The 4Cs of Diamonds

The 4Cs

Every diamond, like a human fingerprint, has certain distinguishing characteristics. The 4Cs—colour, clarity, cut and carat weight—are the globally accepted standards for assessing the quality of a diamond. At Tiffany, we only accept 0.04% of the world’s gem-grade diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. Diamond Source Initiative

The Leader in Diamond Traceability

We believe fine craftsmanship starts with a respect for our natural world, responsibly sourcing high-quality raw materials and continues through to the creation of the final piece of jewellery. From the moment they are unearthed, Tiffany diamonds selected for our engagement rings never leave the hands of highly skilled artisans, who work with passion and precision to unleash intense vibrancy and light. Once a rough diamond is deemed worthy of the Tiffany name, it is delivered to our diamond cutting experts and our master craftspeople. Tiffany is proud to employ nearly 2,300 expert cutters and polishers in our own state-of-the-art workshops to ensure our sourcing practices honour the places and people that provide us with such astonishing beauty. We go above and beyond the Kimberley Process—with our own chain of custody controls and by advocating for stronger global standards—to ensure that human rights and the environment are protected.



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, colour and carat weight make up the 4Cs.

What makes a Tiffany & Co. diamond?

A diamond’s quality depends on a combination of the 4Cs—colour, 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 colour 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—colour, 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 4Cs. 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 jewellery a thorough cleaning.

 

Between professional cleanings, Tiffany & Co. recommends the occasional use of our jewellery cleaning kit or a non-abrasive cleaner for diamond jewellery. Jewellery 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 jewellers, 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 jeweller to disclose where our newly sourced, serialised 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 on 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.