As one song’s lyrics said, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Who are we to disagree with the ladies around the world when diamonds are as stunning as they are. They’re beyond elegant and majestic; we can all agree on that.
There’s one more phrase you might’ve heard. “Diamonds are forever.” When we’re talking about “forever,” usually the synonym for that is a diamond.
That’s the whole diamond engagement thing – you’re asking someone to be with you forever! Well, all that got us thinking – do diamonds last forever?
And, more significantly, do diamonds wear down? We did the research, and we have answers for you – so, stay with us till the end!
Do Diamonds Wear Down?
All jewelry will eventually wear down if they’re worn often. Believe it or not, that also includes the diamonds. The length of time it takes for the stone to wear down is determined by design. In the case of a diamond ring, wall thickness, width, and claw wire size all play a role.
The more a jewelry piece is worn, the faster it will wear out; the type of wear and treatment doesn’t matter. Of course, if you’re going to the gym, gardening, rock climbing, or doing any other harsh, hands-on activities, you’ll speed up the process significantly.
We may add, it all depends on the diamond’s intended purpose or application. As jewelry, it may fade and get dull with time. But with a thorough cleaning and polishing, it will seem brand new.
Then again, when you use the diamond for cutting blades and drill bits coated with diamond dust in industrial applications, it does wear out much, MUCH faster.
And yes, diamonds are employed in a variety of applications. That is because it is one of the hardest materials.
So, you asked us can diamonds wear down – and we gave you a pretty good idea of what the general answer is.
If that’s not the only thing you’re interested in when it comes to diamonds, you came to the right place. There’s always more to it when it comes to these beautiful gems – and we’re here to give you all the details.
Let us continue.
How Can You Fix Your Worn Out Diamond?
Your diamond is unique to you. Think about that moment when you put on your favorite jewelry; it instantly makes you think about a particular person or a memory in your life, doesn’t it?
That’s just how diamonds are; they elicit strong feelings.
And, of course, when something happens to it, and it gets “worn out” over the years, you want to do everything in your power to fix it. But is that even possible?
Jewelry repair professionals can handle the most common repairs and bring your jewelry back to life – mending your broken heart, recreating a memory, and fixing that connection to the past in the process.
Detecting jewelry damage as soon as it occurs is an excellent approach to keep your jewelry looking like it’s new. If your diamond is chipped, check to see if the manufacturer’s warranty still covers it.
But what kinds of jewelry damage should you be on the lookout for here?
There are some instances where you might clearly see the damage on the gem. Alternatively, have a professional jeweler evaluate it for you.
Either way, keep reading – and find out how jewelers can fix your jewelry for you.
Polishing & Cleaning
We can pretty much guarantee that your gem could use some polishing and cleaning, whether it’s been nine months or nine years since you first got it.
Lotion or soap residue clings to your favorite piece and can dull it. Its surface will be brightened with a fast dip in the ultrasonic cleaner, some polishing, and steam cleaning!
Generally speaking, regular jewelry examinations and cleanings will help your engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces last longer. A reputable jeweler will ensure that everything is in perfect – as in, working – order.
Ring Prong Re-Tipping Or Replacement
Prongs love snagging onto your favorite soft blanket. They wear down while doing the dishes and then break off entirely. And what will that wonderful stone of yours do?
When you’re not looking, it will fall out. But don’t get too worked up over it just yet. You can see the damage for yourself if the prongs are damaged:
It’s time to evaluate your jewelry if one prong doesn’t match the others or if you’re snagging your clothes a bit too often. A qualified jeweler will bend the prong back, retip, or replace the prong entirely, depending on the damage. Allow a professional jeweler to conduct these repairs. Why?
Because the line between securing a stone and causing extra repair complications is razor-thin.
Ring Sizing & Soldering
The weather and life changes cause your fingers to change. In the winter, your wedding band may fit nicely – but in the summer, you’ll be unable to remove it!
Having the proper ring size has numerous benefits. If your magnificent diamond ring keeps slipping to the side, you’ve chosen the right way to fix it. Soldering your wedding set will keep it in place and protect it from harm.
When metals, diamonds, or other stones rub against each other, they scratch or wear. To avoid costly repairs that wear down your wedding set, consider ring soldering. Your soldered rings will look as if they were “meant to be” with the help of a skilled jewelry repair service.
When you want to repair your jewelry, choose a trustworthy jeweler, whether your engagement band is too small – or you’re proposing with an inherited grandma’s ring.
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Ring Head Or Setting Replacement
One of the prongs is broken; you may bring it in straight away or wait a while. Either way, other prongs will join the party when it comes to jewelry cleaning and examination.
When several – or all – prongs are damaged, ring head or setting replacement is required. That’s what’s holding your gorgeous diamond in place, after all – and you can’t risk it.
To fix the entire ring head, rely on the knowledge of a jeweler. It’ll prevent the gem from getting too loose and ensure that your prongs remain healthy.
