Argyle Pink Diamonds : Rare Pink Diamonds

September 19, 2023

People have had a long love affair with pink diamonds. The romance associated with the pink gemstone has made it a popular centerpiece in jewelry. Celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, Mariah Carey, and Blake Lively have all been gifted pink diamond rings from their partners. Of all the colored diamonds in the world, Argyle pink diamonds are among the rarest and most sought-after. he allure of the pink diamond engagement ring is not just confined to its beauty.

This is evident when A-list celebrities choose pink diamond engagement rings to mark their special moments. The pink emerald cut, with its elongated and elegant facets, or the charming pink oval set in a halo ring, exemplifies sophistication and timeless appeal. Diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine are particularly coveted, as they represent the pinnacle of rarity and distinction in the pink diamond world.

 

The Argyle Diamond Mine

The Argyle Diamond Mine, located in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia, held a significant position in the world of rare pink diamonds. This mine, operated by Rio Tinto, was an iconic source of these exquisite gems until its closure in November 2020. 

argyle pink diamonds mine australia

Here are some key facts about the Argyle Diamond Mine:

The Argyle Diamond Mine once proudly produced a staggering 90% of the world's pink diamonds, cementing its reputation as the primary source for these captivating gems.

During its remarkable 37-year run, the mine yielded over 865 million carats of rough diamonds. However, only a mere 5% of these diamonds possessed the coveted gem quality. Among this select few, approximately 80% are brown diamonds, 15% are yellow, 4% are colorless, and a mere 1% shines in enchanting shades of pink, red, blue, or violet - colors that are exceptionally rare.

Over the past four decades, Australian pink diamonds from the Argyle mine consistently commanded the highest prices among all pink diamonds, owing to their unparalleled beauty and scarcity.


Why Are Argyle Diamonds So Special?

Rare Argyle pink diamonds are renowned for their intense and vivid hues. The color spectrum of these gems stands unmatched when compared to loose pink diamonds from other origins. The profound richness of their shades renders the Argyle diamonds uniquely enchanting and highly sought after.

Many gemologists believe these diamonds' unique color qualities result from their formation within Lamproite, a volcanic rock known for its influence on diamond coloration. This unique environment plays a pivotal role in influencing the diamond's coloration. The presence of specific trace elements and conditions within Lamproite can lead to the development of the distinctive pink and purplish-pink hues seen in Argyle diamonds.

Buy this 0.40 carat round cut Argyle pink diamond

PINK Diamond, 0.40 Carat, ROUND Shape, I1 Clarity

 

Grading Argyle Pink Diamonds and GIA

The Argyle Diamond Mine had its own meticulous color grading system, akin to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), which evaluates diamonds based on color hue, color intensity, and other quality factors. The grading system consists of four categories: purplish pink (PP), pink rose (PR), pink (P), and pink champagne (PC). 

Each stone is further assigned an intensity rating ranging from 1 (highest) to 9 (lowest). Additionally, all Argyle diamonds above 0.08 carat come with their own certificate, a comprehensive color grading report, and a laser inscription.

It's not uncommon to find Argyle pinks with certifications from the Argyle Diamond Mine and GIA.

Consider this 0.25 carat pear cut Argyle pink diamond

PINK Diamond, 0.25 Carat, PEAR Shape, SI1 Clarity

 

Why Are Argyle Pink Diamonds So Expensive?

Argyle pink diamonds boast a premium price tag compared to other pink diamonds due to their perceived prestige, much like luxury brands in the fashion world. The primary factor influencing their pricing is the intensity of the stone's color - the more vibrant and intense the color, the higher the price.

With the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine, coupled with sustained high demand, the prices for these exquisite gems continue to rise. As a point of comparison, a 1-carat fancy pink diamond might be priced between $140,000 and $180,000, depending on its quality and color. In contrast, a similar-sized Argyle pink diamond could fetch well over $200,000, reflecting the rarity and desirability of these gems.

