Chroma and the Crown Jewels of Argyle pink : Why 2016 Changed Everything
A Defining Moment in the Legacy of Argyle
In the world of fine gemstones, few events are more anticipated than the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. But in 2016, the tender reached new heights of rarity, artistry, and global impact. That year’s collection, known as the “Chroma Collection,” offered more than just exceptional stones—it delivered a defining moment in the legacy of Argyle and its role in the high jewelry world.
The First Fully Underground Collection
In the world of fine gemstones, few events are more anticipated than the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. But in 2016, the tender reached new heights of rarity, artistry, and global impact. That year’s collection, known as the “Chroma Collection,” offered more than just exceptional stones—it delivered a defining moment in the legacy of Argyle and its role in the high jewelry world.
Introducing the Hero Stones
Among these, five diamonds were chosen as the year’s ‘hero stones’—each with a name, a story, and a personality of its own. The star of the show was the Argyle Violet, a 2.83-carat oval Fancy Deep Grayish Bluish Violet, the largest violet diamond ever unearthed from Argyle. Violet diamonds are exceptionally rare—only around 12 carats of polished stones had ever been produced over Argyle’s decades of operation. This stone alone took 80 painstaking hours to polish and nearly didn’t make it. The cutter, facing the risk of losing the stone entirely, had to rely on instinct and experience to bring it to life. The result was one of the most historically significant gems in Argyle’s history.
Other hero stones in the 2016 collection included the 1.21ct Argyle Viva, a vivid purple-pink pear; the 2.24ct Argyle Thea, a radiant purplish-pink masterpiece; and the 1.09ct Argyle Aria, an oval Fancy Red diamond—a color grade that occurs even less frequently than pink or violet. These diamonds weren’t just rare; they were the best of the best in terms of saturation, cut, and clarity.
A Tender That Redefined Value
Beyond the visual drama, the 2016 tender marked a shift in the way the world viewed Argyle diamonds. The collection achieved the highest average price per carat in the tender’s 32-year history. Collectors from more than ten countries participated in the sealed bid process, and it became evident that Argyle wasn’t just selling stones—it was offering access to geological art pieces whose supply was rapidly running out.
The Weight of a Looming Deadline
It’s important to remember that by 2016, collectors were
already aware that the Argyle mine would eventually close. With this looming
endpoint, every tender took on a greater weight, and the 2016 edition felt
particularly momentous. The Chroma Collection cemented Argyle’s pink diamonds
not just as jewelry centerpieces, but as tangible, appreciating
assets—investment-grade gems with global appeal.
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, the legacy of 2016 continues. Stones from that tender are still referenced by name in collector circles and auction catalogues. They’ve become benchmarks against which other pink, red, or violet diamonds are measured. And for those lucky enough to have acquired one, they’re now not only holding a rare piece of the Earth—but a defining chapter in the history of modern gem collecting.
