A selection of the finest rough diamonds from Rio Tinto’s Canadian and Australian mines will be offered to diamond specialists from around the world in October and November.

Headlining Rio Tinto’s “Specials” tender, which showcases rough diamonds greater than 10.8 carats, is Diavik Helios, a 74.48-carat fancy yellow diamond. The Diavik Helios takes its name from the pure yellow sunlight emitted by the mythical Greek god of the sun.

Fancy yellow diamonds are rare finds from the Diavik diamond mine in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada, which primarily produces high-quality white diamonds. 

“Since the Diavik mine began production in 2003, it has produced on average only five large yellow diamonds each year, in effect less than 0.001 per cent of Diavik’s annual production,” Patrick Coppens, general manager for sales and marketing at Rio Tinto’s diamonds business, commented. “The Diavik Helios is an exceptional diamond in terms of its colour saturation and clarity and will be in strong demand from coloured diamond specialists around the world.”

The Specials tender is also notable for including the last of the rough diamonds in this category from the Argyle mine in Australia. Rio Tinto said 28,399 carats of rough Argyle diamonds are included in the sale, together with a 26-carat gem-quality white rough.

Andrew Wilson, general manager of the Argyle mine, said the mine has produced more than 865 million carats of rough diamonds since 1983. “With the mine closing at the end of 2020, the Argyle rough diamonds presented at this tender are a final rare and collectible offering from one of the world’s greatest diamond mines,” he added.

The tender will be physically showcased in both Antwerp and Tel Aviv, together with virtual and online viewings to cater for Covid-19 restrictions. Bids close on November 9, 2020.