The Tiffany Setting turns 130
Nature gave us diamonds, but it was Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co, who really made them sparkle. In 1886, Tiffany unveiled a new way to set diamonds, freeing the stone from the confines of the bezel, which was the most common setting then, to lift it above the metal, secured in place by six minimal prongs. This innovative design allows light to enter the diamond from all directions, revealing the gem’s full brilliance. Today, the six-prong Tiffany Setting has become the most popular setting style for engagement rings and is synonymous with everlasting love. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the iconic setting.
Because the Tiffany Setting reveals so much of the diamond, the finesse of the cut and quality of the gem become of utmost importance. Tiffany chooses the very best stones for its creations, rejecting over 99 per cent of the diamonds it receives. Every single stone is cut and polished in-house by trusted artisans who have been in the employ of the brand for years.
Two of Tiffany’s most respected diamond cutters are Bhagwati and Manek Patel, brothers who have a combined 45 years of experience. They work as a team, taking turns at cutting and polishing. “We work with any stone, of any size and shape,” the brothers say. “Working with these diamonds over so many years gives us true appreciation for the uniqueness of each stone and for the Tiffany Setting, which maximises the diamond’s natural beauty.”
