Diamond mining giant Rio Tinto announced its 2009 pink diamond tender this week, which will feature 43 rare pink diamonds extracted from Rio Tinto's diamond mine.

The 2009 pink diamond tender, this year named "Grand Passion," will include 43 of the rarest pink diamonds from the Argyle mine, including four heart-shaped diamonds of unique design and quality.

The four rare heart-shaped diamonds include a 2.61-carat intense-pink diamond named the "Argyle Amour," two 1.25-carat purplish-pink round diamonds named "Argyle Shalimar," and a 1.10-carat oval-shaped red diamond known as the "Argyle Scarlett".

In a statement to the media, Josephine Archer, business manager for Argyle Pink Diamonds, said "the pink diamonds selected for this year's tender are a fitting tribute to the artistry and passion of all of those who worked to bring them to the market place. These diamonds are for appreciators of the truly exceptional, and we are delighted to be showcasing them to the world."

Rio Tinto also announced the tour dates for the tender, which will include stops in Perth, Australia, and Hong Kong during September, and will also be brought to Mumbai, India, for the first time ever in August.