What's so Special about Argyle Pink Diamonds

So you want to learn about Argyle Diamonds? You have a number of questions, but you’re looking for clear, concise answers. You’re looking for information that is grounded and factual. You are in the right place.

1. Argyle Diamonds: A Bit of History

First, you might be excused for confusing them with pink diamonds. Given the extreme rarity of this variety of precious stones. The rarity of naturally occurring pink diamonds in the world is a key factor that has driven its high prices. However, the distinction associated with Argyle diamonds comes from their unique mineral composition, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Argyle diamonds derives its name from the Argyle diamond mine, located in the East Kimberley region, Western Australia. Owned and controlled by the major mining group Rio Tinto, Argyle diamond mine is a major source of the world’s coloured diamonds: From white, blue, violet variants. With the most sought after being the pink and red diamonds. With Argyle mines supplying over 90% of the pink diamonds in the world.

 

 

 

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These diamonds are mined using the most advanced technologies. Some that have been designed specifically to meet the demands of this environment: such as x-ray mining technologies. Which have been in operation since 1983. Argyle diamonds today, owing to their rareness, speciality and their association with Argyle mines, have become a brand name in their own right.

3. Argyle Diamond Grading System

Whilst it’s easy to confuse pink diamonds with the Argyle variants. Argyle diamonds, as noted, are of a different quality. And more valuable. The 4Cs of grading diamonds applies to Argyle diamonds as well: Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat. However, given the uniqueness of this type of pink diamond, the company behind Argyle diamonds has established its own way of assessing the quality of this precious stone. The colour of the diamond is the main factor in determining the quality of the stone.

Unlike conventional diamond colour measurements: where the presence of colour is considered a negative; colour is a key factor in measuring the value of pink diamonds. With the Argyle diamonds, it is more so. Unlike other (rare) pink diamonds, Argyle diamonds, contain elements of blue, red and other shades; that gives this precious stone its uniqueness. Hence the diamond’s colours are measured according to a unique colour grading system.

_{Argyle Pink Diamond Grading System}

In case you didn’t know, the reasons why Argyle diamonds, and pink diamonds more generally, are pink, still remains a mystery. A problem that gemologists are still trying to figure out today. You see, the colour of diamonds is determined by the mineral compounds found within them, which affects their colour. In the case of Argyle Diamonds, gemologists are still at work trying to determine the source of its colour. 

3. What makes them so valuable?

If you’re looking for a stone that is of extreme rarity and extremely expensive, then this would be it. These are not your ordinary diamonds. The massive prices associated with pink diamonds are driven, on the one hand, by the growing demand for coloured diamonds, combined with the declining supply of naturally occurring coloured diamond variants. Thus the prices of pink diamonds have skyrocketed in recent years.

The imminent closure of the famous Argyle diamond mine in Australia, at some point this year (2020), will not help the availability of this precious stone. If you want to learn about the prices, well it's not easy to find information on them. The availability of these precious stones, from the very few selected sellers across the world, along with the declining supply as noted, means that getting your hands on them (if you wish to) will not be easy. 

The price of one carat non-Argyle pink diamonds can fall between the range of $140,000 to $180,000, based on the colour of the stone. But, a similarly sized Argyle stone would easily go beyond $200,000. Further, the rarity of these precious stones, meant that Rio Tinto, the owner, has decided to put them up for tender. Where the bidding for the remaining precious stones can drive the prices up to millions of dollars. 

4. Where does that leave you?

Unless you happened to be a millionaire (or billionaire), or someone with hundreds of thousands of dollars at your disposal, and with some good contacts, getting your hands on an Argyle diamond, or even a pink diamond these days, will not be easy. Whilst all of us like the idea of being able to afford and get our hands on luxury, some things may seem too far fetched. But that does not mean you have to compromise on luxury.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but pink sapphires are no less in luxury. Sapphires are precious stones, that together with diamonds, rubies and emeralds form the top four precious stones in the world. If you, as a prospective buyer, are in the market for precious stone, maybe for an engagement ring, necklace or bracelet? Or maybe even a custom made option? Then pink sapphires might be the choice for you.

5. Pink diamonds in designs

The majority of pink diamonds are found in very small sizes. These small pink diamonds are often used in cluster settings or they are used as accent stones where the main gemstone would be a colourless diamond or another precious gemstone. We have some gorgeous engagement ring designs with Argyle pink diamond accents. Please contact our support team to arrange a custom design with Argyle pink diamonds.

_{Pink Diamond Accented Engagement Ring Designs by Brilliyond}

6. Thinking pink with a budget, go for a Pink Sapphire

When you think of sapphires it's natural to immediately associate them with the blue variants. Which are of course very special. However, in recent times there has been growing popularity for pink sapphires. These precious stones, which are rare, and found only in places like Sri Lanka, Madagascar, etc. have become the go-to choice for people who are looking for precious jewellery with the colour pink. A sign of delicacy, and is appealing to the feminine mind. So pink sapphires are a great choice for special gifts, and especially as an engagement ring. But when selecting the right pink sapphire, your choice of the jeweller is important. 

We at Brilliyond are specialized in providing high quality, sapphire jewellery. With a wide selection of jewellery options: from engagement rings, necklaces, pendants and even custom made jewellery. We have a wide range of pink sapphire jewellery.

Yes, that includes the special pink sapphires. If you wish, why not take a look at our collection of pink sapphires. With choices that can suit a variety of tastes, for yourself and your loved ones. If you’re in the market for sapphire engagement rings, then look no further than Brilliyond.