A chipped diamond. The words are enough to make any jewelry owners blood run cold. If you have a chipped diamond or are wondering how to prevent a chipped diamond this guide will take you through the do’s and don’ts so that you can wear your jewelry with peace of mind.
There are a few myths surrounding diamonds and their durability so being clear on the facts will allow you to take the necessary measures to protect your diamond and avoid any disasters. Like any other mineral on earth, a diamond can become chipped and damaged. People often state that a diamond is the hardest substance but it is in fact the hardest mineral. This means that a diamond can be damaged by any other non-mineral substance that is harder.
The hardness of minerals is measure on the Mohs scale and the diamond receives a perfect ten. This means a diamond can scratch anything scoring lower than a ten on the scale (sapphires, emeralds, quartz etc). This is why a diamond is perfect for fine jewelry – it is the hardest and one of the most beautiful minerals around. If it is cut well and looked after correctly, a diamond can last for hundreds or even thousands of years.
Some of the most common causes of diamond damage are lifestyle and activity related. There is a somewhat tricky line between general, everyday wear and high impact activities, and it is this line that leaves many jewelry owners furious at salespeople. A happy bride-to-be may return to a jewelers just a few months after receiving her ring, finding it bent out of shape with chips to the diamond/missing diamond. This ring was supposed to last a lifetime, so surely, she is justified in her disappointment? Well…that depends.
It is true that less reputable jewelers will sell low quality jewelry and hide behind the ‘exerting activities’ clauses. If the bride in question works at an office, removes her ring during exercise etc, then the chances are that this is a badly made diamond ring and the jeweler is at fault. Nonetheless, it is very difficult to prove this so she is unlikely to be offered any solution.
However, even the most expertly crafted engagement rings can be damaged, and even the most beautiful, well-set diamonds can be chipped. If this bride has been lifting weights, gardening or playing sports…if she has granite or marble counter tops in her kitchen that knock against the ring…if she has been climbing or packing and moving boxes, well all of those things would be considered ‘high wear’ activities. In this instance, the jeweler is not at fault.
But if ‘general wear’ clauses weren’t enough to get people impassioned, the other common cause for diamond damage is one that can be even more upsetting. The second danger to your diamond is a jeweler. Prong tightening, polishing and cleaning can all result in diamonds coming loose from their settings or becoming chipped. This can seem like an impossible situation; we know that regular checks and maintenance to your diamond jewelry is crucial in ensuring is longevity, but if there is a risk that the jeweler will cause more damage where does that leave the buyer? Fortunately, I have several tips for keeping your diamond protected.
Following these simple steps will help you to prevent heartache during your annual or bi-annual jewelry check-ups:
These steps can be taken at home to keep your diamond protected:
If you noticed that your diamond is chipped the first thing to do it immediately remove it and place it somewhere safe. If you continue to wear the diamond you increase the chances of damaging it further.
Following this you have a few options; replace it, re-cut/polish it or hide it.
Prevention is better than cure. Choosing a diamond without risky inclusions is the first step. Regular home care and jewelers check-ups will allow you to spot any potential issues early on. Reducing damage to your ring by removing it during activities will make a huge difference to how long it lasts.
Freak accidents do happen. Sadly, there is no rule about how long you can wear a diamond before it gets chipped – some people will heavy-wear their jewelry for decades without any issues, while other unfortunate people will walk out of the jewelry store, knock their ring on a lamppost and chip the diamond. Following the steps in this guide should give you the freedom to wear your jewelry and enjoy it – that’s what it was made for! A good insurance policy will also put your mind at rest in case the unthinkable should happen.