The closure of the Argyle mine in 2020 marked the end of production for one of the world’s most recognisable sources of pink, red, and violet diamonds. To present some of these rare stones, alongside exceptional material from Canada’s Diavik mine, Rio Tinto launched the Beyond Rare™ Art Series.
Each year, a tightly curated selection of diamonds is released through invitation-only tenders, positioning the stones as both natural treasures and cultural artefacts. With Art Series 03 now launched, collectors and jewellers once again have the chance to view and acquire pieces of diamond history.
Art Series 01 – Born of This World (2023)
The inaugural collection, Born of This World, showcased 87 diamonds across 48 lots, totalling 29.96 carats.
Highlights included:
- Seven Masterpiece sets blending Argyle pinks and reds with Diavik yellows.
- 11 matched pairs, appealing for bespoke designs.
- 30 individual stones, including a Fancy Red diamond.
This first tender set the format: small, exclusive offerings emphasising rarity and provenance.
Art Series 02 – Colour Awakened (2024)
The second edition, Colour Awakened, featured 76 diamonds across 48 lots, uniting Argyle’s coloured diamonds with Diavik’s white and yellow stones.
Highlights included:
- The Old Masters: seven round brilliant Argyle diamonds mined as early as 1987, including a Fancy Red.
- 32 single lots of Argyle pinks, violets, and one Fancy Purplish Red.
- Nine curated sets, with standout examples such as a 2.47 ct Fancy Intense Yellow and a 4.04 ct D-colour Diavik diamond.
This collection toured London, Singapore, Belgium, and Australia before closing to sealed bids in late 2024.
Art Series 03 – Into the Light (2025)
The newly launched Into the Light marks the third chapter in the Art Series, presenting 52 lots of exceptional stones.
Highlights include:
- Six Masterpiece sets, uniting Argyle pink, red, and blue diamonds with Diavik whites and yellows.
- Two Flawless D-colour Diavik diamonds, representing the peak of natural gemstone purity.
With Argyle’s supply finite and Diavik also heading toward eventual closure, Into the Light represents an exciting opportunity to view and acquire some of the most important diamonds still emerging into the market.
Why the Art Series Matters
The Beyond Rare™ Art Series has quickly become a reference point for how legacy diamonds are presented after mine closure. Its significance lies in:
- Documenting and releasing some of the final Argyle stones into the market.
- Pairing Argyle’s vivid colours with Diavik’s northern brilliance in curated sets.
- Creating global excitement through travelling previews and invitation-only sealed bids.
With Art Series 03 now unveiled, anticipation is high among collectors and connoisseurs. Each edition of the series has shown that rarity and provenance continue to define value, and this latest release is no exception.