Understanding Argyle Diamonds
Argyle diamonds are renowned for their unique colors and are sourced from the distinctive Argyle mine in Australia.
They have become a prominent part of the diamond industry and are sought after globally for their rarity and beauty.
Origins and Location
The Argyle Diamond Mine is situated in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.
This area is known for its ancient landscapes and is the birthplace of some of the world’s most extraordinary diamonds.
Geologists believe that the volcanic pipes, specifically the kimberlite and olivine lamproite pipes, which surfaced hundreds of millions of years ago, played a significant role in bringing these precious stones from the deep mantle to the Earth’s surface.
Mining Process
Mining at the Argyle mine usually involved open-pit methods, but as the operation progressed, underground mining became necessary.
The diamonds from Argyle were primarily sourced from the ore body known as AK1, a significant lamproite volcanic pipe, which provided a consistent supply of diamonds.
Over the years, the mine has made significant contributions to the diamond industry, with a particularly abundant yield of alluvial diamonds found in the area’s rivers and streams.
Diamond Characteristics
Argyle diamonds are highly sought after for their unique color spectrum, particularly the rarest pinks and reds.
Unlike typical white diamonds that are graded on their lack of color, Argyle diamonds are celebrated for their vibrant hues.
These colors range from delicate blushes to deep violet tones.
Experts use a grading scale that includes descriptors such as “Fancy Intense” and “Fancy Vivid” to classify these exceptional colors.
Carat weight, clarity, and cut are also integral aspects of a diamond’s attributes, influencing its value and rarity.
The Colorful Palette of Argyle
The Argyle mine’s discovery brought to light a spectrum of diamond colors previously unseen, such as intense pinks, reds, and violet shades, making Argyle diamonds highly sought after for their rarity and vibrant hues.
Color Grading and Rarity
Argyle diamonds stand out for their unique range of colors, particularly pink, which vary in intensity from faint to vivid.
The Argyle Pink Diamond Chart enables the precise grading of these gems, utilizing a system that complements the classifications by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
These gradings not only capture the eye-catching color but also reflect the diamond’s rarity.
Pink diamonds from Argyle, including those with secondary hues of purple, are rare finds, with the most prized stones presenting a strong pink saturation without any brownish coloration.
Argyle Signature Stones
Among the pantheon of Argyle’s colorful output, the “signature stones” stand out: vivid pink, red, and violet diamonds, which are a benchmark for rarity and beauty.
The presence of these colors results from a combination of intense heat and pressure during the diamond’s formation, altering the crystal lattice in a way that absorbs green light and imparts a pink hue.
Besides pink, red and violet diamonds are found, which owe their rich color to a similar twist in the crystal structure.
The rarest of all are the fancy red diamonds, found in an even smaller concentration among these already rare gems.
Investment and Market Value
Argyle diamonds, especially the pink and red varieties, are not only beautiful but also highly valuable.
Investment interest has surged in recent years, with prices influenced by the closing of the mine in late 2020.
As the existing supply of these diamonds becomes more limited, their demand continues to grow.
The market recognizes them as among the most valuable fancy color diamonds — with prices to match.
Their investment potential is notable, as estimates for price increases are especially significant given the finite, irreplaceable nature of Argyle’s signature gem-quality stones.