Some of the most spectacular pieces of jewellery crafted from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds were showcased on the fashion runway at an event in Tokyo in collaboration with leading Japanese bridal house, Hatsuko Endo, Rio Tinto said in a statement today.

Models showcased the latter’s exquisite collection of international designer wedding gowns with bespoke Argyle pink diamond jewellery, created by some of the finest Japanese jewellery master-craftsmen.

Some of the pieces that wowed the audience included the extraordinary Wisteria shoulder brooch by Japanese jeweller Kashikey, a pioneer of Japan’s fancy coloured diamond market. The jeweller had painstakingly handcrafted this irreplaceable work of art over two years. The Wisteria shoulder brooch features 26 carats of Argyle pink diamonds in the cascading blooms of the wisteria, each pink diamond precisely chosen for its graduating colour.

Also on display was the Argyle Pink Diamond Tiara, a bespoke piece by Australian luxury jewellery retailer Linneys. Tiaras are much coveted by Japanese brides and the Argyle Pink Diamond tiara showcases 178 Argyle pink diamonds in various shapes, sizes and hues.

The Argyle pink diamond jewellery phenomenon started in Japan almost 30 years ago when Japanese designers boldly embraced Argyle’s pink diamonds and incorporated them in beautiful and innovative designs. Today Rio Tinto sells around 30% of its Argyle pink diamonds into Japan where the pink hues are synonymous with romance and love and there is an unerring appetite for the smallest, palest pink diamonds, through to the rarest red diamonds.

Argyle Pink Diamonds manager Josephine Johnson said “The Japanese market is very important to us and we are delighted to be in Tokyo to support our Japanese ateliers and partners. They have elevated the story of rarity and beauty into the highest quality of craftsmanship, showcased in a beautiful bridal setting.”