A jewel of the sea, the Turtle is celebrated in gold and diamonds
A dazzling combination of gold and diamond artistry in numismatic form, The Jewelled Series has been further enriched with a spectacular new release celebrating the sea turtle.
The 2024 Jewelled Turtle is struck from 10oz of 99.99% pure gold in flawless proof quality. It is mounted with a three-dimensional 18-carat gold representation of a sea turtle featuring a carapace hand set with 112 exceptionally rare Argyle Pink Diamonds™.
Additionally, the turtle’s head and limbs are set with 52 natural white diamonds, with two emeralds for eyes.
Designed by highly experienced coin artist Natasha Muhl, the magnificent piece includes imagery representing corals and reef fish. More white diamonds are set in a ribbon-shaped line symbolising the sea surface and another Argyle Pink Diamond™ is set at the heart of a stylised sun.
Natasha, whose previous work for the series includes The 2020 Jewelled Tiger, feels a personal connection with sea turtles.
“I was raised in the Kimberley, an extraordinary natural environment offering pristine white beaches and a translucent turquoise sea,” she said.
“Six of the world's seven species of sea turtles are found in Kimberley waters, and five of those are known to nest there. They really are special animals to me.”
Stories about sea turtles have been told throughout human existence. Integral to the cultures of many coastal communities from Australia to Asia, Africa and the Americas, they are revered in mythology and folklore as symbols of longevity, wisdom, patience, endurance, protection and healing. For some, the sea turtle is considered to be the sacred creator of Mother Earth.
“My aim was to create a piece that had an overall sense of harmony in the design,”
“I focussed on thematic elements ensuring they looked their finest to convey the beauty and tranquillity of the marine world, while treating the sea turtle with maximum reverence.
“As part of The Jewelled Series, important considerations were required relating to the effective use of diamonds within the design.
“Through extensive collaboration with our coining division and Glajz-THG, Argyle Pink Diamonds Icon Partner™, my artwork went from pen and paper to an exquisite, bejewelled piece in a gratifying and exciting process.”
Weighing 1.35 carats, the pink diamonds in the turtle’s shell are pavé-set with meticulous skill. Graded Fancy Intense, Vivid Pink, and Purplish Pink, they are all from the famous Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, the source of some of the world’s rarest and most desirable natural-coloured diamonds.
Interest has intensified since new supply ceased with the mine’s closure in November 2020 after 37 years of operations.
Adorned with a total of 1.37 carats of Argyle Pink Diamonds™ and 0.85 carats of white diamonds, The Jewelled Turtle 2024 10oz Gold Proof Coin is an outstanding example of sensitive design, spectacular natural treasures, and remarkable craftsmanship.
Issued as Australian legal tender, it has an appropriately low mintage of just eight pieces.
