VERY upset, just cracked my diamond in my RHR

[Phoenix]

I was out to lunch with my colleagues on Tuesday, celebrating Chinese NY and I hit my hand - being the biggest klutz that I am - against the table, really hard! I was like "oh gosh, hope my diamonds are ok".

Then the very next day, during a meeting with a client, I did it - AGAIN!! I hit my hand so hard against the conference table, most probably made of expensive hard wood. I was like"oh no, not again!!".

So today, on my day off, I took out the loupe and examined it in full daylight, and guess what??!! one of my worst nightmares came true: there was this HUGE crack on the side of one of the diamonds starting from the girdle stretching into diamond on the pavillion, where I guess a small feather had been. I couldn't believe it!! I thought (well, hoped and prayed) that it was just dirt playing trick on my eyes. So I promptly proceeded to clean the ring really really really well and examined it afterwards. Well, the crack was definitely there.

I am really VERY VERY UPSET, for several reasons:

1) Assuming I'd already cracked it on Tuesday, when I was supposedly celebrating the upcoming CNY (it was really ironic, as it was supposed to bring us all good luck and this is NOT exactly good luck), I'm probably going to be cursed - at least as far as diamonds are concerned - for the rest of the year (if this Chinese/ Asian belief is true).

2) The diamond was one of the two studs that used to be my mom's earrings, which she half-gave/ half-sold to my husband who gave them to me as a wedding present (no. 3 reason for being upset)

4) The ring is insured for $10k BUT abt a month ago, I was thinking of upping the sum assured to $15k but i'd had a lot of hassle from my insurer since they screwed up the calculations of the premiums on my various pieces of jewellery, so I decided not to revise the SA upwards !! Stupid me!!

This is what the ring looked like, with eternity bands around it (now the crack is quite visible, even without the aid of a loupe - with the loupe, you can definitely see it).

 

[Ellen]

Oh Lien, I am SOOO sorry.

And while you''re wishing you had upped the ins., at least you HAD some on it. Really, that is much better than none. But I''m sure that does little to make you feel better.

{{{hugs}}}

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 8:36:11 AM
Author: Ellen
Oh Lien, I am SOOO sorry.

And while you''re wishing you had upped the ins., at least you HAD some on it. Really, that is much better than none. But I''m sure that does little to make you feel better.

{{{hugs}}}

Ellen,

Have I ever told you that you''re one of my favourite PS''ers, if not the most favourite?

Thank you for yr kind sweet words. Yes, whilst i do wish I''d upped the insurance, I do feel a tiny bit better that at least it IS insured. I''m going to inform the insurance company on Monday morning when they open up. Not sure what they would give me and to be honest, I am not quite sure what I''d like to do yet. On the one hand, i''m inclined to keep the stone for sentimental reasons, on the other hand, I know it''d just get worse if I left it and kept on wearing it [SIGH]!

{{{{BIG HUGS BACK}}}

 

[Ellen]

Aw, thank you Lien. You are too kind.


If you want to keep it for sentimentality sake, how about having it set into a pendant? It wouldn''t take a beating then, most likely not get any worse, but you could still wear it. Just a thought.

 

[Skippy123]

Ahhh Lien, that is terrible; I am so sorry about your beautiful ring, especially since it is sentimental too. Please keep us posted and I hope it can be fixed. I want to give you a ((((((hug))))))) too.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 9:03:09 AM
Author: Ellen
Aw, thank you Lien. You are too kind.


If you want to keep it for sentimentality sake, how about having it set into a pendant? It wouldn't take a beating then, most likely not get any worse, but you could still wear it. Just a thought.

I'm sure a lot PS'ers would agree with me about you, Ellen.

I was actually thinking of resetting the diamond into a pendant too. Another option is to leave it in the ring, but put halo all around the ring, to ensure the crack doesn't spread (I hope!) and protect the other stones (actually, the stones/ my old studs were estimated by my gemologist to be of SI clarity, so it was bound to happen sooner or later, esp. with me being so clumsy!

).

