Sep 27, 2024

Can a Diamond Chip or Break

Diamonds are treasured for their brilliance, beauty, and enduring nature. Often regarded as the hardest natural substance on Earth, diamonds have a well-deserved reputation for durability. However, even these remarkable gems are not entirely indestructible. At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we often receive questions about the strength of diamonds, such as, "Can a diamond chip or break?" While diamonds are incredibly tough, they can indeed be vulnerable under certain conditions. Let’s explore how and why diamonds can chip or break and how you can protect these precious stones.

The Truth About Diamond Durability

Diamonds rank ten on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them extremely resistant to scratches. This is why they’re such a popular choice for engagement rings and everyday jewelry. However, being hard doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t break. While diamonds are highly resistant to scratching, they can still chip or crack under certain conditions because hardness and toughness aren’t the same things.

Hardness is about resisting scratches. Diamonds excel here.
Toughness refers to how well a material can withstand impacts without breaking. This is where diamonds have a bit of a vulnerability.

Why Diamonds Can Chip or Break

Despite their reputation, diamonds have some natural characteristics that can make them susceptible to chipping or breaking:

Cleavage Planes: Diamonds have natural lines of weakness called cleavage planes. If a diamond is struck at a certain angle, it can split along these planes, causing a chip or crack.
Pointed Edges: Diamonds with pointed edges, such as marquise, pear, or princess cuts, are more prone to chipping. These points are naturally weaker and can chip if they hit a hard surface.
Inclusions: Inclusions are tiny imperfections inside the diamond. While many inclusions are harmless, some can create weak spots in the diamond, making it more susceptible to damage under impact.

Common Situations Where Diamonds May Chip

Everyday life can sometimes pose risks to your diamond. Here are a few common situations where your diamond might be at risk of chipping:

Accidental Bumps: Banging your ring against a hard surface, like a countertop or door handle, can lead to chips, especially if the diamond has vulnerable edges.
Physical Activities: Activities that involve a lot of hand movement, such as gardening, exercising, or playing sports, can increase the risk of hitting or damaging your diamond.
Handling: Simply dropping your diamond ring onto a hard surface can cause damage, especially if it lands on a pointed corner or edge of the stone.

How to Protect Your Diamond

Knowing that diamonds can chip or break doesn’t mean you have to treat your jewelry with kid gloves. Here are some practical tips to help you protect your diamond:

Choose the Right Setting: The way your diamond is set can provide extra protection. Consider a setting that surrounds the diamond with metal, like a bezel setting, to help protect the edges. Halo settings can also offer some cushioning with surrounding stones.
Regular Inspections: Bring your diamond jewelry to Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry for regular check-ups. Our experienced jewelers can inspect your ring to ensure that the diamond is secure and that there are no signs of damage or loose prongs.
Be Mindful During Activities: It’s a good idea to remove your diamond jewelry during activities that could expose it to hard knocks, like sports, cleaning, or heavy lifting. This simple habit can go a long way in keeping your diamond safe.
Store Your Jewelry Properly: When you’re not wearing your diamond jewelry, store it in a soft, lined jewelry box or a separate compartment to prevent it from coming into contact with other pieces that could cause scratches or damage.

The Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry Difference

Since 1981, Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry has been a trusted name in high-quality, fine jewelry. As a proud first-generation jeweler located in the Plaza Oaks shopping center, we offer a discreet and personalized shopping experience. Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about helping you choose and care for your jewelry, ensuring that every piece remains as beautiful as the day you first wore it.

We believe that life’s too short for ordinary jewelry, and we’re here to help you make sure your extraordinary pieces stay in perfect condition. Whether it’s a routine inspection, a repair, or advice on how to care for your jewelry, Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry is here to provide the expert service you deserve.

Conclusion

While diamonds are incredibly durable, they are not invincible. Understanding how and why diamonds can chip or break allows you to take the necessary steps to protect your precious stones. By choosing the right settings, being mindful during activities, and regularly maintaining your jewelry, you can keep your diamonds looking stunning for years to come.

Visit Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry at 2101 W Wadley Suite 31, Midland, Texas 79705, or contact us at Cathy@cathyeastham.com | Call or text: (432) 682-8008. Our store hours are Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5:30 pm, and Saturday by appointment. Let us help you celebrate life's special moments with extraordinary jewelry.