Rio Tinto has unveiled the largest fancy red diamond in the history of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, during a world exclusive preview in New York. The 2.11-carat polished radiant cut diamond, known as The Argyle Everglow, is the dazzling centrepiece of the 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender — an annual showcase of the rarest diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine.
Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds chief executive Arnaud Soirat said, “We are delighted to announce this historic diamond at our tender preview, a testament to the unique Argyle ore-body that continues to produce the world’s rarest gems.”
The Argyle Everglow has been assessed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a notable diamond with a grade of Fancy Red VS2. In the 33-year history of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender there have been less than 20 carats of Fancy Red certified diamonds sold.
The ‘hero’ stones of the 2017 Argyle Pink Diamond Tender
The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is named ‘Custodians of Rare Beauty’ in honour of its rich provenance and honourable pedigree. The 58 diamonds in the Tender weigh a total of 49.39 carats and four fancy red diamonds, four purplish red diamonds, two violet diamonds, and one blue diamond.
The collection comprises five “hero” diamonds selected for their unique beauty and named to ensure there is a permanent record of them. The five are the 2.11-carat radiant cut Argyle Everglow fancy red, the 1.14-carat radiant cut Argyle Isla fancy red, the 2.42-carat cushion cut Argyle Avaline fancy purple-pink, the 1.5-carat oval Argyle Kalina fancy deep pink, and the 0.91-carat radiant cut Argyle Liberté fancy deep grey-violet.
The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender will be showcased in New York, Hong Kong and Perth, with bids closing on October 11.
https://www.gemkonnect.com/news/largest-fancy-red-ever-argyle-pink-diamond-tender