Fractured diamond

[Clandahlina]

I took my engagement ring in to have it retipped, and the jeweler called to tell me that the diamond has a surface fracture. They said that it had been hidden by the setting, and there is no way of telling how long it had been there. They advised against ever resetting the stone, as it might get worse. My then-fiance purchased the ring in 2008 so this ring is not very old. The jeweler said it might never get worse, but, needless to say, I'm in a bit of a panic. Does this mean I shouldn't clean it? Is it just going to break on me one day? Is there a good way to have it repaired? I guess I just don't understand what this means in the long-term. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

This is a 1.25 karat princess cut stone, which is slightly included. We got it from Fred Meyer Jewelers, and it is certified and insured. Fred Meyer has a lifetime guarantee, but I don't qualify because I didn't have it checked every six months (we didn't live near one of their stores).

 

[farmer gal]

I would call your insurance company

 

[yssie]

Certified by what authority? Do you have a lab report? If so post it.

In the meantime I would suggest getting your documentation in order - reports, appraisals, the last checkup you did have FM do, get the jeweller who discovered the issue to do a detailed writeup for you...
Edited*

 

[Dreamer_D]

What lab graded it?

Make a claim if it is insured. You will likely need to get a formal appraisal done to document the damage, so you could start there as well.

 

[Amys Bling]

Id call your insurance company

 

[ChrisES]

If it's insured it should be replaced. It sounds like the fear of it breaking is a significant emotional burden, to say nothing of perhaps being unwilling to have it cleaned, reset, etc.

 

[oldminer]

I hate to say it, but it is a frequent thing for a jeweler or repair place to exaggerate the "problem" found in a diamond way out of proportion to the actual problem. Don't panic. You need to have someone trustworthy examine the diamond before any further work gets done. The jeweler may have done some damage, possibly the chip was there from day one, maybe your paperwork shows it. You need expert advice and not from someone who potentially may be telling you a story to panic you into some sort of repair or replacement scenario. Kill the impulsive urge to get everything fixed immediately and take a relaxed look at what condition the diamond is in compared to when it was purchased. It might require only a tiny repair or nothing at all. It could be that there might be some insurance coverage, but getting a handle on the facts comes first and that's what needs to be done now. Don't agree to any repair or alteration of the stone until you know where you stand.

Good luck.

 

[Christina...]

I hate to say it, but it is a frequent thing for a jeweler or repair place to exaggerate the "problem" found in a diamond way out of proportion to the actual problem. Don't panic. You need to have someone trustworthy examine the diamond before any further work gets done. The jeweler may have done some damage, possibly the chip was there from day one, maybe your paperwork shows it. You need expert advice and not from someone who potentially may be telling you a story to panic you into some sort of repair or replacement scenario. Kill the impulsive urge to get everything fixed immediately and take a relaxed look at what condition the diamond is in compared to when it was purchased. It might require only a tiny repair or nothing at all. It could be that there might be some insurance coverage, but getting a handle on the facts comes first and that's what needs to be done now. Don't agree to any repair or alteration of the stone until you know where you stand.

Good luck.

Wonderful advice!

 

[Amys Bling]

I hate to say it, but it is a frequent thing for a jeweler or repair place to exaggerate the "problem" found in a diamond way out of proportion to the actual problem. Don't panic. You need to have someone trustworthy examine the diamond before any further work gets done. The jeweler may have done some damage, possibly the chip was there from day one, maybe your paperwork shows it. You need expert advice and not from someone who potentially may be telling you a story to panic you into some sort of repair or replacement scenario. Kill the impulsive urge to get everything fixed immediately and take a relaxed look at what condition the diamond is in compared to when it was purchased. It might require only a tiny repair or nothing at all. It could be that there might be some insurance coverage, but getting a handle on the facts comes first and that's what needs to be done now. Don't agree to any repair or alteration of the stone until you know where you stand.

Good luck.

great insight