Can A Diamond Chip Or Break?
Diamonds are famous for being the hardest natural material on Earth—but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. While they rank a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds can chip, fracture, or even break under the right (or wrong) conditions.
At Lorenza Jewelry in Marietta, we’ve seen it happen—especially with diamonds worn daily in engagement rings. So, yes, diamonds can chip or break. But with the right knowledge and care, you can avoid it entirely.
Why Diamonds Chip: It’s Not About “Weakness”
It’s important to understand the difference between hardness and toughness:
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Hardness means resistance to scratching.
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Toughness refers to resistance to breaking or chipping.
Diamonds are extremely hard but only moderately tough. This means that although they resist scratches better than any other gem, they can still break along their internal planes, called cleavage lines.
When Is a Diamond Most Likely to Chip?
Even the strongest diamond can become vulnerable under certain conditions. Common risk scenarios include:
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Edge or point exposure: Sharp corners on fancy shapes (like princess, marquise, or pear) are more prone to chips.
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Thin girdles: The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond. If it’s too thin, even minor bumps can cause chips.
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Repeated impact: Knocking your ring against hard surfaces (car doors, countertops) can create micro-fractures over time.
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Improper setting: Loose prongs or exposed settings increase risk.
Pro Tip:
Protective settings—like bezels or V-tip prongs—can reduce the risk of chips for vulnerable diamond shapes.
Can a Diamond Break in Half?
Though rare, diamonds can break entirely if struck with the right amount of force and angle—particularly along a cleavage plane.
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This is more likely in diamonds with inclusions or internal stress points.
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Sudden high-impact force (such as being dropped on a hard tile floor or hit with a heavy object) can trigger it.
At Lorenza Jewelry, we advise customers to remove their rings during strenuous activity to avoid accidental impact damage.
What to Do If Your Diamond Chips
It’s not the end of your jewelry story. There are several options:
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Recutting: If the chip is small and located on a corner, a skilled cutter may reshape the diamond to restore symmetry.
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Resetting: Replacing the current setting with one that covers the chip, such as a bezel.
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Diamond replacement: If the damage is significant, replacing the stone may be the best option—especially if it’s insured.
Lorenza Jewelry offers expert in-house repairs and diamond replacements tailored to your setting and stone.
Are Certain Diamond Shapes More Prone to Damage?
Yes. Shape affects durability:
At Lorenza, our team will recommend not only the right diamond shape for your lifestyle, but also the right custom setting to safeguard it.
How to Prevent Diamond Damage
Here are five key tips to help protect your diamond:
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Choose the right setting: Settings with prongs or bezels around vulnerable points offer better protection.
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Avoid hard impact: Take off your ring when working out, gardening, or lifting heavy objects.
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Get regular inspections: Have your jewelry checked every six months to ensure the setting is secure.
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Insure your jewelry: Comprehensive insurance can cover repair or replacement in case of damage.
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Store it properly: When not in use, keep your diamond jewelry in a soft-lined box, away from other pieces.
At Lorenza Jewelry, we offer complimentary cleaning and inspection services to keep your diamond jewelry in top condition.
FAQs About Diamond Damage
Can lab-grown diamonds chip or break too?
Yes. Lab diamonds have the same physical structure and cleavage planes as natural diamonds.
Is it safe to wear my diamond ring every day?
Generally yes, but daily wear increases the chance of small chips. Protective settings and proper care are key.
Can a chipped diamond be repaired to look new again?
In many cases, yes—through recutting or resetting.
What if I don’t notice the chip right away?
Tiny chips can grow over time. That’s why regular inspections matter.
Lorenza Jewelry: Trusted Diamond Care in Marietta
Since 2008, Lorenza Jewelry has been Marietta’s go-to destination for fine diamonds, custom design, and expert repair. Our in-house jewelers understand that a chipped diamond isn’t just about stone damage—it’s about preserving meaning, memories, and milestones.
Whether you’re designing a custom ring or restoring a family heirloom, we offer the expertise, care, and craftsmanship to keep your diamonds as beautiful as the day you got them.
Visit us at:
Lorenza Jewelry
2100 Roswell Rd Ste. 2160
Marietta, GA 30062
Looking for Custom Design or Diamond Repair?
Book an appointment today and let our skilled team help you bring your vision to life—or restore it beautifully.
