TL;DR: pink diamonds are among the rarest of all diamond colours, and for many years a large share of the world's pink stones was reported to come from the Argyle mine in Western Australia, which stopped production in 2020. That history is why Argyle pinks are talked about with such reverence and why prices for fine ones are very high. We do not make claims about the origin of any individual stone that we cannot support, and we explain plainly what we can confirm. Pieces start from £600.
Why pink diamonds are rare
Most diamonds are colourless or pale yellow or brown. A strong pink is unusual, and the cause of the colour is still discussed by scientists. Pink stones are also often small, so a larger one is rarer still. The combination of colour and size is what makes the best examples so scarce.
The Argyle story
The Argyle mine became known for producing most of the world's pink diamonds, alongside other coloured stones. When the mine ceased operations in 2020, many in the trade expected supply of that kind of stone to tighten. People who value that history sometimes seek a stone with documented Argyle origin. We cannot confirm a stone's origin from the stone alone, so such claims should be supported by records that you can see.
What to ask
- Who made the origin claim, and what records support it?
- Is the colour natural or has the stone been treated?
- Is there a grading report, and does it match the stone?
- What is the size, shape and how strong is the colour?
Ask for the answers in writing. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains the documents you might receive.
Natural, treated and lab grown pink
A pink diamond can be natural in colour, can have had its colour changed by treatment, or can be grown in a laboratory. All three can be beautiful, but they are different things and are priced very differently, so each should be described plainly for what it is. When we quote a stone we say which of these it is, and a grading report should say the same. If a description is vague, ask for it to be made clear before you commit.
Alternatives to a rare pink
If a natural pink diamond is beyond your budget, there are other routes to the colour. A pink sapphire, a pink spinel or a lab grown coloured diamond can all give a pink look, and each is described honestly for what it is. Our guide to spinel colours shows the range that spinel offers, and you can browse lab grown diamonds to see how we present them.
Designing around a pink stone
Rose gold can echo the warmth of a pink stone, while white metals can make the colour look cooler. Small white diamonds around a pink centre are a classic choice. Tell us what you have in mind and we will talk through the options.
Looking after a coloured diamond
Diamond is very hard, but small stones in delicate settings still need care. Take the ring off for heavy work, store it on its own so it cannot be scratched by other pieces, and have the claws checked from time to time. Our guide to ring care checklist by season offers simple habits for every time of year.
Buying from abroad
We work by video consultation and message, make nothing until you approve the design in writing, and deliver with insured, tracked FedEx delivery. The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are.
Frequently asked questions
Why are pink diamonds so rare?
Strong pink is unusual in nature, and pink stones are often small.
Is the Argyle mine still open?
No. It ceased operations in 2020.
Can you confirm a stone came from Argyle?
We do not make origin claims we cannot support, and we tell you honestly what we can confirm.
What are the alternatives?
Pink sapphire, pink spinel and lab grown coloured diamonds, each described for what it is.