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 9:07:01 AM
Author: Skippy123
Ahhh Lien, that is terrible; I am so sorry about your beautiful ring, especially since it is sentimental too. Please keep us posted and I hope it can be fixed. I want to give you a ((((((hug))))))) too.

Awww, Skippy, you're ALWAYS so sweet!! I really appreciate your kind words and thoughts!

I will explore my options, both with Chubb and various jewellers. Will definitely keep you posted.

{{{{{BIG HUGS BACK TOO, LOTS OF 'EM}}}}

 

[marcy]

I am so sorry to hear that. I like the idea of putting it in a pendant so you can still wear it and have the insurance replace the diamond in your beautiful ring. Good luck.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 9:31:03 AM
Author: marcyc
I am so sorry to hear that. I like the idea of putting it in a pendant so you can still wear it and have the insurance replace the diamond in your beautiful ring. Good luck.

Thank you, Marcy. I really appreciate yr kind words and wishes.

I'm going to see what Chubb says first. If they're willing to replace the whole diamond and give me the full replacement value, they may want to take back the old/ cracked stone (I believe this is what their policy document says), I may replace it altogether with another stone, but this would mean time and effort on my part to try and source a matching stone [SIGH]. If on the other hand, they're only going to give me the difference between the SA (one third of the total ring's SA, I believe, since the middle stone is of one or two colours lower - thus it should be of the same value as each of the two side diamonds, even though they're of different sizes) and the new revised value, I might just take that payment and use it to reset the ring into a new one with halo. Also, with the second Chubb scenario, I might take the damaged stone out and reset it into a bezelled or halo'ed pendant and buy a brand new stone and have it set into the ring to replace the damaged stone (this is probably the least likely option from a monetary point of view - since I've just spent $$$ buying a pair of pear-shaped diamonds from JA and having them set in a LM repo for my earring jackets - but the best option from a desire, ie. more bling, point of view). Not sure if my rambling makes much sense here...

Let's see what Chubb says...

 

[lumpkin]

I have no advice, but just wanted to say I''m sorry about your diamond.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 9:56:32 AM
Author: lumpkin
I have no advice, but just wanted to say I''m sorry about your diamond.

Thank you, Lumpkin. I really appreciate yr kind words.

 

[Cleo]

Oh, that is just soo awful for you.

*hugs*

I had a terrible scare earlier with my own diamond when I was giving my 3 year old son (who, coincidentally, is called Phoenix) a haircut.

He was getting itchy & wriggly, and as a special treat I let him hold my ring - thinking it would keep him still for a minute. It took all of about ten seconds for him to hurl it really hard across the room, whereupon it crashed ito the sink. My heart just about stopped.

Luckily it''s ok. I think I would have shaved his head if he''d have cracked it! I was sooooooo angry.

Anyway - I just wanted to give you loads of sympathy & hugs. I like the other girls'' advice on seeing if you can set the cracked stone in a pendant with a halo, if you''re allowed to keep it.

I obviously had loads of luck with diamonds today - so I''m sending you some of mine.

x x x

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 10:07:18 AM
Author: Cleo
Oh, that is just soo awful for you.

*hugs*

I had a terrible scare earlier with my own diamond when I was giving my 3 year old son (who, coincidentally, is called Phoenix) a haircut.

He was getting itchy & wriggly, and as a special treat I let him hold my ring - thinking it would keep him still for a minute. It took all of about ten seconds for him to hurl it really hard across the room, whereupon it crashed ito the sink. My heart just about stopped.

Luckily it's ok. I think I would have shaved his head if he'd have cracked it! I was sooooooo angry.

Anyway - I just wanted to give you loads of sympathy & hugs. I like the other girls' advice on seeing if you can set the cracked stone in a pendant with a halo, if you're allowed to keep it.

I obviously had loads of luck with diamonds today - so I'm sending you some of mine.

x x x

Awww, thank you , Cleo. What a story!! And thank you soooo much for sending yr kind luck, sympathy, hugs and "xxxx"/ kisses.

Would you mind if I ask if you named yr son "Phoenix" as in the bird? I love what it symbolises. I was just telling Harriet what my "screen-name" meant on one of my other threads. I'm just curious.

