Australian Pink Diamonds

Australian Pink Diamonds Astound In Beauty

To the untrained eye, an Australian pink diamond may look like play jewelry, but in fact it is one of the most stunning and valuable types of diamonds in the world. Very few regions of the world produce quality diamonds and not all of those regions produce pink diamonds. Australian pink diamonds are popular around the world for their brilliance, size and color. Often referred to as Australian Argyle Diamonds, which is the name of the mine they originate.

Unearthing Beauty

The Australian pink diamonds are in the far north region of the western portion of the country in the Kimberley region. The Argyle Diamond Mine is located more than 2000 kilometers from Perth, the largest city in the region. The area was remote. The diamonds were not discovered until the early 1970's. The region was not unknown for diamonds. In fact, in the area of Pilbara, located some distance away, it was not uncommon to discover diamonds. They were first recorded in the 1890's in that region. But, at that time, there was little evidence of where the diamonds were coming from and no significant reserve was found. In the early 1970's, this changed when one of the most significant finds of diamonds was uncovered in Smoke Creek, a small city at the time.

In the 1970's, scientists worked to find the large reserve of diamonds they knew were in Australia. It was not until 1972 that the region was narrowed to the Kimberly region. After many failed attempts at locating the largest source of diamonds, it was in 1979 that geologists finally found the Argyle Diamond pipe and the largest find of diamonds on the continent.

Before understanding bit more about Australian pink diamonds, consider what this mine was truly like. The mine first started to be mined in 1983 through an open cut mine process. The main plant was not commissioned until two years later. Still, in that time, some 15 million carats of alluvial diamonds had been pulled from the Argyle mine. Today, this mine is large and helps to make Australia the largest producer of diamonds. In 1986, 29 million carats were produced and in 1994, 35 million carats had been pulled from the mine. This number continues to grow.

Today, the Argyle Diamond Mine produces about 35 million carats per year. From what is drawn from the mind, about 45 percent are near gem quality diamonds and 50 percent is industry quality diamonds. The remaining five percent are the rare, Australian pink diamonds that are highly valued and considered some of the most important gems in the world.  There is also a small percentage of rich cognac diamonds and champagne diamonds that make up that five remaining percent.

Australian Pink Diamonds Dazzle Worldwide

The rare Australian pink diamond has not failed to dazzle the world. The Argyle diamonds fall into one of three categories. They may be white diamonds, champagne diamonds or pink diamonds. There are many things that help this mine to stand apart from others. One aspect of the diamonds themselves that is unique is that they are harder than diamonds that are found in any other area of the world. This comes from the diamond's unique atomic structure. All diamonds have a similar diamond atomical make up, but the Argyle diamonds have a structure in which the atoms are bonded together in a more complex arrangement. Because of this unique make up, the diamonds do have their more brilliant colors. The Australian pink diamonds in particular have a very deep coloring, which is unlike any other pink diamond found in other regions of the world.

Another important factor that makes the Australian pink diamond unique is the way that the diamonds look under ultra violet light. These diamonds actually fluoresce blue under these lights. About 70 percent of the diamonds from this mine have this one of a kind benefit. In fact, when the mine experiences high amounts of ultra violet light, the entire mine has a beautiful blue coloring to it, almost shimmering in the light.

In addition, just like the rest of the diamonds in the world, Australian pink diamonds are rated by the four C's of color, carat, clarity and cut. But, unlike other diamonds, the Australian pink diamond is not downgraded in value due to color but rather rated higher the more dominate the pinks are.

Purchasing an Australian Pink Diamond

For those who would like to purchase the diamonds, it is possible to do so. As mentioned, these diamonds are rare, especially those which are finer in quality. Therefore, you are likely to pay a substantial amount of money for them. Yet, quality does matter and these diamonds will not disappoint anyone.

The diamonds are refined in Perth, Australia after leaving the mine, to various stages. They are then sold directly in Australia through Australian jewelers. They are also shipped internationally. The only Argyle Mine representatives to receive these diamonds directly are Antwerp, Bombay, India and Belgium. Some small sized diamonds are sent overseas in rough form, but this is not the most common process.

For those wishing to own them, purchase from a highly qualified dealer. There is no doubt the Australian pink diamonds will dazzle anyone who sees them (or is lucky enough to own them.) They are a long lasting statement gift and they are to be highly respected for the treasure that they are.

Below you'll find a wide selection of Australian Pink Diamond Jewelry. Use the numbers below the items to view additional pages.