COSTING more than one million dollars a carat, they represent one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the world.
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Pink diamonds, which are usually the domain of the mega rich or celebrities, are without a doubt the most coveted in the world.
Originating from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in the east Kimberley, they are Australia’s most expensive export, and last week 55 of the rarest stones left Sydney for a world tour. They will be displayed in New York and Hong Kong before being sold in an online tender where buyers can put in a sealed bid for one of the stones.
While only 50 people (mainly master diamond cutters or diamantaires) in Australia got to see these precious stones, news of the international tour sparked interest locally from people wanting to see what the fuss of a pink diamond was all about.
Sean Finkel, manager of Wallace Bishop in Bathurst, which stocks four pieces featuring, albeit much smaller, pink diamonds, said interest in the stone had increased in recent weeks, following international publicity over the red rocks.
“We’ve had a large number of inquiries lately which I think has been generated from the publicity, not only about the Argyle Pink Diamonds, but also the fact they are on trend, with many celebrities choosing the stone for engagement rings,” he said. “They’ve been highlighted by the fashion set.”
Mr Finkel said he believed the biggest attraction to the stones was their rarity, with very few people ever actually seeing one, let alone owning a pink diamond.
“Our pink diamonds only came into the Bathurst store in June, and as soon as we got them, we sold one the next day,” he said.
In addition to the four pieces the store carries, Mr Finkel said he had also received enquiries about loose stones, which customers had gone on to have made into handmade pieces.