Whats your biggest worry when it comes to your diamond? If we took a guess, it would probably be losing it. And while a missing diamond is a legitimate fear, you want to be careful about chipping your diamond as well. For information on diamond care, we look to the experts at our insurance company, Jewelers Mutual. We think that you will find their suggestion helpful to ensure the protection of your gem.
Bet you thought diamonds couldnt chip, right?
Why Diamonds Can Chip
Even though diamonds are hard, like 58 times harder than corundum, the next hardest mineral on earth, you can still chip the edges (or girdle) of your diamond.
Hitting your ring at just the right angle with just the right impact could chip the diamond. Thats why the prongs are located along the girdle of your ring - to hold the diamond in place and prevent it from chipping.
How to Prevent Chipping Your Diamond
Obviously accidents happen, but there are some considerations you can take while selecting the perfect diamond as well as preventive measures once you're wearing it.
Remove Your Ring
We know its hard to go sans-diamond (even just for a minute!) but at the risk of damaging it, remove it and store in a safe location when doing the following hands-on activities:
1. When youre breaking a sweat. Physical activities present a risk of hitting your ring on equipment or another individual, which could loosen your rings prongs and put your diamond at risk of loss.
2. When youre cooking. That granite counter top looks beautiful, but granite is a hard surface that can chip a diamond when hit the wrong way. Make sure to remove your ring while whipping up your latest Pinterest recipe find.
3. When youre growing your garden. Let your green thumb be all thats on your hand while gardening. Gardening tools or even just hard rocks may be hazards for loosening or chipping your diamond. And soil doesn't exactly make diamonds sparkle.
A good rule of thumb (or ring finger in this case): If your diamond ring has a good chance of slipping off or hitting something hard, dont wear it.
Watch for Warning Signs
Besides being generally cautious when youre wearing your diamond ring, there are also specific warning signs to look out for:
1. Make sure your prongs arent too-short, bent or missing. Prongs play a big part in keeping your ring secure.
2. Give the ring the ole shake test. If it feels like its going to fly off your finger, get to your jeweler for a proper fitting and re-sizing.
If you think you may have a chip in your diamond or potential damage to a prong, come see us ASAP for an inspection and we will assess your repair options. If youre a Jewelers Mutual policyholder, weve got your back with our preventive repair coverage.
NEVER continue wearing a chipped ring. Its at high risk of further damage.
Good news, though. A chip is not the end of the world. There are ways that we can deal with a chipped diamond, such as re-cutting the stone or even placing the diamond in another piece of jewelry.
