Why is ARGYLE PINK DIAMOND JEWELRY special?
They are responsibly sourced from Australia and are rare! The mine was decommissioned in 2020 and will be rehabilitated and returned to indigenous landowners in accordance with their wishes. Get the skinny and shop a curation of thoughtfully designed jewelry…
This is a sampling of melee representing the wide spectrum of Pink Argyle Diamond hues, courtesy of JFine Diamonds for the purpose of education
WHAT IS PINK DIAMOND?
The topic of pink diamonds is a riveting (and vast) one. For this reason, my aim is to share a few facets specific to Argyle Pink Diamonds that may not be as well known - and surprise and delight!
Argyle Pink Diamonds from Australia have been awarded the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark. This means that each certified diamond is traceable and ethically sourced - protecting both people and resources.
In the current dialog of “natural versus lab-grown” gemstones, one factor not often considered is a human one. Natural resources found in remote parts of the world are critical to local economies and communities. Being conscious about what “ingredients” are in jewelry and choosing to support mining communities that practice responsible sourcing (artisanal or industrial for any gemstone) enables local economies to thrive.
Beyond being empowered to know what questions to ask when buying any gemstone, many brilliant designers are happy to create bespoke jewelry with materials that are beautiful and responsibly sourced.
As always, I would be delighted to help you make an informed decision on a gemstone or designer jewelry you will LOVE!
SEEKING ARGYLE PINK DIAMOND JEWELRY FOR YOU OR A JEWELRY GIFT FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE?
Beyond our hand-picked curation of pink diamond jewelry, The Brilliant Concierge specializes in helping you acquire jewelry that amplifies your personal style and aligns with your values. Read about this fluid experience in choosing piecies for you or jewelry gifts for someone you love that meaningfully symbolize a personal journey, milestone, or express an emotion.
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DESIGNER PINK DIAMOND JEWELRY
What color are Argyle Pink Diamonds?
While pink diamonds are very rare, they occur in a wide spectrum of hues from the palest blush through cherry blossom, soft rose to raspberry, and a dramatic red. Important color factors regarding value are hue, tone, and saturation. The range is so vast that a proprietary nomenclature is used during the pink diamond grading process.
For example, there are nine color categories, a few of which are: purplish pink, pink, pink rosé, pink champagne, blue violet, and red. Most of these categories include ten variations of light to intense hues. Generally speaking, the more intense colors command a higher market value. Some categories are more rare (blue violet and red) and therefore command an even higher market value.
Your fine jewelry guide in choosing:
engagement rings and wedding bands
earring jackets and stud earrings
diamond pendants and necklaces
bangle and tennis bracelets
ethical, traceable colored diamonds
Read more about our highly personalized service.
Where are pink diamonds found?
Gem-quality material can occur in Africa, Canada, and Australia. Read this important blog post about Russian diamonds to avoid funding conflict. Beyond pink, the rarest of the rare colored diamonds are also found in Argyle: cornflower blue, potent violet, and sumptuous red.
There is a movement in the artisanal and industrial gem mining industry to mitigate environmental impact and collaborate with local communities to ensure safer, respectful, and fair mining practices. Traceability in the diamond supply chain is critical to address due to conflict. The Argyle Diamond Mine in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia is committed to protecting people and resources.
While the Argyle Diamond Mine closed in 2020, the history and beauty of these colored diamonds will continue to run deep!
Indigenous tribes have existed in Western Australia for 20,000 - 40,000 years. Since the inception of the Argyle diamond mine over 30 years ago, the traditional landowners have been and remain very involved. Now that the mine is closed, the land is being rehabilitated and will be returned to the traditional owners in accordance with their wishes.
Here’s a peek at the decommissioning process. The (very remote) mine is like a small town: 250 miner’s cabins, a mess hall, conveyor belts, processing plants, tons of mining equipment, and a museum. Inorganic material and underground operations (i.e. giant crushing machines) will be dismantled for removal with extreme care.
