Tiffany
Specifications
| Weight | 128.51 carats |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 27 x 28.25 x 22.2 mm |
| Color | Canary Yellow |
| Weight of Rough | 287.42 carats |
| Origin | Kimberly Mine, South Africa |
| Date Found | 1878 |
| Current Location | Tiffany & Co. has been the sole owner |
Details
The Tiffany Diamond: A Modern Marvel of Precision and Beauty
The Tiffany Diamond is one of the world’s most celebrated yellow diamonds, notable not only for its exceptional colour and clarity but also for its enduring association with Tiffany & Co., which has owned the gem since its discovery. Unearthed in the Kimberley mine of South Africa in 1877, the rough diamond originally weighed 287.42 carats before being expertly cut into its present form—a cushion-shaped brilliant weighing 128.54 carats.
Modern Modelling and Gemmological Study
Contemporary modelling of the Tiffany Diamond has greatly benefited from technological advancements in digital gem analysis. Earlier replicas relied on traditional drafting methods, but today’s techniques—incorporating precise computer modelling and optical mapping—allow researchers to capture its geometry and facet structure with remarkable accuracy.
Scott discovered that the pavilion main angles of the Tiffany Diamond can be determined with a precision of ±0.5° by examining the reflections of the culet facet and its relation to the girdle and adjacent crown facets. This method, which has also been instrumental in modelling other historical diamonds such as The Regent, demonstrates how optical analysis can yield highly accurate insights into gem cutting without the need for physical examination.