OREANDA-NEWS. Rio Tinto’s iconic Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, comprising 65 of the world’s rarest pink and red diamonds, is being showcased in Hong Kong as part of its global tour.

The spectacular collection is attracting global demand, with strong interest from collectors, connoisseurs, and luxury jewellers gathered in Hong Kong for its annual watch and jewellery fair.

The 2015 Tender, known as the “Connoisseur’s Collection”, weighs a total of 44.14 carats and includes four Fancy Red diamonds. The collection comprises five “hero” diamonds selected for their unique beauty and named to ensure there is a permanent record of their contribution to the history of the world’s most important diamonds.

Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals chief executive Alan Davies said “It is wonderful to bring such a magnificent diamond collection to Hong Kong and to see the genuine excitement for this truly rarefied segment of the global diamond market.

“The Chinese market is very important to Rio Tinto’s diamonds business and showcasing the rarest pink and red diamonds in Hong Kong is an important part of our world tour.”

Almost the entire world supply of rare pink and red diamonds come from Rio Tinto’s Argyle diamond mine in the remote east Kimberley region of Western Australia. Today, the Argyle pink diamond is one of the few gemstones identified by its unique origins with a colour range resulting from a rare combination of intense heat and pressure occurring below the earth’s surface some 1.6 billion years ago.

Argyle Pink Diamonds manager, Josephine Johnson said “The four Fancy Red diamonds in the 2015 collection are at the pinnacle of rarity, and with their beautiful red colour - a symbol of good fortune - they are capturing the imagination of the Chinese market.”

The names of some of the best diamonds in the Tender have been inspired by the world of ballet in recognition of Argyle Pink Diamonds partnership with The Australian Ballet. They are:

  • Argyle Prima™ - a 1.20 carat Fancy Red pear shaped diamond coveted for its unique combination of size, shape, colour and clarity which is rarely seen in the rarefied fancy coloured diamond world
  • Argyle Aurora™ - a 1.47 carat Fancy Red oval shaped diamond, named in honour of Princess Aurora from The Sleeping Beauty
  • Argyle Allegro™ - a 0.79 carat Fancy Red radiant shaped diamond, named after the brisk and lively ballet movement and reminiscent of the red colour dancing within this diamond
  • Argyle Spectre™ - a 1.93 carat Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink shield shaped diamond. The vibrant pink colour and strong shape of this diamond is inspired by the ballet Le Spectre de la rose
  • Argyle ?lev?™ - 1.44 carat Fancy Intense Pink emerald shaped diamond, inspired by the ballet movement of rising high without bending and reflecting of the perfect long lines and elegance of the emerald shape

Following the invitation-only Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender viewings in Hong Kong, the diamonds will travel to New York and then head back to Australia. Tender bids close on 21 October 2015.