First State has recently launched an auction featuring rare pink diamonds from the now-closed Argyle mine in Western Australia.
Highlight of the Auction: The 0.94-Carat Pink Diamond
The star of the auction is a 0.94-carat radiant-cut fancy intense pink diamond with VS1 clarity, estimated to sell for between $700,000 to $800,000 .
This diamond, graded 6P on the Argyle Pink Diamond Colour Guide, was part of the final Argyle Pink Tender in 2021, a collection of 70 diamonds representing the best of the mine’s last production year.
Gemologist Riya Takaya of First State Auctions highlighted the exceptional nature of the stone: “This is an absolutely stunning pink diamond. This is from the final tender sale Argyle provided to their very exclusive clients from around the world, which was only ever by invitation. So this is a very rare opportunity to buy the best of the best out of the retail world.”
Ari Taibel, director at First State Auctions, expressed the significance of this event: “We are honoured to present this extraordinary diamond to the world. The rarity and historical significance of this Argyle Tender Diamond make it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The legacy of the Argyle Diamond Mine and its exceptional diamonds will forever be remembered, and this auction allows us to celebrate that legacy.”
Additional Argyle Pink Diamonds on Offer
In addition to the headline diamond, the auction features five loose Argyle diamonds from the estate of Graham Jackson, founder of Loloma Jewellers. These stones include:
- A 0.33-carat round brilliant-cut fancy deep pink champagne diamond with PC3 colour and P1 clarity.
- A 0.50-carat radiant-cut pink diamond with 4BP colour and SI2 clarity.
- A 1.14-carat emerald-cut pink diamond with PC2 colour and SI2 clarity.
- A 1.14-carat round brilliant-cut pink diamond with 3PR colour and P1 clarity.
- A 1-carat radiant-cut pink diamond with 2BP colour and SI1 clarity.
The Significance of Argyle Pink Diamonds
The Argyle mine, which operated from 1983 to 2020, was one of the few sources of pink diamonds in the world. Over its operational years, the mine produced 865 million carats of rough diamonds, but less than one percent of these were pink. The annual Argyle Pink Diamond Signature Tender showcased the most exceptional diamonds, making this auction particularly significant.
Bidders can participate online or view the collection in person by appointment. For more information and to register, please visit the First State Auctions website.
