IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
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
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
