Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine is closing – how will this impact the supply of pink diamonds, and what new jewellery designs feature stones from the mine? – Video
Will these rosy gems remain among the most collectible in the world as the Argyle era nears the end?
Demand for and the price of pink diamonds continue to rise as Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in Australia nears the end. Argyle’s production accounts for 90 per cent of the world’s pink diamond supply, but its closure at the end of 2020 will place a greater premium than ever on Argyle pinks and other pink diamonds.
Graeme Thompson, worldwide head of jewels at Phillips auction, tells us why he thinks these rosy gems will remain among the most collectible in the world and what the end of the Argyle era means for the supply of pink diamonds.
The jewellery expert tells us what makes a good pink diamond and some of the factors to consider if you decide to add one to your collection. While the 4Cs (cut, clarity, carat and colour) determine the value of white diamonds, we learn that where a pink diamond falls on the colour spectrum is of paramount importance.
We also get up close and personal with Phillips’ Argyle Pink Diamond Project, where the auction house teamed up with Sarah Ho and other designers to create jewellery designs with stones from a mine that will soon close.
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