How The Argyle Mine Began
Founded in 1983 with a budget of only $100,000, the Argyle Mine was the first major diamond-mining operation in Australia, and quickly became the #1 most productive diamond mine on the planet. In total, the mine produced 865 million carats of rough diamonds – the most of any mine in the world!
What Argyle Mine is famous for: Pink & Champagne Diamonds
Up until it’s closure, The Argyle Mine was the only steady source of the incredibly rare and valuable pink diamonds – producing 90 – 95% of the world’s supply,
Despite being the pink diamond mecca, pink diamonds only made up 1% of Argyle’s total production. About 80% of Argyle diamonds were fancy brown, 15% champagne diamonds, 4% white and grey, and that tiny 1% sliver of both pink and green diamonds.
The Argyle mine is known for coining the terms “champagne” and “cognac” diamonds, plus, the widely-used color scale for champagne diamonds . Before their arrival on the diamond scene, it was bright white diamonds or nothing. They shifted people’s perceptions, helping them see the unique, buttery gorgeousness of champagne diamonds.