The Leader in Diamond Traceability

As a pioneer in responsible sourcing, we don’t just adhere to industry standards—we lead by example.

We believe the beauty of a diamond is measured not only in its extraordinary appearance, but by the care it is treated with. As part of our Diamond Craft Journey, we work to ensure responsible practices every step of the way. From the moment a Tiffany diamond is unearthed, it takes a remarkable trip across the globe, passing from the expert hands of one master craftsperson to another until it’s worthy of the iconic Tiffany Blue Box. In 2020, we became the first global luxury jeweler to disclose the countries where our newly sourced, individually registered diamonds of .18 carats and larger are crafted.

Step 1: Responsible Sourcing

Many Tiffany diamonds begin their journey as rough stones, mined in countries such as Australia, Botswana, Canada, Namibia, Russia and South Africa. These regions or countries of origin are also referred to as the “provenance” of a diamond. All of our rough diamonds are sourced either directly from a known mine or from a supplier with a limited number of known mines. We encourage high standards in the mining industry to protect human rights and ecologically sensitive lands. We are also dedicated to improving local economies; for example, in calendar year 2019, we provided more than USD $59 million in economic benefits to Botswana’s economy.

Step 2: Preparation

At Tiffany, our standards are so high that we only accept 0.04% of the world’s gem-grade diamonds. If a diamond does not meet our rigorous quality standards, it is rejected and sold back to the market where it may end up with our competitors. We send the small number of rough diamonds we do accept to our workshop in Antwerp, Belgium, the headquarters of Tiffany’s diamond operation. Here, our experts record the origin of the stone and sort for size, color, clarity and fluorescence. We then map the unique design for each stone, prioritizing beauty above all else—even sacrificing carat weight—to ensure all Tiffany diamonds are of the highest quality (and that our engagement rings have that mesmerizing sparkle that lights up a room).

Step 3: Cutting and Polishing 

Next, our diamonds travel to Tiffany workshops in Belgium, Botswana, Mauritius, Vietnam and Cambodia. Here, nearly 1,500 of the world’s most talented artisans cut and polish diamonds with incredible accuracy and artistry, bringing out the beauty of each stone. We are proud to hire locally, invest in communities and provide a living wage for employees in developing countries. For example, as of June 2020, 94% of the workforce at our Hai Duong, Vietnam facility consisted of women hired from the local community. We also procure select polished diamonds from trusted suppliers who comply with our traceability, quality, social and environmental standards. 

Step 4: Grading and Quality Control 

Grading oversight and quality validation takes place at our workshop in New York, where our exacting standards are established. We rigorously inspect our diamonds at our network of Tiffany Gemological Laboratories in the U.S., Cambodia and Vietnam.

Step 5: Setting

Tiffany sets the majority of its diamonds at its workshops in the U.S. Here, setters individually adjust each prong and basket on an engagement ring by hand to reveal the beauty of each stone. We believe our people are our greatest strength, so we ensure our workshops meet high standards for safety, cleanliness and a productive, welcoming environment.

Step 6: Time for the Blue Box

Time for the final step. A Tiffany diamond is now ready to be placed in its iconic Tiffany Blue Box and bag. Introduced in 1886, this packaging has become synonymous with Tiffany and for over a decade it has been made with paper from sustainable sources, including Forest Stewardship Council™-certified and recycled materials. That’s just one of many reasons why, when it comes to engagement rings, only Tiffany will do. 

In 1886, Tiffany introduced the engagement ring as we know it today. We’re proud to build on that legacy as the leader in diamond traceability with responsibly sourced, expertly crafted diamond rings that celebrate love in all its forms.