Can A Diamond Chip Or Break
Diamonds are often described as indestructible, eternal, and the hardest substance on Earth. But if you've ever wondered, "Can a diamond chip or break?"—the short answer is yes. While diamonds are incredibly durable, they are not immune to damage. And understanding how and why diamonds can chip or break is essential to protecting one of your most meaningful investments.
In this comprehensive guide from Metal & Stone Jewelers in Nyack, NY, we’ll explore the science behind diamond durability, explain how chips and breaks can happen, and provide expert tips to safeguard your jewelry. Whether you're browsing for a custom engagement ring or caring for a treasured heirloom, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need.
Why Diamonds Can Chip or Break
Despite being the hardest natural material, diamonds are not the toughest. Hardness refers to a material’s resistance to scratching, while toughness describes its resistance to breaking or chipping.
The Structure Behind the Sparkle
Diamonds are made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a precise crystal lattice. This gives them their legendary brilliance—but also makes them brittle in certain directions. This directional weakness is known as "cleavage planes," and it means a diamond struck at the right angle can split, chip, or crack.
Common Scenarios That Can Damage a Diamond
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Hard impacts: Dropping a diamond onto a hard surface like tile or granite can result in chips.
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Repeated wear: Over time, daily knocks—especially on the girdle (edge) or tip of a pointed cut like a marquise—can lead to minor damage.
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Poor setting: Loose or weak prongs can leave your diamond exposed to impact.
What Types of Damage Can Occur?
Chips
Chipping typically happens around the girdle or corners of fancy shapes like princess, pear, or marquise cuts. While minor chips can be polished out, larger ones may affect the diamond's appearance or value.
Breaks or Fractures
Although rare, fractures can occur if the stone takes a significant blow, especially along a cleavage plane. This kind of damage is usually more severe and can require resetting, recutting, or even replacing the stone.
Internal Inclusions Turning Into Cracks
Diamonds with internal inclusions—especially feathers—may be more vulnerable to damage if those inclusions reach the surface.
How to Prevent a Diamond From Chipping or Breaking
Choose a Secure Setting
Work with expert jewelers—like those at Metal & Stone Jewelers—to select settings that protect your diamond:
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Bezel settings: Fully encase the diamond's edge, offering excellent protection.
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V-shaped prongs: Ideal for protecting pointed ends of pear or marquise diamonds.
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Low-profile designs: Keep the stone closer to the finger, reducing exposure to knocks.
Regular Jewelry Maintenance
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Get your ring checked every six months to ensure the prongs are secure.
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Professional cleanings help you spot issues early, like loose stones or worn settings.
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Avoid DIY fixes—resizing or adjusting settings at home can lead to disaster.
Smart Wearing Habits
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Remove your ring when doing heavy lifting, exercising, or cleaning.
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Store jewelry separately in a padded box to prevent scratching.
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Avoid wearing diamonds to bed to prevent accidental impacts.
What to Do If Your Diamond Chips or Breaks
If you suspect damage:
1. Stop Wearing the Ring
Continued wear may worsen the chip or risk losing the stone entirely.
2. Bring It to a Trusted Jeweler
Visit us in Nyack and Seth will inspect your diamond under magnification and guide you through the next steps. This involves using a light source, cleaning the diamond, and inspecting the key areas of the diamond carefully. From there Seth can inform you on repair options and damage indicators.
3. Explore Repair or Redesign Options
Depending on the extent of the damage:
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Minor chips may be polished away.
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Larger chips or fractures may require recutting or resetting.
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Custom redesigns can incorporate the damaged diamond into a new piece with protective settings.
Looking to redesign a chipped diamond into something new and meaningful? Schedule a design consultation at our Nyack showroom.
Common Questions Diamond Owners Ask
Is It Worth Insuring My Diamond Ring?
Absolutely. Jewelry insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing a chipped or broken diamond.
Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Chip Too?
Yes—lab-grown diamonds have the same physical properties as natural diamonds, so the risk of chipping or breaking is identical.
How Do I Know If My Diamond Has a Chip?
Most chips are visible to the naked eye or under magnification. If your diamond seems dull in one spot or feels rough along the edge, have it examined professionally.
Shop Protective and Elegant Diamond Designs in Nyack, NY
At Metal & Stone Jewelers, we don’t just sell diamonds—we protect stories. Every ring, pendant, or bracelet that leaves our boutique is crafted with an understanding of how jewelry is worn in real life.
Whether you're selecting a durable setting, repairing a cherished heirloom, or designing a custom piece around a chipped stone, our team is here to help.
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Custom Engagement Rings in Nyack, NY: Designed with secure settings that suit your lifestyle.
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Jewelry Repair Services: Restorations, prong tightening, diamond replacement.
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Heirloom Redesign: Transform damaged stones into stunning new pieces.
Let’s create something together—something beautiful, lasting, and uniquely yours.
Visit Metal & Stone Jewelers
We’re proud to be a part of the vibrant Hudson Valley community, serving generations of customers with passion, precision, and artistry.
Metal & Stone Jewelers
12 South Broadway
Nyack, NY 10960
(845) 358-4363
Looking for a ring that fits your lifestyle and lasts a lifetime? Stop by our boutique or schedule a consultation today.
Your diamond deserves the care and craftsmanship that only decades of expertise can provide. Trust Metal & Stone Jewelers to keep your most meaningful moments shining for years to come.