SourcingOct 28, 2019
Up, Up, and Away: The Rise in Natural Colored Diamond PricesSourcingMay 27, 2021
Last Lots: See the Diamonds in the Final Argyle Pink Tender
The five “hero” stones include the largest fancy intense pink in the tender’s history.
PHOTO These are the final five “hero” diamonds from the Argyle mine. They are, from left to right, the Argyle Stella, Solaris, Eclipse, Lumiere and Boheme.
PHOTO Alongside the reds, pinks and purples, Rio Tinto is selling 41 lots of blue and violet diamonds totaling nearly 25 carats. It’s calling the collection “Once in a Blue Moon.”
Sydney—After 38 years, the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is on its last lots.
The mine that produced the tender’s increasingly sought-after red, pink, purple, and blue stones closed at the end of 2020, bringing to an end the annual invitation-only sale of some of the world’s rarest diamonds.
One U.S. diamond dealer who’s been buying Argyle diamonds since the late ‘80s likened the closing of the mine to the loss of a great artist.
“It is very special, especially to the people who are experts,” Larry West, president of L.J. West Diamonds Inc., said in an interview with National Jeweler last year.
“It’s a sad moment. It’s the equivalent of a great artist dying, as far as I’m concerned.”
Related stories will be right here …
The mine that produced the tender’s increasingly sought-after red, pink, purple, and blue stones closed at the end of 2020, bringing to an end the annual invitation-only sale of some of the world’s rarest diamonds.
One U.S. diamond dealer who’s been buying Argyle diamonds since the late ‘80s likened the closing of the mine to the loss of a great artist.
“It is very special, especially to the people who are experts,” Larry West, president of L.J. West Diamonds Inc., said in an interview with National Jeweler last year.
“It’s a sad moment. It’s the equivalent of a great artist dying, as far as I’m concerned.”
The 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender consists of 70 diamonds weighing a total of 81.63 carats.
Of those, 43 (about 60 percent) are larger than a carat, a record number for the tender, Rio Tinto said.
As it does each year, the miner is highlighting a handful of the biggest and most beautiful diamonds in the sale.
Dubbed “hero” stones, they are: the Argyle Eclipse, a 3.47-carat fancy intense pink; Argyle Stella, a 1.79-carat fancy vivid purplish pink; Argyle Lumiere, a 2.03-carat fancy deep pink; Argyle Solaris, a 2.05-carat fancy intense pink; and the Argyle Bohème, a 1.01-carat fancy red diamond.
Being offered alongside the tender are 41 lots of blue and violet diamonds totaling 24.88 carats. The group is called “Once in a Blue Moon.”
There are 17 GIA-graded single stones and 24 groups of curated blue and violet diamonds. Buyers can bid on lots individually or the group collectively, Rio Tinto said.
The Eclipse is a 3.47-carat radiant-cut diamond that’s fancy intense pink in color. Rio Tinto said it’s the largest fancy intense pink diamond ever offered at its tender.
This 1.79-carat radiant-cut fancy vivid purplish pink diamond is named Stella.
The Lumiere, a 2.03-carat fancy deep pink diamond that’s a square radiant cut
This radiant-cut fancy intense pink is the Solaris. It weighs 2.05 carats.
The Bohème, a 1.01-carat radiant-cut fancy red
Alluvial mining began at Argyle, which is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, in 1983 and open-pit mining in 1985. The mine went fully underground in 2013.
Over the years, prices for the rare natural color diamonds the mine produces have climbed continuously.
Rio Tinto never releases prices paid for individual stones or the tender total, but it has provided some information on the rising value of the diamonds over the years.
Last year, Rio Tinto said the value of Argyle pink diamonds has appreciated more than 500 percent in the past 20 years, outperforming all major equity markets.
On Wednesday, Joseph Namdar, managing director of Namdar Inc., which specializes in colored diamonds, said he expects this final sale to set new record prices across the board, surpassing any of Rio Tinto’s past pink tenders.
“There is very strong global demand for their pink and red diamonds that is far greater than the supply, which is now said [by Rio Tinto] to be coming to an end,” he said.
Rio Tinto will showcase the 2021 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender in Perth and Sydney, Australia; Antwerp; and Singapore, with viewings subject to COVID-19 protocols in each location.
Bids close Sept 1.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
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.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
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.
