Grading

Leibish wins 7 Argyle stones, will re-polish 2

GradingMay 11, 2016

Leibish wins 7 Argyle stones, will re-polish 2

Israeli diamond company Leibish & Co. placed winning bids for a total of seven diamonds in the 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, including two fancy deep pinks and one fancy vivid. 


From left to right beginning with the top row, Leibish won lots 30, 58, 24 and 61 at the Argyle Pink Diamond Tender, plus lots 62, 17, and 28.
Ramat Gan, Israel--Israeli diamond company Leibish & Co. placed winning bids for a total of seven diamonds in the 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, including two fancy deep pinks and one fancy vivid.

Leibish, which is headquartered in Ramat Gan and specializes in the polishing and re-cutting of natural color diamonds, said it is sending two of the seven diamonds back to the polishing wheel, as it believes it can achieve a better color on both stones.

Leibish won:
-- Lot No. 17, a 0.42-carat heart-shaped fancy deep pink, VS2 clarity
-- Lot. No. 24, a 0.51-carat radiant-cut fancy deep pink, VS2
-- Lot. No. 28, a 0.35-carat round fancy vivid pink, I1
-- Lot. No. 30, a 0.71-carat radiant-cut fancy intense pink, SI2
-- Lot. No. 58, a 0.53-carat heart-shaped fancy intense purplish-pink, I1
-- Lot. No. 61, a 0.68-carat oval-shaped fancy intense purple-pink, SI2
-- Lot. No. 62, a 0.53-carat princess-cut fancy purplish pink, VS1

The company said it plans to cut Lots 17 and 24 from deep pink to fancy red.

Few diamond companies worldwide attempt to improve the hue of natural colored diamonds by re-cutting. Among the most notable in recent history is Graff Diamonds, headed by billionaire diamantaire Laurence Graff. After purchasing the 35.56-carat Wittelsbach Diamond at auction for $24.3 million in December 2008, Graff re-cut the stone to 31.06 carats to improve the color and make the stone internally flawless.

Last year, Leibish won 17 diamonds at the tender, which amounted to 25 percent of the total number of stones for sale.

This year, it took home seven diamonds out of 64, or about 11 percent of the total number of lots offered. Benji Margolese, Leibish’s director of content marketing, said the company does not publicize the prices it paid for the stones.

But he did note that prices at this year’s pink diamonds tender were up like “crazy.”

“We submitted very generous bids and only turned up in the 50th to 60th percentile of the bids submitted for some stones,” Margolese said. “People are aware of the potential of Argyle tender diamonds and (are) paying higher numbers than we are.”

Though it does not give specifics about price paid or buyers,
mining company Rio Tinto released a general overview of its 2013 Argyle Pink Diamonds tender earlier this month.

The company said the sale set two new records: the 1.56-carat “Argyle Phoenix” achieved the highest price per carat ever paid for a diamond from Argyle mine while the “Argyle Dauphine,” a 2.51-carat fancy deep pink, set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a diamond from the mine. The Dauphine also set a new world record price for a fancy deep pink diamond.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
De Beers Group CEO Al Cook
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

Russ Whitehouse
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse Retires

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Pride in the Industry LGBTQ+ Voices in Jewelry panel
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry Voices

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Marie Lichtenberg Smash Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, Literally

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

Katherine Whitacre
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for Southeast

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Lauren K Gemma pendant
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone Trio

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

Overnight Mountings Ring Builder Platform
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder Platform

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 Years

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

Stock image of a person shopping at the grocery store
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

Rebel Jewelry Tunnel Charm
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride Month

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

A Marvelous Journey: The Collection of Maurice Tempelsman
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to Auction

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

Dakota Badia and Nancy Badia
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in Aspen

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

AGS at Peter Yantzer Building dedication
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule Ceremony

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas store
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in September

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About You

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The 1916 Company Coast to Coast Roadshow
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, Again

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

Jessica Alba in Gabriel & Co. campaign
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy