In addition to being the world’s highest volume producer of diamonds, Australia’s Argyle Diamond Mine, and providing a large proportion of the world’s natural colored diamonds; Argyle is the only known source of red and pink diamonds (90%).  Sadly, the mine is scheduled to close, in 2020; but in the interim, Rio Tinto Diamonds (the mining concern responsible for Argyle) has partnered with a quintet of talented jewelers, who they feel both represent and appreciate the rich history and sustainability for which Argyle’s diamonds are known.

Brandee Dallow (Director, Diamond Sales and Marketing - Rio Tinto North America) was attracted to these designers, for “their unique and individual styles, their distinctive stories, and – like Rio Tinto – their positions as influencers within the jewelry industry.”

So, who are these jewelry designers?  Even though I was familiar with most of them and their creations, I asked Brandee to tell me what she most admired about each.  Since her descriptions are all in keeping with my takeaways, I’ll let her do the talking…  “Each of our design partners is brilliant, and has her own unique perspective.”

Jennifer Dawes Design:  Jen is earthy, organic, and very West Coast cool

Paige Novick:  Paige is most notable for her sumptuous curves and unusual shapes

Sandy Leong:  Sandy is so elegant, and can literally conceptualize anything in her work

Suzanne Kalan:  Suzanne redefined the baguette

Xiao Wang:  Xiao’s collection is fun and youthful, and refreshing for not taking itself too seriously

Dallow continues, “These women tell their own stories with their respective collections; and it’s truly an honor and a privilege to collaborate with them.”

So, being me, I decided to curate a capsule collection – let’s call it the “ShulmanSays Curation” – containing my two favorite pieces from each of these five collaborations.

Come back for Part 2, to read all about it!

Rio Tinto
2016 Design Partners
Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#Argyle