More Than 100 Pink Diamonds Are Now On View
L.J. West Diamonds has collaborated with the Melbourne Museum to mount an exhibition of the rarest stones from the now-closed Argyle mine.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Museums Victoria, which operates three state-owned museums in Melbourne, and New York-based L.J. West Diamonds, one of the largest collectors of natural colored diamonds in the world.
Owner Larry West told National Jeweler the exhibition, which is titled simply “Pink Diamonds,” is comprised of more than 100 jewels—mostly loose stones with a few pieces of jewelry mixed in—that either belong to him or that he’s borrowed back from clients.
The centerpiece is the stone West describes as “the Picasso of the collection” and is, he contends, the rarest diamond in the world—the 2.83-carat “Argyle Violet.”
West purchased the diamond for an undisclosed amount at the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, Rio Tinto’s once-annual sale of the top diamonds to emerge from the mine. He had it set into a platinum ring and surrounded by a halo of smaller Argyle pinks.
The diamond stands as the largest violet diamond to ever emerge from Argyle, weighing twice as much as the second largest, the 1.41-carat “Ocean Seer” from the 2008 tender.
West said research, including a study by GIA, has revealed the violet-colored diamonds from Argyle contain hydrogen, nitrogen and traces of nickel.
He said this sets them apart from other natural color diamonds, with their violet hue more reminiscent of the violet found in Kashmir sapphires than in any other diamond.
Violet stones with high color saturation are rarely found in sizes larger than half a carat, making the nearly 3-carat Argyle Violet, which GIA graded a fancy deep grayish-bluish violet, all the more unusual.
“The chemistry and physics behind the color are unique to the Argyle mine,” West said. “You could make the argument, this is the rarest diamond in the world.”
There is the radiant-cut “Argyle Thea,” a 2.24-carat fancy vivid purplish pink; the 1.02-carat fancy red shield-shaped “Super Hero” diamond; the “Leela Gera Red Princess,” a 1.01-carat fancy purplish red princess cut; and the 2.01-carat fancy vivid pink “Argyle Hidden Princess,” another princess-cut diamond.
Jewelry included in the exhibition includes the “Argyle Ballerina,” a pin featuring a 1.13-carat heart-shaped fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, and the “Australian Rose,” a pair of platinum and 18-karat gold earrings with matching 0.51- and 0.52-carat fancy intense pink centers.
Pink Diamonds opened Nov. 5 at the Melbourne Museum and will run through Jan. 29.
Access to the exhibition is free with museum entry. For more information and tickets, visit the museum’s website.
West has done similar exhibitions in the United States in the past.
From December 2016 to March 2017, he loaned natural color diamonds, including the Argyle Violet, for an exhibition at Los Angeles’ Natural History Museum titled “Diamonds: Rare Brilliance.”
If he were to do another one in the U.S., West said it would be more expansive than what’s currently on display in Melbourne, encompassing diamonds in all hues from all over the world.
“Pink Diamonds” was put together specifically for the people of Australia as a nod to the legacy of the Argyle Diamond Mine, which closed permanently in November 2020 after 37 years of operation.
“I feel like this the legacy of Australia,” West said. “There will never be a mine like this in the history of the Earth. It was a blip in history and [the diamonds are] what we have to remember it by.
“They are just beautiful, incredible stones.”
The Latest
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.