Argyle Diamonds: Origin, Value & FAQs

Argyle Diamonds: Origin, Value & FAQs

Q1 — Are Argyle diamonds valuable?

Yes ,

Argyle diamonds are considered valuable, and Argyle pink diamonds are extremely valuable.

Here’s why:

1) The mine is permanently closed
No more Argyle diamonds are being produced. In jewellery and luxury markets, scarcity increases value.

 

2) Pink diamonds were already rare before the closure
Less than 0.01% of diamonds in the world are naturally pink, and Argyle was the main supplier.

3) Global collector demand increased after closure
Once supply stopped in 2020, prices climbed steadily because buyers know what exists now is all that will ever exist.

4) Provenance matters
“Argyle certified” means it came from the most famous pink diamond source on earth. Provenance adds premium value, just like a signed painting vs. an unsigned one.


White Argyle diamonds are valuable.
Pink Argyle diamonds are rare and can be considered investment-grade.

Even small, modest-sized Argyle pink stones have increased in price and continue to do so because there is zero new supply


Q4 — Are all pink diamonds from Argyle?

No.
Pink diamonds are found in a few places globally (e.g. Brazil, India, South Africa, Canada), but Argyle was the largest and most famous source.

What makes Argyle pinks different:

  • They have a distinctive, intense pink tone caused by a unique crystal lattice distortion
  • Their colour saturation is often stronger than other sources
  • They come with provenance (collectors pay premium for traceable origin)

So while not all pink diamonds are Argyle, the most sought-after and valuable pinks on the market are typically Argyle-origin.

Q5 — What is a “poor man’s diamond”?

This is a casual term people use for white sapphire, moissanite, or cubic zirconia. stones used as cheaper diamond alternatives.

  • Moissanite — the closest diamond alternative in sparkle and durability
  • White sapphire — more muted sparkle, but still natural
  • Cubic zirconia (CZ) — very cheap, not durable, loses brilliance with wear

Q6 — What are the top 3 most expensive diamonds in the world?

As of now, the world’s most expensive recorded diamonds are:

1) The Pink Star — USD $71.2 million
A 59.60ct vivid pink diamond sold at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong.

2) The Oppenheimer Blue — USD $57.5 million
A 14.62ct vivid blue diamond, record holder for blue stones.

3) The Regent Diamond — USD $48 million+ (valued)
140.64ct white diamond housed in the Louvre; not sold recently but historically valued in this range.

Notably, pink and blue diamonds dominate the top price records, showing buyer preference for rare colour over size.


Argyle diamonds hold a unique position in the diamond world, not just because of their colour, but because their source is permanently gone, making them part of a finite, historical supply. Whether you’re considering Argyle diamonds for investment, for a custom piece, or simply learning about them, understanding their origin and rarity helps you see why they are treated differently from ordinary diamonds.

If you ever want guidance choosing an Argyle stone or confirming whether a diamond is Argyle-origin, we’re based in Sydney and can help with both sourcing and verification.

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