Chances are good if you scope an antique Diamond or a Diamond handed down, you'll see what is known as a
Bearded Girdle.
Fine little breaks in the edge of the girdle are common. You can probably
run your fingernail around the outer edge of the Diamond and feel the little indentations. (see picture below)
So what can be done about Chipped Diamonds? Is there anyway to fix a Broken Diamond? Yes there is!
Replacement
The first thing is to get it replaced! Ha, now that's a sneaky way of fixing it, isn't it? Yep! But did you know that most insurance companies will cover the cost of replacing a chipped or broken Diamond? Check with your insurance policy, you may be able to get a new Diamond!
Recut
The second thing you can do is have your Chipped Diamond recut! Most people don't even know this can be done, but it can. Having your Diamond recut won't be cheap or fast. And depending on how badly your Diamond is chipped, will determine how much of your Diamond's surface will have to be removed. You could lose 20% or more!
Having your Diamond recut will make your Diamond smaller. Sometimes Visibly smaller! Keep in mind this brings up other issues... Like the mounting! A smaller Diamond may also change how it fits in your mounting. You will probably need a new head, and maybe even a new mounting.
Cover it up
If the chip is small, you can cheat... have your Jeweler turn your Diamond in the mounting so a prong is covering it. (Hiding it is what you're doing! - Just be careful though, because if the chip is too bad, applying pressure to it with a prong could crack your Diamond even worse!) That's why I say, if the chip's big, contact your insurance company and hope they'll replace it.
And if that still doesn't work, live with it or upgrade!
There you go... Chip fixed!
P.S. Follow Jewelry Secrets on Twitter and Facebook.
Copyright © 05-12-2008 Jewelry-Secrets.com