The remaining rehabilitation will take place above ground over the next 5 - 10 years until the land is passed back to the traditional landowners. The future of what the site will become is still in discussion - but will be determined by them.
90% of the world supply of pink diamonds originates from the Argyle Diamond mine
What are the metaphysical properties of pink diamonds?
This gemstone amplifies fortitude, creative flow, and courage.
Just as our ancient ancestors believed gemstones were imbued with special properties, such as protection, wisdom, or courage, today we are empowered by the metaphysical properties of gemstones to manifest what we wish to create.
You may be interested in our guide to manifest your intentions with gemstones and jewelry!
Most gem-quality Argyle diamonds are not treated. For the small percentage that are, it would be to improve clarity or alter the color. Such enhancements would be noted on a report from a credentialed lab.
On the topic of treatment of any kind with any gemstone, knowledge is power because it always impacts value.
The MOHS SCALE:
How hard are PINK DIAMONDS?
diamonds can scratch any other gemstone
Why diamond engagement rings are great options
The Mohs scale of hardness is important to consider when choosing a particular stone for a particular kind of wear.
It is the degree of mineral “hardness”, measured by the resistance which a smooth surface offers to abrasion: 1 (soft) to 10 (hard). For example, an 8 will scratch a gemstone that is a 7 or below. Simply put, the softer the stone, the more careful you need to be about wearing that stone in jewelry that may be exposed to more wear.
Do diamonds scratch easily?
This is a question you’re most likely to ask when buying gemstones and jewelry. Knowing how hard diamonds are (or any other stone) will help you to determine whether it is an everyday gemstone or an occasional piece.
Diamond is at the top of the scale at 10. Be aware that because they are the hardest of stones, diamonds can scratch and damage softer stones that they may come in contact with. It is important that diamond jewelry be stored separately (for example in its own box or pouch) to ensure it will encounter less contact with softer stones.
Note that diamonds with a lot of inclusions can be more fragile and therefore break with accidental contact with hard surfaces.
What does sustainably and ethically sourced jewelry mean?
Women and men at the forefront of this conversation are from around the world. The practice may look a bit different in every country, but there is a shared bigger goal: responsible sourcing.
Beyond ethical, traceable, and conflict-free, this encompasses protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.
An ongoing initiative worth following is the Jewelry Glossary Project.
The purpose is to create shared definitions of key terms within the jewelry industry for use by the trade and the public. The project was launched to increase transparency throughout the supply chain, by building consensus on definitions for key terms and creating accountability for their usage.
How to care for diamond jewelry
A few jewelry care basics can keep your pieces looking their best, avoid damage and loss of gemstones.
WEAR: When dressing for day or night, jewelry should be the last thing on and the first thing off. Contact with chemicals such as fragrance, hairspray, nail polish remover, household cleaners, and chlorine can harm jewelry.
Remove jewelry when cleaning, gardening, swimming, or playing sports, as contact with hard surfaces can scratch, damage, or loosen stones in prongs.
CHECK SETTINGS AND STONES: Inspect jewelry before wearing it to check if the stones are chipped, loose, or rattle in settings.
CLEANING: All precious metals, gemstones, and pearls should be cleaned regularly, but require different care. For example, ultrasonic cleaners can crack opals, shatter pearls or diminish their appearance. Avoid using steam and ultrasonic cleaners - especially if your jewelry is set with colored gemstones that are not diamonds.
● For gemstones on the Mohs scale at 7 or above, a simple cleaning solution is warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. For those at 6 or below, replace the toothbrush with a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.
● A soft polishing cloth will keep any precious metal looking its best.
● Take any investment pieces to a trustworthy professional jeweler once a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
● See our full guide to How To Clean Fine Jewelry.
STORAGE: Keep jewelry individually stored in a pouch or box to avoid scratches and abrasions from other gemstones and metal, as well as general tangles and dents.
INSURANCE: For any jewelry of significant value, be sure to have it appraised, file any provenance and gemstone report in a secure place, and be sure to have it insured.
