Even though diamonds are the hardest material known to man, they can still chip and break when a great force of applied to vulnerable points. Therefore, it is important for you to give great care to your diamond rings to prevent the stones from chipping irrespective of whether they carry natural or lab grown diamonds, as both of them have the same strength and other properties.
The following are some tips that might be useful for you to protect your diamonds from chipping and breaking:
Avoid Diamond Shapes With Pointed Edges
Diamonds with pointed or sharp edges are more prone to damage. So if you tend to use your hands a lot or engage in strenuous activities, it is better to avoid such diamond shapes. Some shapes that come with pointed edges include pear, marquise, and princess-cut diamonds. Even though they create a stunning choice for your diamond jewelry, they might not be suitable for you if you lead an active lifestyle.
Protect The Diamond Culet
The culet of a diamond will be usually sharp. Therefore, when a hard blow is given to this area, your diamond can easily chip or break. So it is better to choose ring settings that protect the culet from being exposed to external forces.
Regularly Check For Loose Prongs
It is important to make sure that the prongs hold your diamonds securely in place. If the prongs are loose, it can make your stones more vulnerable to damage. So regularly inspect your diamond rings to find out if there is any loose prong.
Choose A Ring Setting That Offers Maximum Protection For Diamonds
The ring settings play a significant role in making your diamonds vulnerable to chipping. Some ring settings can give better protection for your precious gemstones in comparison with others. For example, a four-prong setting exposes more area of your stone, hence, there is a great possibility for some hard external force to be applied directly to the stone. This can cause your diamonds to chip easily.
So if you want to give maximum protection for your stones, it is better to go for V-prong, bezel, or partial bezel settings.
Be Cautious Of Inclusions Near The Diamond’s Girdle
The girdle is one of the important vulnerable points in diamonds. If there are too many inclusions present near the girdle, it can reduce the strength of the stone which increases the risk of chipping.
Additionally, make sure to avoid wearing a diamond if it already has a chip. You can take it to a jeweler to find out if the stone can be repaired. Your jeweler might be able to give the best advice regarding what to do with your chipped diamond.