ОРЕАНДА-НОВОСТИ. Rio Tinto’s iconic Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has arrived in London as part of its global showcase of the rarest pink, red and violet diamonds in the world.

Celebrating the launch of its new partnership with storied UK jeweller, Boodles, the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is in London for the first time since HRH Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender comprises 57 pink diamonds, two violet diamonds and four red diamonds and weighs a total of 58.24 carats. The Argyle Violet, a 2.83 oval shaped violet diamond, is the centrepiece of the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. It is the largest violet diamond ever recovered from the Argyle mine, the only source of hydrogen-rich violet diamonds in the world. Violet diamonds are extremely rare – with just 12 carats of polished diamonds coming from the Argyle mine and included in the iconic Tender over 32 years.

Patrick Coppens general manager of sales for Rio Tinto’s diamonds business said “Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine is the first and only ongoing source of rare pink, red and violet diamonds in the world, in history and we are delighted to host the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender in London, where we have a long history in the rare gem collector and jewellery connoisseur markets.”

The history of Argyle pink diamonds in London began three decades ago when famed UK jeweller Laurence Graff purchased an entire Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection, to be used in a single flower brooch. Since then demand for Argyle pink diamonds has escalated, together with an understanding and appreciation of these rare natural treasures and their Australian provenance.

Today Boodles becomes the third Select Atelier of Argyle Pink Diamonds on London’s Bond Street joining iconic Indian designer Nirav Modi and Australian designer Calleija as an elite group of jewellers from around the world with access to a direct supply of Australia’s rare Argyle pink diamonds.

Following its London viewings, The Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender will return to Perth, with bids closing on 12 October 2016.