Btw, I don't think you would've shaved yr son's head. I can imagine how cute he looks though, with or without hair!

 

[Catmom]

Oh, I''m so sorry about your gorgeous ring and it really is worse given the sentimental nature of the diamonds! That is really my worst fear too. I''m glad you at least had some insurance on the ring and I hope you are able to figure out an acceptable outcome!

 

[diamond4eva]

Awwww! I''m sorry to hear.

BTW - HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR.

I don''t believe in those supersistions..... some of them are very silly. Like the one bout spending money on the first day of the new year. If that is the case, I got my loose pear stones in today does that mean I will be receiving diamonds this whole year *wink wink*.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/7/2008 8:36:11 AM
Author: Ellen
Oh Lien, I am SOOO sorry.

And while you''re wishing you had upped the ins., at least you HAD some on it. Really, that is much better than none. But I''m sure that does little to make you feel better.

{{{hugs}}}

Ditto! I am so sorry but as El says, thank goodness there is some insurance on it!! Hugs too!!!

 

[Cleo]

Hello - you are very welcome.

We named Phoenix after the mythological bird (rather than the place in the USA, as we are both English). We just both thought Phoenix was a beautiful, unusual and powerful name. It was also the only name we could both agree on.

My elderly Nana was horrified originally, but she got over it!

Im never letting him hold it again. Ever!

x

PS. We're dreading trying to think of another amazing and unusual name when we have a second child!

 

[MustangGal]

I''m sorry! I did the same thing with my e-ring last year, and the diamond cracked half way accross. I put it in a half bezel pendant and feel much better about wearing it there. (no insurance on the ring, stupid me

)

If Chubb lets you keep the diamond, maybe have it reset into a pendant and get a colored stone for the center, you should be able to do both projects for the money the center would be worth, and get to be able to wear the diamond without worrying and still have the ring.

 

[autumnlala]

I''m so sorry to hear about this!

However, your story has convinced me that I need to get my e-ring set in a bezel, not prongs, since I am VERY CLUMSY and knock my hands around all the time. (I had been debating between the two). Maybe wouldn''t knock my left hand around as much as my right one, but still.

Hope the insurance works out ok for you, what a miserable experience

 

[Gypsy]

Lien I'm so sorry. ((HUGS)). No advice, just sympathy.

ETA: Happy Chinese New Year.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Oh--so sorry!

Hugs to you!--Such a sentimental piece.
Sending lots of sympathy your way...

 

[Beacon]

I am so sorry to hear this! At least you have insurance and you can get your ring put back in shape.

As for bad luck - is there anything you can do to reverse the ''curse''. I know those superstitions sound dumb, but I have many friends who live by them and I can understand that you might feel uncomfortable with this omen on New Year. Hopefully your luck will not be bad.

I empathize with how bad you must feel about the cracked stone and how regretful. I would be so upset too.

Only thing to do is focus on getting it replaced and move on!

Best to you.

 

[Uptown_Girl]

Bless your heart!

Your story is one of my worst fears brought to life. I haven''t even gotten my ring yet and I''m scared to death something irreparable will happen to it. I guess your story also reinforces the importance of jewelry care. Even though diamonds are tough cookies, they''re not immune to abuse...! I''ll be taking that under advisement.

I hope you''re able to find a solution that brings you joy, even after all of this! Looks like all of PS wishes the best for you.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 10:32:04 AM
Author: Catmom
Oh, I''m so sorry about your gorgeous ring and it really is worse given the sentimental nature of the diamonds! That is really my worst fear too. I''m glad you at least had some insurance on the ring and I hope you are able to figure out an acceptable outcome!

Catmom,

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I am definitely glad that at least I have some insurance (though I am kicking myself for not upping the limit!). The worst thing (well, the worst thing after the incident) is that everything is shut - has been shut since Wed afternoon will not re-open until Monday. So I have to live this uncertainty until at least Monday.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 10:32:08 AM
Author: diamond4eva
Awwww! I''m sorry to hear.

BTW - HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR.

