(PRESS RELEASE) Rio Tinto has unveiled the latest heirloom piece of Argyle Pink Diamonds jewelry, featuring one of the last diamonds to be mined from the Argyle mine in the East Kimberley, Western Australia. Exclusively designed by Western Australian jeweler Solid Gold Diamonds, the Argyle Rose is notable for featuring a total of 3.25 carats of rare Argyle pink and blue diamonds encrusted in a rose motif, surrounded by white diamonds and hand-set in platinum and 18K gold.
The heart of this unique jewelry piece is an extremely rare 1.36 carat, Fancy Deep Pink radiant cut diamond. It is just one of twelve radiant cut diamonds over one carat with a color grading, 1P, from the last 30 years of production from Argyle. The surrounding petaled design of pink and blue Argyle Diamonds totals 1.89 carats, together with 2.80 carats of white diamonds. The Argyle Rose can be worn as a ring or statement pendant and is available for sale for A$2 million.
Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Minerals said “I am delighted to launch the Argyle Rose. Encapsulating a rich history and an extraordinary provenance, it is both a contemporary treasure and an heirloom for tomorrow.
“These rare and precious diamonds are one and a half billion years old, from one of the most beautiful places on earth, and the world is simply not producing them anymore.”
The Argyle Rose has been created as part of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon Partner program, which aims to preserve the provenance and integrity of Argyle Pink Diamonds since the mine completed production in November 2020. Led by international jewelers renowned for their unique and captivating vision, the program honors the world’s most valuable diamonds through world-class craftsmanship and evocative design. Each creation represents the ultimate in rarity and collectability.
Peter Greene, Executive Chairman of Solid Gold Diamonds said ““As a pioneer custodian of Argyle pink diamonds, it was incredibly humbling to be asked to design a true generational heirloom for the Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon program. Solid Gold Diamonds has built a strong partnership with Argyle Pink Diamonds over the past three decades. During this time, we have had the privilege of transforming these precious pink diamonds into coveted jewelry pieces. The Argyle Rose design signifies the pinnacle of our long-standing relationship.”
The Argyle Rose will be available for sale through Solid Gold Diamonds, located in Perth.
In November 2020 mining ceased at Argyle, after 37 years of operations and producing more than 865 million carats of rough diamonds.