Rio Tinto launches exclusive sales tender celebrating pink, red and yellow diamonds

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has launched a new exclusive sales event celebrating the extraordinary rare masterpieces of nature.

Known as The Beyond Rare Tender, the collection showcases 48 lots of polished diamonds, including pink and red diamonds from the Argyle diamond mine and yellow diamonds from Rio’s Diavik diamond mine.

Rio Tinto chief executive Sinead Kaufman says this tender is a new chapter for the company.

“The Beyond Rare Tender is a new chapter for Rio Tinto’s diamonds business and a testimony to the ongoing demand for highly collectible natural diamonds,” she said.

“Rio Tinto has a rich history of innovative diamond sales and marketing events and this carefully curated collection of rare jewels will be in strong demand by the world’s finest jewellers, collectors and diamond connoisseurs.” 

Titled Art Series, a total of 48 lots will be showcased in Australia, Switzerland and Belgium across the invitation-only event. Bids to showcase the diamonds close on November 20, 2023.

The first collection of The Art Series comprises 87 diamonds weighing 29.96 carats in total and includes seven ‘Masterpieces’ comprising sets of Argyle pink diamonds and yellow Diavik diamonds selected for their unique beauty and accompanied by bespoke artwork.

A rarified offering of 11 perfectly matched pairs of coloured diamonds and 30 single diamonds, including a red Argyle diamond, will also be on display.

Rio Tinto’s diamond business general manager of sales and marketing Patrick Coppens commented on the event.

“The market fundamentals that drive value appreciation for Argyle pink and red diamonds have never been stronger — a combination of severely constrained supply, with the closure of Argyle, and unwavering global demand for truly scarce gems,” he said.

“The inclusion in the inaugural Beyond Rare Tender of two fancy intense yellow diamond from Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine, located beneath a frozen lake in the barren lands of Northern Canada, is a beautiful counterpoint to the pink and red Argyle diamonds from the remote East Kimberley region of WA.

“Yellow diamonds make up less than 1% of Diavik’s production, a rarity in a diamond mine otherwise known for its highly coveted white diamond production.”