Rio Tinto announced the launch of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender 2011, which affords buyers a chance to purchase rare pink diamonds from its Argyle Mine in Western Australia. The collection includes 55 pink diamonds, with a combined weight of 47.61 carats. The diamonds will be showcased around the world from August until October.



The Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender includes three matching heart-shaped diamonds, collectively entitled the "Argyle Semper Suite." The tender also includes the "Argyle Alanya," which is a 1.06 carat fancy vivid purplish-pink oval-shaped diamond.



Rio Tinto has collaborated on the tender with fashion illustrator David Downton, whose sketches capture the Argyle Pink Diamonds. Downton also created an image of the "Argyle Muse," which is a picture of a woman meant to encapsulate rarity, beauty and luxury, according to a statement by Josephine Archer, the manager for Argyle Pink Diamonds. The drawings are featured in the 2011 Tender Catalog.