The collection is headlined by seven “Old Masters,” a set of historic pink and red diamonds unearthed from the Argyle mine in Western Australia, which operated from 1983 to 2020. These diamonds, ranging in size from 0.60 to 2.63 carats, have been carefully retrieved from private vaults, with some discovered as far back as 1987. Each diamond has been meticulously selected for its historical significance and exceptional beauty.

“No other mining company in the world has custody of such a kaleidoscope of coloured diamonds,” said Sinead Kaufman, chief executive of Rio Tinto Minerals, in a statement celebrating the launch.

Alongside the Old Masters, the Art Series 02 includes legacy pink, red, and violet diamonds from the Argyle mine, as well as white and yellow diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine in Canada. In total, the collection comprises 76 diamonds weighing 39.44 carats, including one Fancy Red diamond, a Fancy Purplish Red diamond, and a unique set featuring a 2.47-carat Fancy Intense Yellow diamond and a 4.04-carat D colour diamond from Diavik.

“Four years on from the closure of the Argyle mine, our Beyond Rare Tender platform is a testimony to the enduring prestige of the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand, the quality of production from our Diavik mine, and the ongoing demand for highly collectable natural diamonds,” added Kaufman.

The 48 lots will be showcased in key global cities, including London, Australia, Singapore, and Belgium, with bids closing on November 18.

This tender represents a rare opportunity for collectors and investors to acquire some of the most coveted natural diamonds ever produced, cementing the legacy of Rio Tinto’s historic mines.