Rio Tinto’s Highlights from “Out of the Vault: Pink Diamonds and Royalty”

By Erika Winters

Rio Tinto showcased its rare Argyle pink diamonds at a one-day event at Kensington Palace on October 9, 2012. The exhibition, titled “Out of the Vault: Pink Diamonds and Royalty,” featured 42 pink diamond jewels worth $65 million.
The event was inspired by The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 23.6-carat Williamson Pink diamond, set in the center of the floral brooch created by Cartier the year of her coronation.

“We consider it fitting in this Jubilee year, for Argyle Pink Diamonds to celebrate the special relationship that rare pink diamonds have played, and continue to play, in royal occasions,” said Josephine Johnson, Manager of Argyle Pink Diamonds.

The pink diamond jewels on display at the Orangery in Kensington Palace were acquired from luxury jewelers worldwide. Highlights included Chow Tai Fook’s Argyle Empress necklace and several “hero” loose diamonds from Rio Tinto’s 2012 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.

Additional highlights (shown below) include Linney’s pink diamond tiara, Nirav Modi’s 5.67-carat pink diamond ring, an intricate shoulder brooch from Japanese jeweler Kashikey, and the “My Fair Lady” ring with a 1.55-carat fancy intense pink diamond from Calleija, an Australian jeweler specializing in Argyle pink diamonds.

Be sure to watch jewelry editor Maria Doulton’s video (below) for an intimate look at these incredibly rare pink diamond jewels from the exhibition.

Linney's Pink Diamond Tiara