LONDON (Commodity Online): Rio Tinto has celebrated the 25th anniversary of its iconic Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender with an exceptional result that belies the global financial crisis of the past 12 months. Titled Grand Passions, this year's tender collection comprised 43 of the rarest and the best pink diamonds from Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, including four heart-shaped gems.

According to Jean-Marc Lieberherr, General Manager for the sales and marketing for all diamonds from Rio Tinto's mines, "This year's collection was keenly contested by investors, collectors and diamond experts from around the world. All diamonds were sold and we were delighted to see strong representation from the growing markets of India and China, as well as the more established markets for rare coloured diamonds".

Whilst Rio Tinto does not release the prices of the pink diamonds sold at its tender, Josephine Archer, Business Manager for Argyle Pink Diamonds, commented that, "The 2009 Pink Tender results have demonstrated a significant global reach with very strong price appreciation, on the back of a growing awareness of the rarity, exclusivity and uniqueness of the Argyle Pink Diamond brand".

Referred to as the world's most exclusive diamond sale, the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender was showcased around the world from June to September with private viewings in Perth, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, and for the first time ever, Mumbai. All 43 diamonds were cut and polished in Perth, Western Australia by Rio Tinto's master craftsmen, acknowledged globally for their expertise, precision and artistic flare. This year's collection included a 2.61 carat intense pink heart-shaped diamond named Argyle Amour, a 1.25 carat purplish pink round diamond, Argyle Shalimar, and Argyle Scarlett, a 1.10 carat red oval diamond.

According to Josephine Archer, "The diamonds sold at this year's Tender will go to a range of individual diamantaires, jewellery manufacturers and luxury retailers across all major markets. The ultimate consumers for these diamonds are likely to be investors, collectors, celebrities and high net worth individuals".

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