It saves you money while also ensuring the safety of your stone!
Chain Or Clasp Repair
Do you ever take off your necklace? It goes with everything, and you can wear it at the beach or in the shower.
So, what can you do if a few links in the chain are crooked and the clasp is loose? Don’t worry; broken necklaces, chains, and clasps are common and easy to repair.
To replace broken chains and clasps, a skilled jeweler should match the quality of the precious metals, ensuring a smooth transition.
Stone Replacement
A sharp hit or damaged prongs might cause stone damage. A routine jeweler’s check can detect loose or chipped stones early.
If you haven’t seen a qualified jeweler in a while, the stone might become damaged to the point where you can see it. The stone replacement does not always have to come from a broken or lost stone, though.
When you hit a particular life milestone and want to reward yourself with an upgrade, the reason for replacement might be a celebration.
Can A Diamond Be Broken?
We use our hands for virtually everything, to the point that the skin on our hands has thickened, allowing us to accomplish more jobs without risking injury. However, if you’re wearing a ring, it might be under more stress than you know.
It’s twisted on your finger, washed in hot and cold water, and even slammed into things daily. A diamond is a perfect stone for a ring because it’s not only gorgeous – it’s one of the hardest natural materials on the planet, too.
Unfortunately, any diamond can be broken if hit in the wrong way – or if it’s not properly cared for and maintained. Here’s how to spot a chip in diamond jewelry; continue reading.
Read Also: Are Broken Diamonds Worth Anything?
Diamond Breakage & Fractures
While diamonds excel in hardness and stability, their toughness exposes a weakness. Under the appropriate circumstances, a diamond could break. Which conditions are “just right,” and how can you know which ones to avoid? They’re not easy to avoid, unfortunately.
Along their cleavage lines, diamonds are prone to chipping, fracturing, and even splitting apart. These are places where the atoms are less closely linked together, so you won’t be able to see them unless you have a microscope ready.
Now, these cleavage lines aren’t a big deal because you don’t typically crush objects into your palm with considerable force. If anything hits your ring at the correct angle on a cleavage line, though, you’ll see a chip in the stone.
Fortunately, repairing a chipped diamond is less difficult than you might imagine. If you want to know how you can fix a broken diamond, keep reading.
What Can Break A Diamond?
A diamond can break another diamond. Also, believe it or not, a hammer can, too. The thing is, diamonds are hard – but they aren’t strong. Many people confuse hardness and strength: Although a diamond is incredibly hard, it’s not particularly strong.
And If you hit a diamond with a regular hammer, it will shatter. Diamonds are unable to absorb energy due to the same carbon bonds that make them so hard. A strong enough force will shatter the diamond’s tight connections.
It’s similar to how your bones may break if you jump and land without bending your knees. You get the idea. Shockingly enough, a plain, hard metal blade can do damage to the diamond. All you have to do is find the cleavage plane and strike it with a sharp object; the diamond will chip or split.
You can also try laser cutting, a more high-tech method. If you don’t care about the diamond’s utter destruction, heat it to 763 degrees Celsius. Like any carbon-based object, it will burn. In this case, a pure diamond would just evaporate into carbon dioxide.
Fascinating, right?
See Also: Do Diamonds Oxidize? Do Diamonds Vaporize?
How To Fix A Broken Diamond?
If your diamond has a scratch, a fracture, or a chip, and a tiny part has broken off, take it to your jeweler right away. You’ll have a few alternatives there.
The first option is to have the stone recut. The jeweler would remove the shattered piece and reshape your diamond. Of course, this means your diamond will be a little bit smaller than it was before.
Recutting a diamond also requires recertifying it. If inclusions are removed – or the symmetry and polish of the stone improve – the value might increase. But this is never certain.
You can also check with your jeweler about resetting your stone to hide a minor chip or flaw. That’s by far the most cost-effective approach. However, it only works if the damage to the ring isn’t significant.
For example, if your gem is a round diamond, the jeweler can flip the stone to hide the chipped area behind a prong. You’ll have a ring that looks brand new again in no time!
The last alternative is to get your diamond replaced. Your budget can affect this choice – but it can be the quickest way to repair a diamond that’s been damaged.
Oh, and one more thing: Jewelry insurance is essential to protect yourself in these cases, no matter which option you choose.
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Final Words
Well, here we are – at the end of the story. We’ve gathered all of the information we felt you wanted to know. Don’t worry if you got overwhelmed over some of it; there was a lot to take in.
Anyway, we tried our best to help you learn do diamonds wear down – and if so, how you can repair the damage.
So, do diamonds wear out? Well, it looks like they do!
Now that we’ve established that, you can be more careful with your gem. We want to emphasize how vital it is to maintain your jewelry regularly because it’s always easier to prevent something than to cure it.
Better safe than sorry!
