Global mining giant Rio Tinto has officially launched its highly anticipated 2024 ‘Beyond Rare’ tender, showcasing an exclusive collection of 48 diamond lots. This year’s tender, part of the company’s prestigious Art Series 02 titled ‘Colour Awakened’, features a dazzling array of rare, coloured diamonds. Headlining the event are seven notable diamonds from the now-closed Argyle mine in Australia, marking this as a milestone offering for collectors worldwide. The tender, which includes rare pink, red, and violet diamonds alongside yellow and white diamonds from the Diavik diamond mine in Canada, will be open for bids until November 18.
Historic Argyle Diamonds Take Center Stage
At the heart of the 2024 tender are seven round brilliant-cut diamonds unearthed from the legendary Argyle mine, a source of the world’s finest pink diamonds. These historic gems, ranging from 0.60 carats to 2.63 carats, have been retrieved from private collections and selected specifically for this auction. Sourced as far back as 1987, these diamonds underscore the enduring legacy of Argyle’s production, which ended in 2020. Their rarity and vivid colours are expected to draw significant attention from investors and collectors alike.
Sinead Kaufman, CEO of Rio Tinto Minerals, emphasized the uniqueness of the collection:
“No other mining company in the world has custody of such a kaleidoscope of coloured diamonds. Four years on from the closure of the Argyle mine, our Beyond Rare tender platform is a testimony to the enduring prestige of the Argyle pink diamonds brand, the quality of production from our Diavik mine, and the ongoing demand for highly collectible natural diamonds.”
Art Series 02: ‘Colour Awakened
In addition to the Argyle diamonds, the Art Series 02 includes a diverse selection of coloured diamonds from Rio Tinto’s diamond portfolio. Among these are 32 pink and violet diamonds, including a standout fancy purplish red diamond, and several diamond sets that feature rare yellow diamonds from the Diavik mine. A total of 76 diamonds, weighing 39.44 carats, are part of the tender, showcasing Rio Tinto’s deep inventory and legacy as a leader in coloured diamonds.
Global Showcase and Bidding Process
The diamonds from this tender will be exhibited across four key locations—London, Australia, Singapore, and Belgium—before the bidding window closes on November 18. With demand for coloured diamonds remaining strong in luxury markets, this tender provides a rare opportunity for collectors and investors to acquire some of the world’s most sought-after gems.
Rio Tinto’s 2024 ‘Beyond Rare’ tender continues to build on the prestige of its diamond business, featuring historic and rare diamonds that celebrate the legacy of the Argyle mine and the Diavik mine’s ongoing contribution. As the global showcase begins, the tender’s closing date in November will likely see a surge of interest from collectors vying for a piece of diamond history.
