Argyle Pink Diamonds™ are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. Since the first discovery in 1983 at the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, these natural wonders have fascinated collectors and investors alike.
To understand their rarity:
- Out of approximately 15 million carats of rough diamonds produced each year at the Argyle mine, less than 1% were pink diamonds.
- The mine was responsible for over 90% of the global supply of natural pink diamonds.
With the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine in 2020, the supply ended. This makes every existing Argyle Pink Diamond™ even more precious.
Why Argyle Pink Diamonds Are Unique
Unlike white diamonds, where value is based mainly on clarity and carat weight, Argyle Pink Diamonds™ are valued primarily for their colour and cut.
- The intensity of colour directly increases rarity and price.
- Argyle created its own proprietary colour grading system in the early 1980s to assess hue, tone, and saturation.
- This system became internationally recognised and remains a benchmark for collectors.
The diamonds are compared to the sunsets and landscapes of the East Kimberley region—a spectrum of pinks ranging from delicate blush to vivid magenta.
Colour Grading and Certification
Every Argyle Pink Diamond™ goes through two stages of grading:
- In-house Argyle grading using the proprietary system.
- GIA certification for global recognition.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades colour from Faint Pink to the rarest tones, such as Fancy Deep Pink and the extremely rare Fancy Red.
Collectibility and Investment
- With no other consistent source of pink diamonds worldwide, the investment appeal is unmatched.
- Market data shows prices of Argyle Pink Diamonds™ have risen over 500% in the last 20 years.
- Collectors treat them not only as jewellery but also as an asset class with proven long-term returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are Argyle Pink Diamonds so rare?
A: Because less than 1% of diamonds mined at Argyle were pink, and the mine supplied over 90% of the world’s pink diamonds. With its closure, supply is now finite.
Q: How are they graded?
A: Argyle Pink Diamonds™ use a proprietary system assessing hue, tone, and saturation. The GIA also provides certification with categories like Fancy Light, Fancy Intense, and Fancy Deep.
Q: Are they a good investment?
A: Yes. Research shows Argyle Pink Diamonds™ have consistently outperformed traditional assets over the past two decades.
Q: What colours are most valuable?
A: The strongest saturation levels, such as Fancy Vivid Pink and Fancy Red, are the rarest and command the highest prices.
Quotable Insights
- “Owning an Argyle Pink Diamond™ is like holding a piece of Australia’s geological history.”
- “Research shows that pink diamonds from the Argyle mine have appreciated faster than almost any other gemstone.”
- “The key is colour intensity—the richer the pink, the rarer the diamond.”
While reading more about Argyle Pink Diamonds™, you may also like:
- The Telltale Signs of a Fracture-Filled Ruby or Emerald
- Chrysoberyl vs Alexandrite: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
- Understanding 22K Gold Alloys in Your Jewellery
These links give you deeper insights into gemstone grading, treatments, and investment knowledge.
