End of an Era: Rio Tinto Concludes Its Final ‘Beyond Rare’ Diamond Tender
Rio Tinto has concluded its final Beyond Rare™ diamond tender, marking the end of an era for rare coloured diamonds from the Argyle Mine (Australia) and Diavik Mine (Canada). The tender featured 52 lots, including six “Masterpieces,” with highlights such as Argyle’s last pink, red, and violet diamonds and notable Diavik white diamonds. Collectors and jewellers worldwide participated, and with Argyle closed and Diavik winding down, these diamonds are now even rarer, cementing their legacy as some of the world’s most extraordinary gems.
A Legacy of Exceptional Diamonds
For decades, Rio Tinto has been synonymous with some of the world’s rarest coloured diamonds, primarily sourced from the Argyle Mine in Western Australia and the Diavik Mine in Canada. With Argyle’s closure in 2020 and Diavik slated to cease production by 2026, this final tender represents the closing chapter of a remarkable journey in diamond mining.
Highlights from the Final Tender
The last collection featured 52 lots totalling 45.44 carats, including six “Masterpieces” showcasing the very best from both mines. Notable highlights included:
- Argyle’s last available pink, red, and violet diamonds — hues celebrated worldwide for their extreme rarity.
- A standout “Lot 1” containing a pair of Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink pear-shaped diamonds alongside a 5.11 carat Flawless D emerald-cut Diavik white diamond.
- The only Fancy Red diamond in the final offering, secured by a Japanese collector, highlighting the global demand for these extraordinary gems.
Global Interest and Collector Enthusiasm
The tender attracted strong interest from collectors and jewellers worldwide, including Europe, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the Middle East. Japan, with its long-standing appreciation for Argyle diamonds, showed particularly vigorous bidding activity.
Why This Matters
The conclusion of Rio Tinto’s final tender signifies more than just a business milestone. It underscores the rarity and historical significance of Argyle and Diavik diamonds, ensuring that these exceptional gems will become increasingly precious to collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
As coloured diamonds from these iconic mines become rarer, they carry not just beauty, but also heritage and legacy — qualities that continue to make them highly coveted around the world.
Information credit: Diamond World