Can Diamonds Break

When you hold a diamond in your hand, you’re holding a piece of Earth’s oldest, hardest magic. Diamonds have a reputation for being unbreakable—but is that really true?

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, established in 1981 and proudly serving Midland from our quiet, discreet boutique in Plaza Oaks, we know that even the world’s hardest stone needs the right knowledge and care.

Do Diamonds Break?

Yes, diamonds can break—but not in the way most people think.

Diamonds are incredibly hard, but that’s not the same as being indestructible. Their atomic structure gives them a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they resist scratching better than any other natural material. However, they also have cleavage planes, which means a strong, sharp impact in the wrong spot can cause them to chip or even fracture.

Quick Insight:

Hardness means resistance to scratching. Toughness means resistance to breaking. Diamonds are extremely hard but only moderately tough.

What Causes a Diamond to Chip or Break?

Even the most exquisite, expertly set diamond isn’t immune to damage under the wrong conditions. Here are the most common causes of diamond breakage:

1. Impact or Sudden Force

Hitting your diamond against a hard surface—like a countertop, metal pole, or tile floor—can cause chips or fractures, especially if it strikes a vulnerable edge or point.

2. Thin Girdles or Sharp Points

Diamond shapes like marquise, pear, or princess cuts feature pointed tips that can be more prone to chipping. A very thin girdle—the outer edge of the diamond—also increases vulnerability.

3. Improper Settings

A poorly designed setting that leaves edges too exposed or doesn’t secure the stone adequately increases the risk of damage. At Cathy Eastham’s, our in-house experts ensure every setting is designed with both beauty and longevity in mind.

4. Everyday Wear Without Precaution

Wearing your diamond ring during intense activities—gardening, weightlifting, or even cleaning—can put stress on the stone or loosen prongs over time.

“Why did my diamond chip?”

Chipping often occurs due to hard impacts or vulnerable edges. Even though diamonds are hard, they’re not immune to damage.

Can a Broken Diamond Be Repaired?

In some cases, yes.

If the chip is minor, a skilled jeweler may be able to polish it out or re-cut the stone to remove the damage. However, this can reduce the carat weight and value. If the break is significant, the diamond may need to be reset in a way that conceals the damage—or in some cases, replaced.

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, our team is proud to help preserve the integrity of your cherished pieces, offering personalized solutions for damaged stones.

Are Certain Diamond Cuts More Likely to Break?

Yes. While all diamond shapes are stunning, some require more care than others.

• Round Brilliant Cuts: Most durable due to their lack of pointed edges.

• Princess, Marquise, and Pear Cuts: More likely to chip due to their corners and tips.

• Emerald and Asscher Cuts: Their step-cut facets can show damage more clearly.

That’s why Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry offers expert consultations to help you choose not just the right diamond—but the right design, based on how you live, work, and wear your jewelry.

Did You Know?

Some clients choose to repurpose broken diamonds into a new custom design—turning a moment of loss into a new legacy.

How to Protect Your Diamond From Damage

You don’t need to live in fear of wearing your diamond, but a few simple steps can help keep it looking flawless for decades:

Schedule Regular Checkups

We recommend bringing your diamond in every six months to have the setting, prongs, and stone inspected.

Remove It When Necessary

Take off your ring before heavy lifting, housework, or working with tools.

Choose a Protective Setting

Consider bezel or halo settings for added security—especially with pointed shapes.

Insure Your Jewelry

Diamond insurance gives you peace of mind should your stone become lost, damaged, or stolen. Our staff can guide you on how to document your piece with appraisals and coverage.

When You Want More Than Ordinary

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we believe in heirlooms that last—both in beauty and in strength. Since 1981, our passion has been helping our clients find diamonds that not only sparkle brilliantly but are also protected by craftsmanship, knowledge, and care.

From our Signature Bridal Collection to exclusive trunk show events and private consultations, we’re here to help you select, protect, and preserve your most meaningful pieces.

Visit Us in Midland, Texas

Address: 2101 W Wadley Suite 31, Midland, Texas 79705

Contact: Cathy@cathyeastham.com | (432) 682-8008

Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 5:30pm | Saturday by appointment

Whether you’re resetting a cherished piece, designing a custom engagement ring, or simply need peace of mind about your diamond’s security—our doors are open.

Ready to Give Your Diamond the Care It Deserves?

Let us inspect your setting, offer protection tips, or guide you through custom solutions if your diamond is damaged.

Book a private consultation with Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry today and experience Midland’s most trusted fine jeweler.