Diamonds, with their extraordinary Australian provenance and a story that began one-and-a-half billion years ago, are now entrusted to the unrivaled craftsmanship of Tiffany & Co.,” said Sinead Kaufman, chief executive of Rio Tinto Minerals.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue BookThe “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
