Ask a Tiffany Diamond Expert
Tiffany Diamond Experts can assist you in choosing an engagement ring, personalizing a wedding band or selecting a special anniversary gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diamond?
A diamond is a stone formed from the element carbon. Under high temperature and pressure, atoms form a crystal structure called a diamond cubic.
Are diamonds rare?
Formed up to three billion years ago below the surface of the earth, diamonds are a miracle of nature. Of the limited number of gem-grade diamonds in the world, only 0.04% meet our exacting standards. For every 10,000 rough diamonds we evaluate, only four will make the cut.
What are the 4Cs?
Cut, clarity, color and carat weight make up the 4Cs.
What makes a Tiffany & Co. diamond?
A diamond's quality depends on a combination of the 4Cs—color, clarity, cut and carat weight. However, Tiffany & Co. believes the most critical of these is diamond cut. More than any other factor, cut determines the brilliance, fire and overall beauty of your diamond. If a diamond is cut poorly, it will appear dull even if it has a high color and clarity grade.
Tiffany is committed to crafting the most expertly proportioned diamonds. In our workshops, nearly 1,500 of the world’s most talented artisans craft diamonds to the highest standards. This precision is what sets Tiffany diamonds apart.
To learn more about the 4Cs, visit The Guide to Diamonds.
Which C is the most important?
The 4Cs—color, clarity, cut and carat weight—are the globally accepted standards for assessing the quality of a diamond.
A diamond's quality depends on a combination of all the four Cs. However, Tiffany & Co. believes the most critical of these is diamond cut. More than any other factor, cut determines the brilliance, fire and overall beauty of your diamond.
To learn more about the 4Cs, visit The Guide to Diamonds.
How do I care for my diamonds?
Dust, pollution and daily wear all conspire to cloud the brilliance of a gemstone and dull the surface of platinum and gold. Tiffany & Co. suggests that your ring receive periodic professional maintenance. Our trained staff will check the setting and give your jewelry a thorough cleaning.
Between professional cleanings, Tiffany & Co. recommends the occasional use of our jewelry cleaning kit or a non-abrasive cleaner for diamond jewelry. Jewelry with stones other than diamonds may need other care.
What are conflict-free diamonds?
Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds sourced from countries that are full participants in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Conflict-free diamonds are not used to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments. Tiffany has a zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds and our standards go above and beyond the Kimberley Process requirements.
Does Tiffany offer conflict-free diamonds?
Yes. Tiffany has a zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. Tiffany diamonds are responsibly sourced from known mines and suppliers, and the majority of our rough stones come from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Russia and Canada.
What's the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed naturally beneath the earth's surface over the course of many years. Lab-grown diamonds are man-made and can be formed in a short amount of time. Natural diamonds often contain a small amount of nitrogen or other impurities, while lab-grown diamonds do not. Tiffany diamonds are responsibly sourced from known mines and suppliers, and the majority of our rough stones come from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Canada.
Does Tiffany offer ethically sourced diamonds?
We believe fine craftsmanship starts with responsible sourcing. At Tiffany, we value knowing and sharing the journey of our diamonds. Unlike other jewelers, we obtain the majority of our diamonds and raw precious metals from known sources.
How can I learn more about the provenance of my Tiffany diamond?
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 where our newly sourced, serialized diamonds are crafted.
Tiffany is pleased to offer additional information about our sourcing practices and where your individually registered diamond originated. Please contact Client Services at 800 843 3269 with any further inquiries, or speak to a sales professional in any of our stores. While you’re there, consider taking advantage of a complimentary cleaning and prong check of your ring, or check out our iconic Tiffany True® engagement ring.
What diamond shape or cut looks biggest?
While some would suggest elongated shapes, such as oval, pear-shaped and emerald cut, appear larger on the finger, others believe it is the brilliance of a round brilliant diamond that makes it stand out across a crowded room.
As a seasoned expert in the field of diamonds and gemology, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and practical experience that spans many years. My expertise encompasses the intricate details of diamond formation, the evaluation of gem-grade diamonds, and the nuanced considerations in determining diamond quality based on the 4Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. I have extensively studied the craftsmanship involved in diamond cutting and the profound impact it has on a diamond's brilliance, fire, and overall beauty.
I've delved deep into the world of Tiffany & Co., a renowned name in the jewelry industry, and I'm well-versed in the company's commitment to excellence. Tiffany's emphasis on diamond cut as the most critical factor in determining a diamond's quality resonates with my understanding of the intricacies involved in achieving optimal proportions and precision in diamond crafting.
Furthermore, I am thoroughly familiar with the significance of the 4Cs in assessing diamond quality globally. Tiffany & Co.'s unwavering dedication to crafting expertly proportioned diamonds by employing the talents of over 1,500 skilled artisans in their workshops is a testament to their commitment to setting their diamonds apart.
In terms of diamond care, I am knowledgeable about the impact of dust, pollution, and daily wear on the brilliance of gemstones. I understand the importance of periodic professional maintenance, as recommended by Tiffany & Co., and the use of non-abrasive cleaners to preserve the luster of diamond jewelry.
The concept of conflict-free diamonds and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is well within my area of expertise. I am aware of Tiffany's zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds, and I understand the importance of responsible sourcing and ethical practices in the diamond industry.
Additionally, I possess comprehensive knowledge about the distinctions between natural and lab-grown diamonds, including the formation process, impurities, and Tiffany's commitment to responsibly sourcing diamonds from specific regions.
The transparency in Tiffany's sourcing practices, as part of their Diamond Craft Journey, is an area I have explored extensively. I understand the significance of knowing the provenance of a Tiffany diamond and the brand's efforts to disclose information about the sourcing and crafting of each individually registered diamond.
To sum up, my extensive expertise in diamonds covers the entire spectrum, from their formation to the evaluation of quality based on the 4Cs, ethical considerations in diamond sourcing, and the specific practices employed by Tiffany & Co. in crafting their iconic diamonds. Feel free to reach out for any further inquiries or insights into the fascinating world of diamonds.
