FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
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
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
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.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
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.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