How much is a pink argyle diamond worth?

Diamonds have always been revered as symbols of luxury and opulence. Among these precious stones, Pink Diamonds from Australia's Mine stand out for their unique patterns and unmatched beauty, especially the coveted pink variants. Derived from the presence of nitrogen within the crystal lattice, the rare pink hue of an Argyle diamond ranges from a delicate light pink to a deep pink or even a fancy intense purplish pink diamond shade. 

Such variations in color make them highly sought after in the Argyle Pink Diamond Tender, a prestigious annual event showcasing the world's most extraordinary natural pink diamonds. Considering their rarity and the intense demand, the value of an Australian Argyle pink diamond can command staggering prices. If you're in pursuit of something truly exceptional, either for a piece of jewelry or a heartfelt gift, investing in a natural pink diamond could be a brilliant choice.


Are Argyle Pink Diamonds A Good Investment?

Argyle pink diamonds have proven themselves as a solid investment over the years. Since their discovery, their prices have never experienced a decline. With the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine, dwindling supplies of other pink diamond sources, and sustained demand, the value of these gems continues to surge.

Both loose Argyle diamonds and Argyle Pink Diamond jewelry represent excellent investments that can be passed down through generations. Much like other diamonds, these gems are highly durable and immune to wear and tear. Their enduring beauty and scarcity make them a timeless and valuable addition to any diamond investment portfolio or jewelry collection.

Invest in this 0.20 carat princess cut Argyle pink diamond

PINK Diamond, 0.20 Carat, PRINCESS Shape, SI2 Clarity

Argyle Australian pink diamonds are not just exquisite gemstones; they are symbols of rarity, prestige, and enduring love. Whether you're a collector, an investor, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of these gems, Argyle pink diamonds offer a unique and captivating opportunity in the world of fine jewelry and investments.

are argyle pink diamonds increasing in value

The closure of the Argyle Mine, responsible for nearly 90% of the world’s pink diamond supply, has rocked the diamond industry. Notably, the first Argyle diamonds, recognized for their fancy vivid purplish pink shades, have become even more sought-after. In 2019, mining at Argyle showed a decline, producing only 80% of its usual pink diamonds. This dip in production has been described by Argyle experts as a significant contributor to the surge in value.

Today, the fancy vivid purplish pink and intense pink diamond varieties from the mine have seen price hikes of 20-30% annually. With each diamond certificate indicating the diamond's grade, it's evident that diamonds are graded with higher value when their hue leans towards the unique fancy purplish tones. The collection of Argyle diamonds, renowned for their distinct shades, will undoubtedly fetch even higher prices in the future. Unless a new source is found, the legacy of the first Argyle diamonds and the decreasing supply will cause prices to soar astronomically.

Can pink diamonds be made in a lab? 

Can pink diamonds be made in a lab? Yes, lab grown pink diamonds can be created. However, there's a significant difference in the value and perception between natural and lab-grown diamonds. Natural diamond, especially those with fancy vivid pink or fancy deep pink diamond hues, have seen their prices skyrocket. In contrast, pink lab diamonds, despite having a range of pink diamond shades from faint pink to more intense hues, are sinking in value. De Beers introduced their Lightbox brand, offering lab-grown diamonds at affordable prices, suggesting it's only a matter of time before all synthetic diamonds lose their worth. 

One might wonder: if natural and lab-grown stones have the same chemical composition, why such a price gap? It's akin to the disparity between natural Bulgarian rose oil and its synthetic counterpart, where the natural variant is valued 35x more. Just as a real, natural fancy red diamond recently sold for about $1 million, natural fancy pink diamonds maintain their allure and unmatched value. So, while lab-grown pink diamonds offer an alternative at a reduced price, they can't match the rarity and prestige of their natural counterparts. As the saying goes, "diamonds are forever," emphasizing the timeless appeal of natural stones.


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