Piece of the Week: A Quokka Covered in Argyle Pink Diamonds
Australian jeweler Linneys’ smiling gold Quokka statue holds a leaf pendant with Argyle pink diamonds that detaches, becoming a necklace.
The marsupial is native to Western Australia, the same region where the now-closed Argyle diamond mine was located, sparking the creation of the “Argyle Pink Quokka.”
Linneys, a family-owned manufacturing jeweler in Australia, created the piece to commemorate both rare Argyle pink diamonds and the vulnerable Quokka, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified as a declining species.
The Argyle Pink Quokka has two parts.
An 18-karat yellow and rose gold quokka statue is covered in 3.39 carats of Argyle pink diamonds along with 10.96 carats of white and Argyle champagne diamonds and 0.40 carats of pavé-set Argyle pink diamonds on its ears.
The second part of the piece sits in the quokka’s paws, an 18-karat rose gold leaf with 2.99 carats of Argyle pink diamonds.
It detaches from the statue and can be worn as a necklace on an 18-karat rose gold chain with 0.62 carats of bezel-set white diamonds.
“Linneys is thrilled to unveil the ‘Argyle Pink Quokka,’ a piece that pays homage to two of Western Australia’s rarest and most cherished icons – the quokka, with its endearing charm, and Argyle pink diamonds, renowned as the rarest diamonds in the world,” said Justin Linney, the creative director at Linneys.
“Whether collectors of fine art, diamond connoisseurs, or travelers with a special affinity for Australia, we’re certain that the quokka’s cheeky smile will win hearts around the globe.”
Linneys is part of the Icon Partner Program, a program launched in 2022 by the Argyle mine’s operator Rio Tinto after the mine closed to protect the legacy and provenance of the diamonds.
The miner tapped jewelers like Linneys to develop jewelry and limited-edition pieces with the remaining polished Argyle Pink Diamonds inventory.
The limited-edition Argyle Pink Quokka retails for AUD$500,000 ($339,300), with only three created.
It is available on the Linneys website.
The Latest
The company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
The industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.
Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”
The trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.
Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
New Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.
Transition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.
Sotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer Oct. 10 in Paris.
The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.
The sale includes the custom-made, diamond-set Audemars Piguet watch the QB wore for Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”
The Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.
The jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.
The Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.
Creative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.
The recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.
The manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.
The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.
While statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.
Jewelers of America leadership and members recently headed to D.C. to share the industry’s top concerns with lawmakers.
Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.
The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.
Rocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.
“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” dives into the watchmaker’s storied past, from its ad campaigns to the first women’s wristwatch.
The new additions include flat coil rings, bracelets, and necklaces designed to layer elegantly.