From this annual production only about 8,000 to 10,000 carats of polished pink diamonds are produced, of these a mere 65 carats are deemed suitable for the Pink Diamond Tender.
Pink diamonds from the Argyle mine are dated at approximately 1.6 billion years old, but are predicted to run out by 2018. This forecast has enhanced their exclusivity and image as a key investment option.
Despite demand, attendance to the Tender is restricted to approximately one hundred key clientele from around the world who personally view the diamonds in a secret location in Hong Kong, New York or Perth.
Due to the high security required for the Tender, the exact location is not revealed to bidders until the very last minute. Bids are confidential and the names of successful bidders and the values achieved are not disclosed. Those that are successful will be notified personally in October.
Bidders expect only the best at Rio Tinto Diamonds' Argyle Pink Tenders and that is exactly what they will get in the 2007 Pink Tender.
Commenting on the 2007 Tender, Jean-Marc Lieberherr, General Manager Marketing, Rio Tinto Diamonds said, "What you see in the Pink Tender are some of the rarest and most valuable gems in the world. Each Argyle Signature Stone is unique and exquisite; if it doesn't have that 'wow' factor, it doesn't make it into the collection."
"As far as pink diamonds are concerned, it's not about size and clarity as it is for white diamonds: colour intensity is what matters. The darker they are the more expensive they are, with the rare deep red the ultimate prize. This year, the 65 Argyle Signature Stones we have selected are deeper and more vivid than in previous years, this is an exciting and valuable collection."
marketing@alchempro.com
