WatchesSep 21, 2023
Timex Wants Your Old WatchThe company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.
SourcingJul 27, 2017
Rio Tinto Debuts Biggest Red Diamond in Tender History
Also discovered at Wednesday’s tender preview: the author of “The Notebook” is a collector of red diamonds from the Argyle mine.
The 2.11-carat radiant-cut fancy red Argyle Everglow, the top lot of the 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender
New York--There were at least two things to learn at Rio Tinto’s preview of its 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, held Wednesday in New York.
Number one: this year’s sale of rare colored diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia contains the biggest fancy red diamond in the tender’s 33-year history.
Number two: one of the world’s best-selling and most well-known authors is an avid collector of red diamonds.
The Argyle Everglow is a 2.11-carat radiant-cut fancy red diamond and is one of five “hero” stones in this year’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. (Hero stones are diamonds of relatively large size and exceptional color, and are the only tender diamonds that Rio Tinto names.)
The third lot of the tender, the Argyle Avaline, a 2.42-carat cushion-shaped fancy purple-pink
The 2.11-carat radiant-cut fancy red Argyle Everglow, the top lot of the 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender
Another radiant-cut fancy red diamond, the 1.14-carat Argyle Isla
A 1.50-carat oval-shaped fancy deep pink diamond, the Argyle Kalina
The Argyle Liberté, a 0.91-carat radiant-shaped fancy deep gray-violet diamond
The five “hero” stones side by side
The other four hero diamonds of this year’s tender, which has been named “Custodians of Rare Beauty,” are:
--The Argyle Isla, a 1.14-carat fancy red radiant;
--The Argyle Avaline, a 2.42-carat fancy purple-pink cushion;
--The Argyle Kalina, a 1.50-carat fancy deep pink oval; and
--The Argyle Liberté, a 0.91-carat fancy deep gray-violet radiant-cut diamond.
Including the five hero stones, this year’s tender totals 58 diamonds weighing 49.39 carats and all graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
Four graded fancy red and another four as purplish red. There were also two violet diamonds and one blue, with the remaining 41 graded pink.
Following the preview held this week in New York, the diamonds will travel to Hong Kong and then come back to New York in September, before returning to Australia where they were mined.
Bids close Oct. 11.
Nestled among the hero stones at Wednesday afternoon’s event in New York was jewelry from boutique diamond company JFine, L.J. West Diamonds--which had on display the 2.83-carat Argyle Violet diamond it purchased from last year’s tender--and one very special pair of earrings.
A “hero” from last year’s tender resurfaced at Wednesday’s event. L.J. West Diamonds purchased the amazing 2.83-carat Argyle Violet and set it in a ring surrounded by 10 round vivid and two heart-shaped Argyle pinks.
Also at the event from JFine, which is an authorized partner of Argyle Pink Diamonds, was this ring with a 0.48-carat fancy purplish-red radiant-cut diamond surrounded by nine pear-shaped white diamonds (2.70 carats total) set in 18-karat white and pink gold.
Also on display at Rio Tinto’s event Wednesday in New York was JFine’s “Argyle Saddle Cuff,” with 3.21 carats of Argyle pink diamonds and 0.98 carats of white diamonds set in 18-karat pink gold
The main stones in the “Argyle Allegro Red Roses” earrings from the Nicholas Sparks Collection are 1.37 carats each, and the pair together contain nearly 10 carats of red diamonds with pink melee, all set in platinum.
The “Argyle Allegro Red Roses” earrings are one of 12 pieces in the new “Nicholas Sparks Collection.” They are set with nearly 10 carats of red diamonds, including the Argyle Allegro, a 0.79-carat fancy red radiant that was part of the 2015 Argyle tender.
And, yes, this is the Nicholas Sparks of “The Notebook” fame.
David Shara, CEO of Optimum Diamonds, a New York-based company that specializes in colored diamonds and works with the author, said that Sparks is a “serious collector” of red diamonds from the Argyle mine; in addition to the 20 set in the Roses earrings, he has “a few dozen more.”
He’s chosen to share his diamonds via a dozen
pieces of jewelry that will go on display in museums in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles and London but won’t be for sale, at least not right away.
“For now,” Shara said, “he has no intention of selling anything.”
“(Sparks) is a collector,” Shara continued. “He is a real collector and connoisseur and investor. He understands, really, that Argyle is closing in (a few) years.
“He says in three years or five years, when Argyle closes, what’ the price going to do? Obviously, it’s going to go up.”
