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Rio Tinto Unveils ‘Impossibly Rare’ Diamond

Melbourne, Australia–Last year, Rio Tinto made an astounding discovery at its Argyle mine in Western Australia and never said a word about it.

The diamond mining company unearthed a 9.17-carat piece of rough that yielded a stone Rio Tinto Diamonds’ Patrick Coppens describes as “impossibly rare”–a 2.83-carat fancy deep grayish blue violet diamond that it dubbed the “Argyle Violet.”

It is the largest violet diamond ever recovered from the mine. And now it will embark on a world tour, of sorts, as part of the 2016 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.

The Gemological Institute of America assigned the oval-shaped stone a color grade of fancy deep grayish blue violet. In a peer-reviewed article in the spring 2009 edition of Gems & Gemology, the GIA noted that the Argyle mine is the world’s only known source of type IaB hydrogen- and nitrogen-rich diamonds colored gray to blue to violet. The article also noted that the more violet-hued stones in this range are colored by nickel defects.

Rio Tinto said the Argyle Violet has a clarity of SI1.

Hennig Tendering Yellows from S. Africa, Ellendale

Form Us With Love recently created the Nest Collection for +Halle. The series provides an unpronounced divider to the traditional lounge area, by simply creating layers of both high and low seating. The heights offers a sense of privacy, whilst maintaining the comfort of a relaxed armchair.

30 Enchanting Engagement Rings for Every Bride

June is the most popular month to tie the knot, and those looking to plan their fairy-tale wedding next year need to start with the right ring—right now. Of course, not every girl is the same, so we gathered a selection of the best pieces to suit the style of every soon-to-be-bride. Fans of Downton Abbey will appreciate the period from labels including Cartier, David Webb, and Monique Péan. Minimalists should look to the designs of Asprey, Hemmerle, and Repossi, whose jewelry balance classic stones with subtle elegance. Those seeking out nonconformist bijoux should eschew the classic white diamond in favor of pearls, sapphires, and emeralds, or add a dash of color in blue, yellow, or and even green diamonds. On the other hand, purists prefer the return to simple grandeur of round and emerald cuts like those from David Yurman, Graff, and Harry Winston. Now that we’ve done all the work for you, the only thing left to say is yes.

14 Jewellers Chosen for the 2016 CanadaMark Competition Finals

Serendipity Diamonds has been selected amongst 14 finalists announced in the CanadaMark 2016 competition. CanadaMark Diamond’s 2016 Jewellery Competition honours jewellery pieces with the highest level of creativity and excellence in quality and style.

For a chance to win their chosen design, anyone can select the appropriate designer and cast their voteonline.

Jewellers entering the competition were required to submit a brand new ring design, featuring a fully traceable CanadaMark diamond, with a retail price that did not exceed $5000 USD. All 14 finalists created their ring designs in readiness for a public vote for the best design.

Mark Johnson, at Serendipity Diamonds, described their entry.

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