Understanding Argyle Pink Diamond Colour Gradings: A Guide to Rare Radiance

Few stones capture the imagination like the Argyle pink diamond. Revered for its rarity and romantic depth of colour, this extraordinary gem is more than just beautiful — it’s a category of its own. But what truly sets an Argyle pink diamond apart is its distinctive colour grading system, developed by the Argyle mine here in Western Australia, where over 90% of the world’s pink diamonds were sourced before its closure in 2020.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how colour in Argyle pink diamonds is graded, what those numbers and letters really mean, and why they matter — especially if you’re considering investing in one of the most coveted stones on Earth.

Why Argyle Pink Diamonds Are So Rare

Unlike colourless diamonds, pink diamonds owe their hue not to trace elements, but to a distortion in their crystal lattice — a natural phenomenon that bends light and creates that exquisite blush. The Argyle mine’s unique geology made it one of the only places in the world to produce pink diamonds in meaningful quantities — though even then, less than 1% of its output was pink.

How Argyle Grades Colour

Argyle developed its own proprietary system to grade colour in pink diamonds. It’s separate from the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) system — and more finely tuned to the subtle variations in pink tones that Argyle stones exhibit.

The system includes:

1. Colour Category (the hue family)
2. Intensity Level (a number from 1 to 9)

Together, they tell a story of both colour and saturation.

 1. Colour Categories

Argyle classifies pink diamonds into four main hue categories:

• PP – Purplish Pink
• P – Pink
• PR – Pink Rose
• PC – Pink Champagne

These categories reflect not only the base colour, but also the secondary hues. For example, a “PP” diamond leans cooler with a hint of purple, while a “PR” might carry a warmer, rosy tone. Each has its own personality — some soft and delicate, others deep and dramatic.

 2. Intensity Levels

Once the hue is established, Argyle assigns a number from 1 (the most intense) to 9 (the lightest) to indicate saturation.

• 1: Exceptional depth and vividness — extremely rare
• 2–3: Rich and bold, with striking presence
• 4–6: Classic pink tones with noticeable colour
• 7–9: Subtle, soft, and delicate blush tones

So a diamond graded 5PP would be a mid-intensity Purplish Pink, while a 2P would have an intense Pink hue.

These numbers don’t reflect size or clarity — they’re purely a measure of colour and saturation. In the world of pink diamonds, the deeper the colour, the higher the rarity — and often, the value.

What Makes an Argyle Pink Diamond Valuable?

While all Argyle pinks are rare, some combinations command more attention — and price:

• Lower numbers (1–3) are significantly rarer
• Highly saturated hues like 1P or 2PP are the most sought-after for collectors
• Diamonds with vivid, balanced pink tones (without too much brown or grey) often carry a premium

Provenance also plays a role: an official Argyle certificate enhances a stone’s desirability and collectability.

Beyond the Numbers: Why Colour Matters

What’s remarkable about Argyle’s system is not just its precision — but its poetry. These aren't just colour codes; they’re a language of beauty. A 4PR might feel soft and romantic, ideal for an heirloom engagement ring. A 2PP might feel bold and unforgettable — a stone of statement and story.

At Hope Diamonds & Gemstones, we honour these distinctions. Every Argyle pink diamond we source is selected not just for its rarity, but for its emotional resonance — how it makes you feel when it catches the light.

In Summary

Code	Hue	Example Meaning
1P	Pink	Deep, intense pink
3PP	Purplish Pink	Vivid purplish-pink with strong presence
5PR	Pink Rose	Mid-saturation, rosy pink
7PC	Pink Champagne	Light pink with champagne undertones

Each stone is a chapter in nature’s love story — and understanding its grading helps you appreciate not just its beauty, but its place in history.

Looking for a Pink Diamond?

If you're considering a certified Argyle pink diamond, we invite you to explore our curated selection — or speak with a gem specialist for tailored advice. Finding the right pink is part science, part romance. Let’s discover yours.