Majors

Tiffany Is Now Telling Consumers the Origin of Its Diamonds

MajorsFeb 01, 2019

Tiffany Is Now Telling Consumers the Origin of Its Diamonds

Next year, the jeweler will start sharing information on where stones were cut and polished.

20190201_Tiffany_header.jpg
The map now included in Tiffany & Co. showcases as part of the Diamond Source Initiative lists the 10 countries from which the jeweler gets its diamonds: Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Lesotho, Namibia, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania.
New York—If you walked into a Tiffany & Co. store shortly after the new year, you might have noticed something different in the cases where the jeweler displays its engagement rings. 

There’s now a map inside with 10 pins dropped on countries from Canada to Australia above a plaque that reads: “In keeping with our commitment to responsible sourcing, we now provide provenance information for every newly sourced, individually registered diamond we set, a significant step for diamond transparency.” 

The plaque and the map—both with touches of Tiffany blue, of course—are part of what the jeweler is calling the “Diamond Source Initiative,” which it rolled out worldwide last month.

Now when customers come into any of Tiffany’s 300-plus stores, salespeople will be able to tell them the country of origin for most “individually registered” diamonds—diamonds that are 0.18 carats or larger and have been laser-engraved with “T&Co.” and a unique serial number. 

There are, of course, a couple exceptions. 

Diamonds sourced from De Beers, which does not segregate production from its various mines in southern Africa and Canada, will be labeled “Botswana sort.” Most of the stones, Tiffany said, were mined in Botswana, with some originating from mines in Namibia, South Africa and Canada. 

For diamonds that pre-date the program’s rollout, Tiffany said it will provide confirmation to consumers that the diamond was sourced responsibly. 


In addition to the map and the explanation of the Diamond Source Initiative, Tiffany is displaying select stones with their country of origin, like the diamond from South Africa seen here.
In addition to the map and the explanation of the Diamond Source Initiative, Tiffany is displaying select stones with their country of origin, like the diamond from South Africa seen here.

Tiffany started sharing diamond origin in its stores on Jan. 9, though it could have begun doing so years ago.

Andy Hart, Tiffany’s senior vice president of diamond jewelry and supply, said former Chairman and CEO Michael Kowalski started Tiffany down the path of charting diamond origin in the late ‘90s. 
 
In 2002, Tiffany established Laurelton Diamonds, the jeweler’s rough sourcing arm that is a De Beers sightholder, and a client of Alrosa and Canadian miner Dominion Diamond. 

In 2003, it began laser-inscribing its diamonds with unique serial numbers that are recorded in a database that contains information about each stone’s journey from mine to market.

So, why wait until now to start sharing source information with consumers? 

“For a long time, we felt we were doing it because it was the right thing to do, and  it was good for the company and it was good for the industry,” Hart said. “I think our customers deserve to know what is going on behind the scenes.” 

 The initiative is being implemented at a time when Tiffany is trying to appeal to younger consumers, who want to know the origin of everything from their lettuce to their leggings, though Hart rejected the idea that it is a response to the growing availability and visibility of lab-grown diamonds, which are often marketed as the more socially and environmentally responsible choice.

The Diamond Source Initiative displays in Tiffany’s showcases consist of, from top to bottom, the retailer’s diamond sourcing map, an explanation of the initiative and a single diamond labeled with country of origin, like this stone from South Africa.
The Diamond Source Initiative displays in Tiffany’s showcases consist of, from top to bottom, the retailer’s diamond sourcing map, an explanation of the initiative and a single diamond labeled with country of origin, like this stone from South Africa.


“We just felt like now was the right moment in Tiffany’s history to disclose the origin to our customers,” he said. “We really believe in the rarity and the incredible nature of diamonds. Diamonds grown in the lab have important uses in particular contexts and are going to perhaps have a greater use in the in the jewelry industry.”  

But, Hart said, Tiffany won’t be using the stones in its jewelry. 

“Natural diamonds create opportunity for people in countries where diamonds are a natural resource, such as Botswana. We believe in the opportunity to make, and we are making, a positive impact in those local communities.”

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Sekou Andrews
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy