The Argyle diamond mine produces more than 90 percent of the world’s pink diamond supply. Images courtesy Rio Tinto.

The 2015 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender includes the Argyle Prima, a 1.2-carat pear-shaped Fancy Red.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

Diamond producer Rio Tinto’s annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender has given connoisseurs, collectors, and jewelers 44.14 carats worth of reasons to take out their checkbooks. For its 31st edition, the invitation-only auction is offering 65 exceptional stones — including rare Fancy Reds — from the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia. More intense in color and clarity than 2014’s collection, the diamonds are each around 1.6 billion years old. Sealed bidding closes on October 21, with winners being advised of the results within 24 hours. The first Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender took place in 1984 with just 33 stones, weighing little more than 18 carats total.

—October 2015