Rio Tinto to Sell Final Argyle Specials

RAPAPORT… Rio Tinto will launch a tender of large rough diamonds, including the last of its special stones from the Argyle deposit in Australia.

The miner will feature 28,399 carats of special-sized rough — weighing more than 10.8 carats — from Argyle at the sale, which will take place in October and November, Rio Tinto said Tuesday. Colored diamonds from the site, which is due to close at the end of the year, as well as a 26-carat, gem-quality rough, will also be available.


“The Argyle rough diamonds presented at this tender are a final rare and collectible offering from one of the world’s greatest diamond mines,” noted Andrew Wilson, general manager of Argyle.



Rio Tinto will also offer large diamonds from its Diavik mine in Canada, including the Diavik Helios, which will headline the sale. The 74.48-carat, fancy-yellow diamond was named for the pure yellow sunlight emitted by the mythical Greek sun god.



“The Diavik Helios is an exceptional diamond in terms of its color saturation and clarity, and will be in strong demand from colored-diamond specialists around the world,” said Patrick Coppens, general manager of sales and marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamond business.



The company will showcase the diamonds physically in Antwerp and Tel Aviv, Israel, prior to the sale. It will also hold virtual and online viewings due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, it said. 



Image: The 74.48-carat Diavik Helios (top); the 26-carat Argyle diamond (inset). (Rio Tinto)