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
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