I don''t believe in those supersistions..... some of them are very silly. Like the one bout spending money on the first day of the new year. If that is the case, I got my loose pear stones in today does that mean I will be receiving diamonds this whole year *wink wink*.

Thank you, Diamond4eva!!

I don''t want to believe the superstitions and yet I''m still wary it might bring bad luck. My mom used to be very superstitious and in fact, when she passed away, she left me several diamond pieces (one of them is the bezelled 0.80tcwt earrings) including an beautiful OEC of abt 1ct. It was very slightly chipped and she''d warned me against wearing it because it would bring bad luck. Mom wore it herself and got a bunch of bad luck -health wise. So I didn''t accept the OEC and one of my sisters got it. My sister doesn''t care for these things. All she knows is that she has this gorgeous oec to wear as a pendant!

So I''m extra upset because not only is it damaged but I might not wear it in case it''d bring me bad luck. I know, stupid superstitions.

Yr post actually makes me chuckle! I DO hope you''ll be getting diamonds the whole year, he he!

Where are the pics for yr pears btw? Would love to see them.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 10:41:44 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 2/7/2008 8:36:11 AM
Author: Ellen
Oh Lien, I am SOOO sorry.

And while you''re wishing you had upped the ins., at least you HAD some on it. Really, that is much better than none. But I''m sure that does little to make you feel better.

{{{hugs}}}

Ditto! I am so sorry but as El says, thank goodness there is some insurance on it!! Hugs too!!!

Thank you, Lorelei.

HUGS back to you too.

Love yr new avatar btw, so cute!

 

[Sparkalicious]

My goodness, Phoenix ... How horribly disappointing for you! I''m sorry that this happened. I know that I would be devastated as well ...

Given what you have shared about superstitions, would they apply if you were able to get this diamond recut/repolished and made into something else? Don''t know if this is feasible, however, this way you wouldn''t technically have a "cracked" diamond. It would be kind of like a brand new smaller diamond or maybe even two and you could maybe, as others have mentioned, make it into a pendant or at least part of a pendant ... maybe three stone pendant or something? ... then you could buy a brand new diamond/s to be the biggest stone on the pendant?

Just a thought.

Glad you have insurance ... and by sharing your story, I think maybe you''ve done some good and made a case for some who may not see the virtue in insurance.

Good luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Lien, I am so sorry, too! I know I fear everytime I hit my ring on something!

I would think you would have to turn in this stone if you want Chubb to pay to replace it. You''d probably have the option to trun in the whole ring, but if it is worth more than $10,000, then that probably wouldn''t be a wise move. But I really wouldn''t reset a damaged stone. I think it would always bother you. And I don''t believe in superstitions, so I hope you can let that part go!

 

[snlee]

Awww Phoenix, I am so sorry to hear! That is awful! It's good you had it insured and I hope you can replace it soon.

Happy New Year and I wish you lots of luck and happiness!

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/7/2008 10:53:53 AM
Author: Cleo

Hello - you are very welcome.

We named Phoenix after the mythological bird (rather than the place in the USA, as we are both English). We just both thought Phoenix was a beautiful, unusual and powerful name. It was also the only name we could both agree on.

My elderly Nana was horrified originally, but she got over it!

Im never letting him hold it again. Ever!

x

PS. We''re dreading trying to think of another amazing and unusual name when we have a second child!

Phoenix IS a beautiful and powerful name. My husband was also slightly against me using that as my screen-name. But I happen to like it - a lot.

I am relieved that your ring is ok too. The weird thing is I wore my orginal e-ring for almost 10 yrs and it went through a bunch of re-settings and it''s fine,not even the tiniest of chip. Well, I have tiny scratch on the table but that''s another story. I think it''s down to i) clarity (my org e-ring is VVS whereas my studs were SI with a feather just on the girdle - which I should have been cognisant about and done something about it) and ii) whether you hit it just at the right angle so that the blow would deliver the impact just so - to make the feather worse. Well, at least that''s what I think. I''d better stop pretending to be an expert now!

I am sure you''l find an equally amazing name for your second child btw.