(Press Release)
JFine, in conjunction with Argyle Pink Diamonds, has announced the expansion of a luxury jewelry program in the U.S. market, featuring Australian pink diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine.
Retailers in the program have been awarded the status of “Argyle Pink Diamond Select Atelier,” ensuring a regular supply of rare Argyle pink diamonds for their jewelry collections.
In recognition of this milestone, a $20 million showcase of these limited edition jewelry collections was presented to an exclusive group of journalist and jewelry influencers at JFine’s corporate office in New York, along with a private viewing of the hero diamonds from the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.
“When it comes to fine jewelry, Argyle pink diamonds are in a class of their own, much like the Ateliers that now carry the Argyle branded pink diamonds,” said Jordan Fine, president of JFine Diamonds. “The Ateliers will partner these rare miracles of nature with metal and master craftsmanship to produce inspirational jewelry unlike any other.”
Access to the full range of rare Argyle pink diamonds will provide the opportunity for these Ateliers to create statement designs that will be heirlooms for future generations. From rare and collectable bespoke pieces to more fashion-oriented looks such as stacking bands, pendants and rings, the range of collections created with Argyle pink diamonds will appeal to a broad range of fashion sensibilities during the upcoming year.
The U.S. Select Ateliers welcomed to the program at the event were London Jewelers, Hyde Park and Traditional, adding to the existing Ateliers, Barmakian, Bachendorfs, Americus, Betteridge, Rosenberg Diamonds and Tappers. These Ateliers contribute to the design of a number of jewelry pieces, and carry limited collections in their stores including the popular Azalea and Diamond Halo collections.
“We could not be more thrilled to join this international network of exclusive jewelers who have a direct relationship with Argyle Pink Diamonds,” said Michael Pollak, CEO of Hyde Park Jewelers and Traditional Jewelers, newly elected Select Ateliers of Argyle. “Being an Atelier allows us to meet the ever-increasing demand from our discerning clientele for exquisite fine jewelry with ethically sourced pink diamonds. Our clients will also respond to the fact that the chain of custody from mine to our store cases is unbroken.”
A statement ring was unveiled at the event, named the Divine Lotus, the bespoke piece features a 1.45-carat Fancy Intense Pink oval diamond, the third largest tender stone, from the 2015 Tender. Valued at over $1 million, the Divine Lotus ring features over 3.54 carats of pink diamonds and one carat of blue diamonds from the Argyle mine. The Divine Lotus will go on a national tour to each Select Atelier over the upcoming months.
The 2016 Tender featuring 63 one-of-a-kind diamonds with a total weight of 58.24 carats, is an unprecedented spectrum of color, size and clarity. On display at the event were the five “hero” diamonds selected for their unique beauty, including The Argyle Violet, a 2.83 carat Fancy Deep Grayish Bluish Violet oval—the largest violet diamond unearthed from the Argyle mine — and Argyle Thea, a 2.24 carat Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink radiant.
Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said, “The ever increasing rarity of Argyle pink diamonds continues to drive global demand from those in search of incomparable beauty. We are thrilled that the U.S, as the largest jewelry market in the world, is represented by the highest caliber of luxury jewelry retailers with a national footprint, and supported by our Authorised Partner, JFine.”