Investing in Argyle Pink Diamonds

The allure of pink diamonds is intensifying as the world’s largest mine of the sought-after gem prepares to close this year.

Since their arrival on the world stage, Argyle pink diamonds have thrilled, seduced and inspired jewellers and collectors around the world. The Argyle Diamond Mine, located in Western Australia, is the world’s only consistent source of pink diamonds, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s pink diamond supply; although this treasure trove will not continue in perpetuity. This year, in 2020, the Argyle Mine will cease production of pink diamonds.

“I would rather have my money in rare diamonds, than in stocks or a bank.”
HENRI BARGUIRDJIAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO GRAFF USA, ROBB REPORT

With the eruption of interest from investors and collectors to purchase some of the remaining available Argyle pink diamonds, there is much to be considered. As an Argyle Pink Diamond Select Atelier™, appointed by Argyle as an industry authority, Rohan Milne with Argyle Pink Diamonds, offers insight for those in pursuit of a purchase that encapsulates qualities such as beauty, rarity, investment and eternity.

THE MARKET FOR PINK DIAMONDS
The market for pink diamonds is quite separate to white diamonds, and due to their rarity, pink diamonds typically command prices far in excess of their colourless counterparts.

To put this rarity into perspective, of the approximately 20 million carats produced from the Argyle Diamond Mine, less than 1% are pink. Rarity, uniqueness and a finite nature drive the value of the Argyle pink diamond in much the same manner as art.

To own an argyle pink diamond is to be the custodian of an unsurpassed heirloom; to gaze upon it is to view unfathomable beauty; to give one is to impart a gift that is truly beyond rare.

A QUESTION OF COLOUR
There are three important factors to understanding the colour of pink diamonds: hue, tone and saturation.

Hue is the dominant colour of the diamond. Sometimes there are modifying colours or tints that affect hue. For example, a Purplish Pink graded diamond has the dominant colour of pink with the modifier of purple.

Tone is the amount of light or darkness in the diamond. The range of tone extends from light to dark.

Saturation is the strength or intensity of hue. The saturation of light in diamonds can vary from light pastel to intense and vivid. The more intense or saturated the colour, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.

All About Colour. For fancy coloured diamonds, the ‘C’ for colour typically outweighs the other three Cs (clarity, cut and carat weight) in determination of value. This certainly applies to Argyle oink diamonds, as the value commonly increases along with the intensity of colour. While clarity and the presence of fluorescence may ordinarily impact the value of white diamonds, these characteristics are less of a consideration in the value determination of Argyle pink diamonds.

The presence of colour in pink diamonds remains a mystery, but it is certain that it is not derived from a predominant trace element or impurity. In the case of Argyle pink diamonds, it is thought that extraordinary pressure more than 160 kilometres below ground raised the diamonds to the surface and it has been established that the twist in the crystal lattice is present in all pink diamonds, refracting light and producing colour. Levels of nitrogen appear to also be important, with lower levels favouring pink colours.

Fancy red is the most coveted colour and only a handful ever see the light of day. Less than 3% of all tender diamonds have received a Red GIA classification.

GIA GRADING
The Gemological Institute of America grades pink diamonds by both colour and clarity, with colour categories ranging from Faint Pink through to rare colours such as Fancy Deep Pink and Fancy Red.

WORKS OF ART
When global financial markets show volatility and instability, affluent collectors around the world continue to seek out true rarity and diversify into hard assets. Much like fine art and antiques, Argyle pink diamonds fulfil these criteria, and as supply dwindles, international collectors continue to acquire these rare pieces for their personal holdings.

Parallels are often made with Argyle pink diamonds and fine art – not only because each polished stone is in itself a work of art, but due to the allure and perpetual value associated with both. Historically fine art and Argyle pink diamonds have sustained their worth and each maintained their status as a definitive collectable, regardless of market conditions.

Fine jewellery, especially that featuring fancy coloured diamonds, is renowned as one of the top investments of passion globally, along with other collectable luxury assets.

Argyle Pink, Blue and White Diamond Ring. Handcrafted in platinum and 18ct rose gold, this stunning ring features a rare pear shape Argyle Pink Diamond acquired the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. This vibrant diamond is surrounded by a halo of Argyle blue and brilliant white diamonds. POA.

AUTHENTICITY AND ASSURED PROVENANCE
From the moment a rough Argyle pink diamond is unearthed from the Argyle Diamond Mine until the time it is offered for purchase as a polished stone, the remarkable collectable is upheld by professional vigilance and dedicated care.

Rohan Jewellers is part of a global network of specially appointed Authorised Partners and Select Ateliers. We are committed to standards of care and ensure the chain of custody of every Argyle pink diamond remains intact. As an Argyle Pink Diamond Select Atelier™, we are counted on as the most trusted jewellers in the industry, relied on for our unerring quality, integrity, and spectacular creativity. Most importantly, we share a passion for perfection that is the quest for the absolute.

THE PINK DIAMOND TENDER
As an Argyle Pink Diamond Select Atelier™, Rohan Jewellers is invited to partake in the annual Pink Diamond Tender, offered annually and exclusively to only Select Ateliers. We offer investing advice and can bid on tender stones on your behalf, granting you access to the tender stones released that year.

Each year the prestigious Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender showcases a number of masterpiece diamonds that have been named in keeping with their place of history, and of desirability for the very beautiful and rare.

It is important to note that there are a number retail sources that advertise and offer Argyle pink diamonds for sale. However, Rio Tinto’s assurance regarding responsible sourcing and chain of custody can only be provided in relation to Argyle pink diamonds that are purchased from the Select Atelier network, including Rohan Jewellers and cannot be provided in relation to diamonds sold by other retailers.

View our Argyle Pink Diamond Loose Stone and Jewellery Collection.

Beyond Rare: Argyle Pink Diamond Afternoon Tea
Join us for an exclusive afternoon with COMO The Treasury to discover the intriguing journey from rough diamond to polished stone. Saturday March 21, 2.00pm, tickets $80 per person.