A showing of the inaugural jewellery collection called Courageous Spirit, from Rio Tinto’s developing Bunder diamond project in India, took place at the premier of the movie – ‘Fearless Nadia’, screened as part of celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema, held at Liberty Cinema, Mumbai.

Diamond jewellery earrings and a necklace incorporating over 25 carats of polished Bunder diamonds, including a 5.04 carat round brilliant cut white diamond and a 5.02 carat round brilliant cut cognac diamond were part of the collection worn by Australian-born Indian actress Pallavi Sharda. Pallavi, a brand ambassador of Oz Fest, Australia’s biggest cultural festival ever held in India, and will promote cultural exchange between the two countries.

Being joined on stage by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and the Premier of South Australia, The Honourable Jay Weatheril, Pallavi mentioned, “I am honoured to wear Rio Tinto’s beautiful diamond jewels, dedicated to the pioneering spirit of the women of Madhya Pradesh, who are so much a part of the Bunder project’s development.” Rio Tinto is conscientious of community consultation and women empowerment in its efforts at Bunder diamond project, to understand the benefits the mine can contribute to its people.

The Indian and Australian diamond industry have exhibited strong ties since some time, including Rio Tinto’s 30 year strategic alliance between Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine and the Indian diamond cutting and polishing industry. The Bunder project signals a new chapter in this alliance with Rio Tinto presenting a unique opportunity for India to mine, manufacture and market its own diamonds. Once developed the Bunder project is expected to place Madhya Pradesh in the top ten diamond producing regions of the world. The project is likely to begin commercial production by 2017.