chipped diamond?

[bonitajuliette]

I have a three-stone (past-present-future) white gold diamond ring, it''s an antique, from the 1930''s. I always try to be very careful with it, and just recently cleaned it with a jewelry cleaner. Not 1 day later I found a chip on the top of one of the diamonds... how is this possible?? It''s not extremely noticable, but it''s small and on the top... suggestions, advice?? Thanks!
Julia

 

[WinkHPD]

Are you asking is it possible you chipped your diamond and did not notice, or are you asking if the jewelry cleaner chipped it?

If the former, it is easy, you may not have had to knock it hard if you hit it at just the right angle, if the latter, it is extremely unlikely that a jewelry cleaner (ultrasonic?) chipped your diamond. It might have floated loose a chip that occurred earlier from a prong, but I can not imagine it causing the damage.

Wink

 

[bonitajuliette]

well I guess what I'm really asking is 1st - I can't believe it's possible that by bumping the ring I chipped the diamond... (I do understand it's possible, it just seems near impossible) and 2nd what should I do about it now... should I have the whole diamond replaced? or...? Thanks for the thoughts on the matter

 

[mdx]

Hi bonitajuliette

I would think if it’s a family heirloom with tons of sentimental value, and the chips not too noticeable, you may feel better by keeping it as it is.
On the other hand is its value is based on its antique value or appeal then perhaps replace the diamond with one of the same cut. Older cuts from that period are not too difficult to find.

Johan

 

[bonitajuliette]

Hi Johan,
Thanks for the input! I wish it were a family heirloom - well it will be since it has been given to me, I know I will pass it down to my children. But I am unsure yet I suppose if I want to replace the diamond or leave it as is... I only noticed it by touch - not by sight. Looking at it now though I think maybe I will leave it as is since it is not effecting the setting. Anyway, thanks for your response!
Julia

 

[Patty]

Julia, I'd have a jeweler look at the stone for you if I were you. That way you can get an idea of whether or not the chip poses any danger to the stone. Also, maybe the diamond could be polished or smoothed out somehow if the edge is sharp.

Is the stone insured?

 

[bonitajuliette]

Hi Patty,
No I don't believe the stone is insured, although I could be wrong - I'll have to check when I get home... also I'll be able to go to the jeweler that it was bought from tomorrow, so he can look at it then. Thanks for your input!

 

[joe keller]

Hi
There is a big difference between hardness and toughness , diamond is the hardest thats true but not the toughest , diamond has a crystal structure hence a graining like wood so if you hit it just right it will chip.
jade has an interlocking crystal system and is exceptionaly tough .Was the chip under a claw? it could be recut if it not too bad ,maybe it s a naturel (orignal surface of the diamond crystal) If you cant see it dont sweat it have a jeweller turn the stone and put the chip under a prong.

 

[glitterata]

Are you sure the "chip" wasn't there before?

I thought I'd chipped one of my diamond, but when I took it to be appraised I was told that what I'd taken for a chip was actually a natural--a little bit of the diamond's original skin, which the cutter had decided to leave intact instead of polishing away, probably to make the diamond bigger than it otherwise would have been.

Take it to your jeweler and see what he says.

 

[bonitajuliette]

the chip is on the very top of the diamond... I can't imagine not noticing it before now, but it's not unlikely I suppose... if it wasn't there before, then like you said I must've hit it just right. But again I'll have it checked and let you know - it's not really visible to the naked eye unless looking at it close up, but I can feel it when I run my finger over it. Anyway, I'll have it checked tomorrow. Thanks so much for all of your input!

Julia