Part 2 – The Final Surge: Argyle Pink Diamond Tender Prices, 2017–2021 Record breaking auctions as the Argyle mine neared closure
The closing years of the Argyle mine saw some of the most spectacular results in the tender’s history. As supply dwindled, collectors bid aggressively, and Rio Tinto repeatedly reported double‑digit price growth and record values. Argyle Pink Diamond Tender Prices.
The 2017 “Custodians of Rare Beauty” tender offered 58 pink, red and violet diamonds. Its star was the 2.11 ct Argyle Everglow, the largest Fancy Red diamond ever found at Argyle. New York dealer Optimum Diamonds bought the Everglow and another violet stone. Rio Tinto declared the collection the most valuable tender to date with double‑digit price growth.
The 2018 tender comprised 63 diamonds, headlined by Argyle Muse (2.28 ct purplish‑red) — the most valuable diamond ever offered — and Argyle Alpha (2.20 ct vivid pink). Rio Tinto again reported double‑digit price growth and noted that the value of tender stones had appreciated by over 400 % in 18 years.
In 2019, the 35th tender brought 64 diamonds, including the Argyle Enigma and Argyle Verity. Blue Star & Kiven Diamonds purchased both stones, and the sale continued the tender’s double‑digit growth. Rio Tinto said values had appreciated more than 500 % over 19 years.
The 2020 tender, held during the pandemic, presented 62 diamonds totalling 57.23 ct. Its hero stone, Argyle Eternity (2.24 ct Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink), was secured by Hong Kong’s Kunming Diamonds. Despite remote viewing, bidders added 20 % or more to their offers and prices were estimated 15 % higher than in 2019. Rio Tinto reported that tender stones had appreciated over 500 % in the last two decades rapaport.com.
The 2021 “Journey Beyond” tender marked the end of the Argyle mine. It offered 70 rare diamonds, including the 3.47 ct Argyle Eclipse (Fancy Intense Pink) and the 1.01 ct Fancy Red Argyle Bohème. Australian jeweller Calleija purchased the Eclipse and Bohème, while other bidders from Singapore and the United States acquired the remaining hero stones. Rio Tinto described the final tender as having “record‑breaking price performance”.
The 2017–2021 period underscores how rarity and the impending closure of the Argyle mine fuelled spectacular price appreciation. By the time the final tender concluded, Argyle pink diamonds had seen values jump more than five‑fold in two decades rapaport.com. Collectors who secured stones from these sales not only obtained beautiful gems but also pieces of history.
Related Article:
Part 1 – Rising Fortunes: Argyle Pink Diamond Tender Prices Chart, 2013–2016
The Argyle Pink Diamond Investment Q&A (2025 Edition)
