FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
SourcingNov 04, 2020
Australia’s Argyle Mine Is Now Closed
On Tuesday, the last ton of ore left the mine famous for its red, pink and purple diamonds.
Argyle’s underground mining manager and its operator traverse the mine’s underground portal for the last time. The Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, which was discovered in October 1979 and mined since 1983, closed Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Rio Tinto)
Sydney—The Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, the world’s major source for pink and purple stones, marked its last day of mining Tuesday.
Alluvial mining at the site, located in the remote east Kimberley region in Western Australia, started in 1983, with underground operations commencing two years later.
Alluvial mining at the site, located in the remote east Kimberley region in Western Australia, started in 1983, with underground operations commencing two years later.
The mine went fully underground in 2013 and, over the years, produced 865 million carats of rough diamonds.
It became the world’s largest producer of natural color diamonds that span the value spectrum, from low-cost browns to ultra-rare pinks, purples and reds that have skyrocketed in value over the years, captivating the trade and attracting collectors.
The closing of Argyle marks the end of an era in the diamond industry.
Some consider its top stones akin to rare works of art, and they compare the mine’s closure to the death of a great artist.
There’ll be no more diamonds quite like those produced by Argyle, which means, they hope, the mine’s existing works will continue to appreciate in value.
The mine’s operator, Rio Tinto, releases few details on the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, its annual sale of the best stones from the past year’s production.
It doesn’t reveal prices paid for individual stones or the total amount brought in by the tender but it did say the value of Argyle pink diamonds has appreciated more than 500 percent in the past 20 years, outperforming all major equity markets.
“It is very special, especially to the people who are experts,” L.J. West Diamonds President Larry West said in an interview with National Jeweler in September.
“It’s a sad moment. It’s the equivalent of a great artist dying, as far as I’m concerned.”
Rio Tinto mined the last load of ore at the Argyle Mine, which has been in operation since 1983, on Tuesday, Nov. 3. (Photo courtesy of Rio Tinto)
The current Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, called “One Lifetime, One Encounter,” is scheduled to remain open for bids until early December.
Normally, bids close in October but the tender dates were pushed back this year because of the complications caused by COVID-19.
On Tuesday, Rio Tinto said Argyle employees, traditional owners and local stakeholders attended an event at the mine to mark the end of its life.
The company said it will take about five years to decommission and dismantle the mine and rehabilitate the land.
Argyle will continue to employ a smaller workforce throughout the closing process.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
