Australian Pink Diamond
Reviewed by David van Niekerk FGAA — Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia, qualified valuer.
Pink diamonds are among the rarest gems on earth, and for more than three decades most of them came from one mine in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. With that mine now closed, every Argyle pink is part of a supply that will not grow.
Illustration — every pink diamond's colour is different.
What a pink diamond is
A diamond is pure carbon, crystallised deep in the earth under enormous heat and pressure. At 10 on the Mohs scale it is the hardest natural material known. Most diamonds are colourless to slightly yellow; most natural pink diamonds take their colour from a distortion of the crystal structure, caused by stress deep in the earth after the crystal grew.
Where it comes from
The Argyle mine in the East Kimberley produced diamonds for more than three decades until it closed in November 2020, its reserves exhausted. It supplied about 90% of the world's pink diamonds.
Our pink diamonds are natural colour. Larger stones come with a GIA report, and where one exists, an Argyle certificate; not every stone has one. Ask us what comes with the piece you are looking at.
What to look for
- Colour: depth and evenness of pink — from soft blush to rich purplish-pink.
- Size: most pink diamonds are small; even a fraction of a carat is significant.
- Paperwork: a GIA report for larger stones, and an Argyle certificate where one is available.
Wearing and care
Diamond is very hard but can still chip with a sharp knock, so choose a protective setting for a ring worn every day. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, or have it cleaned professionally.
See pink diamonds in the shop
Visit our boutique at Opera Quays, beside the Opera House, to see our pink diamond jewellery.