“For now,” Shara said, “he has no intention of selling anything.”
“(Sparks) is a collector,” Shara continued. “He is a real collector and connoisseur and investor. He understands, really, that Argyle is closing in (a few) years.
“He says in three years or five years, when Argyle closes, what’ the price going to do? Obviously, it’s going to go up.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
GradingSep 21, 2023
Retailers Warned About Fraudulent Email Purportedly From GIA The lab confirmed it did not send the message.
AuctionsSep 21, 2023
Hindman Appoints New SVP, Director of Jewelry and WatchesReginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your StaffAwareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.
MajorsSep 21, 2023
Artistry’s 2024 Catalog Has ShippedIt features colored gemstone, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver jewelry styles.
Weekly QuizSep 15, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Lab-GrownSep 20, 2023
Lab-Grown Diamond Outlook: Price Declines Aren’t a Deterrent Some Indian manufacturers think the potential in this young, evolving market outweighs current price concerns.
SourcingSep 20, 2023
New Surat Diamond Bourse To Be World’s Largest Office Complex The massive space spans 7.1 million square feet with more than 4,000 offices and 131 elevators.
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog SolutionsDo you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.
Policies & IssuesSep 20, 2023
Creating a Brighter Future for the Differently Abled GIA is among the supporters of a new school building for children with special needs.
SurveysSep 20, 2023
Why Bain and Deloitte Think Sales Will Grow This Holiday SeasonFrom holiday spending to inflation’s impact, here’s what analysts are forecasting for the season.
MajorsSep 20, 2023
Tiffany Collabs With Fellow LVMH-Owned Rimowa The jeweler and luxury luggage company have teamed up on jewelry cases and a suitcase.
GradingSep 20, 2023
Navneet Gems Introduces Portrait-Cut RubiesThe geometric collection is on view now at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong Show.
AuctionsSep 19, 2023
‘Bleu Royal’ Diamond to Fetch $35M-$50M at Auction The 17.61-carat stone leads Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva this November.
CrimeSep 19, 2023
Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison Following Bear Spray RobberyThe suspect used bear spray to subdue employees and bystanders then stole $800,000 worth of jewelry.
GradingSep 19, 2023
Fuli Gemstones Unveils New Peridot CutThe ‘Fuli Cut’ is based on an antique cushion.
MajorsSep 19, 2023
Norwegian Man Uncovers Ancient Jewels with Metal DetectorThe jewels, including gold rings and pendants, are said to be from 500 A.D.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2023
Grib Diamonds Among Companies Named in Latest Round of SanctionsGrib is the Belgium-based subsidiary of Russian company JSC AGD Diamonds, which also was sanctioned.
SourcingSep 18, 2023
Greenland Ruby Update Confirms Operational Suspension, LayoffsThe company anticipates resuming exploration and mining operations and rehiring staff in 2025.
Events & AwardsSep 18, 2023
New York City Jewelry & Watch Show Announces 2023 Exhibitors The antique and vintage jewelry and watch selling event is scheduled for Oct. 26-29.
AuctionsSep 15, 2023
Men’s Jewelry Takes the Spotlight in Sotheby’s Selling Exhibition Frank Everett curated “For the Boys: A Jewelry Exhibition,” opening in New York City in September.
SourcingSep 15, 2023
‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Is Back Again, Backed by $20M De Beers is putting the emphasis on natural diamonds in Q4 and ending Lightbox’s lab-grown diamond engagement ring test run.
TrendsSep 15, 2023
Piece of the Week: Lindsey Scoggins’ Transformable EarringsThe brand-new style can be worn three ways.
TechnologySep 14, 2023
EBay Is Diving Deeper Into the Pre-Owned Pool The tech company is launching a consignment service for sellers of luxury fashion goods, starting with handbags.
MajorsSep 14, 2023
Kendra Scott Heads to Target With prices starting at $15, the Kendra Scott at Target collection launches next month.
Policies & IssuesSep 14, 2023
The JCK Industry Fund Is Accepting 2024 Grant Applications The fund provides grants to organizations that better the jewelry industry.
MajorsSep 14, 2023
CD Peacock To Offer Jewelry Insurance Through ZillionThe Chicago retailer will now offer in-store customers instant quotes and coverage.
MajorsSep 13, 2023
American Exchange Group Acquires DanecraftThe accessories conglomerate is expanding its reach in the jewelry industry.
