Rare and remarkable Australian pink diamonds become works of art

ADVERTISER CONTENT: In the hands of Calleija’s master jewellers these exotic beauties are transformed.

Calleija’s Cataleya ring

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The remote and striking Kimberley Region of Western Australia is well known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and the enchanting multi-coloured hues of its pink and red gorges and sparkling turquoise coastline. But the magic continues below the surface, where some of the rarest and most beautiful diamonds emerge from the earth in a wondrous variety of shades that reflect the delicate soft pinks, intense reds and even the most vivid blues of this exotic region.

Three thousand kilometres north of Perth in the ancient Matsu ranges, a source of these now highly sought-after gems was discovered. In 1983, the Argyle diamond mine opened at the site and so began the harnessing of these remarkable natural stones.

Calleija’s Arianne ring

Despite the fact that pink diamonds accounted for less than one per cent of the mine’s total production, it produced an astounding 90 per cent of the world’s supply of this rare gem. Almost 40 years after it started operating, the Argyle Mine’s reign as the world’s largest source of pink diamonds came to an end and in late 2020 it closed its doors for good.

But diamonds are forever, and these legendary gems continue to inspire master jewellers to create intricate pieces that celebrate the astonishing natural beauty of the Australian pink diamond and capture its unique quality.

Works of art

A select few of these jewellers were officially appointed as an Argyle Pink Diamonds Select Atelier – the small guild of master jewellers entrusted with these natural beauties. One such master craftsman and Select Atelier is John Calleija, founder of international luxury jewellery brand, Calleija. For years he has worked to capture the magnificence of the Argyle pink diamonds, breathing life into these natural treasures and transforming them into works of art while treating them with the utmost respect.

History in the making

Calleija’s iconic pieces featuring Argyle pink diamonds include the Argyle Dreaming necklace, which marked the closure of the Argyle Diamond mine and took more than 800 hours to design and craft.

Calleija’s Carmeline ring

Calleija also created Majestic Light, a sculpture featuring 749 Argyle pink and white diamonds, which was unveiled at Kensington Palace as part of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Now Calleija is paying tribute to the closure of the mine with the launch of a 2021 collection, giving everyone an opportunity to select an exclusive Argyle pink diamond piece from the collection or commission a bespoke creation.

With the closure of the Argyle diamond mine, striking pink diamonds of this size and calibre will continue to be coveted for generations to come, making this a perfect time to invest. Think of an Australian pink diamond as an intimate connection between the past, present and future.

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The Australian’s editorial staff were not involved with the production of this content.

This content was produced on behalf of Calleija. Read our policy on commercial content here.