Rio Tinto has unveiled its largest fancy red diamond in the history of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, which is also the second biggest stone of this colour to ever be discovered.
During a world exclusive preview in New York, Rio Tinto showcased the rare 2.11carat, polished radiant cut diamond, known as The Argyle Everglow.
The red diamond is the centrepiece of the 2017 Arygle Pink Diamonds Tender – an annual showcase of the rarest diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine.
Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds chief executive, Arnaud Soirat, comments: “We are delighted to announce this historic diamond at our Tender preview, a testament to the unique Argyle ore-body that continues to produce the world’s rarest gems.”
Unprecedented in size, colour and clarity, The Argyle Everglow has been assessed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a notable diamond with a grade of Fancy Red VS2.
Red is the rarest colour of diamond, and in the 33-year history of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender there have been less than 20 carats of Fancy Red certified diamonds sold. The Fancy Red Argyle Everglow is the second largest known Fancy Red diamond in the world, trumped only by the legendary Moussaieff Red which is 5.11 carats.
“The Argyle Everglow represents rarity within rarity and will drive global demand from collectors and connoisseurs in search of the incomparable,” says Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson.
The Everglow is the centre piece for Rio Tinto’s Pink Diamond Tender showcase.
The 2017 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender is named ‘Custodians of Rare Beauty’ in honour of its rich provenance and honourable pedigree.
The 58 diamonds in the Tender weigh a total of 49.39 carats – including four fancy red diamonds, four purplish red diamonds, two violet diamonds, and one blue diamond.
SOURCE:http://www.professionaljeweller.com/rio-tinto-unveils-largest-ever-red-diamond/
