Zara Tindall Promotes Luxury Jewelry Featuring Diamonds From Pollution-Linked Mine

Zara Tindall is promoting jewelry, with rings priced up to £21,600, that features pink diamonds from Australia's Argyle mine. The mine has historic links to significant pollution, with traditional owners of the land reporting that the mining process involved 'forever chemicals,' a term for compounds like PFAS that are difficult to break down.

Mining giant Rio Tinto has begun a cleanup of the 5,000-acre site. The Argyle mine closed in 2020, and Rio Tinto has stated it is undertaking rehabilitation efforts with long-term monitoring.

Tindall's collaboration with designer Calleija includes a £21,600 platinum ring set with 27 Argyle pink diamonds, designed to reflect her passion for equestrian sports. She has endorsed the collection, stating she felt an 'instant connection to Calleija's designs' and that wearing them felt 'fantastic.' A Calleija social media post from last year mentioned Tindall wearing their Sidra earrings featuring Argyle pink diamonds at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

This situation mirrors that of singer Ellie Goulding, who previously expressed being 'mortified' upon learning about the diamonds' origins.

According to a 2025 report from Gelganyem, an organization representing the traditional owners' interests, the land's use will be permanently restricted due to soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination from PFAS and hydrocarbons. The report also noted erosion, potential risks to fish populations, and damage to indigenous burial and ceremonial sites. Gelganyem has called for transparency, emphasizing the need for brands, suppliers, and public figures to acknowledge the impact on the land's custodians and the aftermath of mining.

Calleija states on its website that it prides itself on using ethically sourced materials. In a statement, designer John Calleija said his company has always been meticulous about sourcing natural diamonds, gems, and precious metals, and has worked with Argyle Pink Diamonds for many years, believing the custody of these diamonds is treated seriously. He noted Rio Tinto's membership in the Responsible Jewellery Council, an organization promoting responsible sourcing and ethical practices.

Rio Tinto acknowledged traditional owners as custodians and is engaging with their representatives, the Gelganyem Group, regarding the mine's closure, including issues related to PFAS. The company stated that PFAS-containing firefighting foams were historically used worldwide, including at Argyle, and that it is assessing and managing the environmental impacts. Rio Tinto's priority is to ensure a safe, stable, and culturally respectful closure while managing environmental outcomes.