Tiffany & Co. to Expand Diamond Traceability Program
A move to reassure customers that its diamonds are ethically sourced.
Luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. will expand its diamond traceability program by disclosing additional supply chain information on its stones. In 2019, the company became the first global jeweler to share the country of origin of its individually registered diamonds, generally those weighing at .18 carats or higher. Beginning in October, the jeweler will also begin detailing where each stone is cut, polished, graded, quality assured and finally set in jewelry.
Tiffany & Co.’s announcement is a move to reassure customers that their purchases are not only high-quality, but also ethical. In recent years, more light has been shed on the poor working conditions diamond miners often face, as well as the trading of “conflict diamonds” (often referred to as “blood diamonds”). “Sharing the craftsmanship journey of Tiffany diamonds reflects decades of investment in our supply chain,” said Andrew Hart, Tiffany’s senior vice president of diamond and jewelry supply. “Directly sourcing responsibly mined rough diamonds, and crafting and setting those diamonds to our standards in our own workshops, is unique to Tiffany among luxury jewelers.”
Though the company specifies that it sources its rough stones from “trusted suppliers” mining out of countries such as Australia, Botswana and South Africa, it does not provide a guarantee that miners are paid a living wage and work in comfortable conditions. However, Tiffany does detail that its diamond-cutting and polishing facilities “offer safe and healthy work environments; and adhere to health and safety standards that, in many places, go above and beyond local laws.”
