A common question I get asked in my
Q&A Section is "
I think the Jeweler Cracked my Diamond! What can I do about it?" It's a question that many will
NOT like the answer to...
There is very little you can do about it... NOW! And why is that? Because you waited too long to notice it.
For example, someone recently wrote in about their Engagement Ring and how their Diamond was loose. They took it to a reputable Jeweler to have it tightened. After it was fixed, they took it home and realized that the Diamond looked cracked... Ouch!
This is a sad case and without more information there really is no way of knowing exactly what happened.
No Proof!
First off, you don't really know that the Jeweler Chipped or Cracked your stone. You didn't physically SEE them do it! You're assuming they did because you didn't notice it before. But there's no way of proving it unless you actually saw them crack it.
I mean how do you know you didn't crack it? You don't! It could have been like that for months! The Diamond and prongs were loose, which means you could have hit the Diamond at some point. You could have damaged it and easily chipped it.
The crack could also have been hidden underneath a prong? Maybe the Jeweler rotated the Diamond while tightening it so now it's obvious???
You see, there are just way too many scenarios to really pin-point fault. It could be the Jeweler's fault, it could be yours.
People always want to assume things
But without actual proof, it's anybody's fault.
The place that you originally bought the Diamond from could have sold you a cracked Diamond? Maybe your Diamond is an I Clarity Diamond and that crack has been in the stone for over a million years? And maybe it's not even a crack... It could just be a eye-visible inclusion? This happens a lot!
The fact is, most people don't really look at their Diamond. They may "see" it everyday, but how many times do you actually inspect it? When was the last time you looked at your Diamond under a microscope? Most people will scope it the day they buy it and never scope it again!
I know people that bring rings in to get cleaned and have stones missing from the mounting. I point it out to them and they are stunned that they didn't notice it before. Most people "see" but don't really observe. People are never really observant until AFTER they get their rings back. Then they want to scrutinize them to death. But as many find out... By then it's too late!
If the Jeweler DID Crack your Diamond...
Then you'll have to spot it BEFORE you leave the Jewelry Store. Once you walk out that door with your Diamond you're acknowledging the fact that the Diamond is fine and acceptable.
Granted even if you do spot it, the Jeweler can still say
"It was cracked when you brought it in"
But I doubt this would ever happen, because Jewelers know that working on a cracked diamond can be harmful. They know that any pressure on a cracked Diamond can cause it to crack or bust even more. Jewelers have to take great caution working on Diamonds with chips or Diamonds filled with lots of Inclusions. That's why they try to catch it ahead of time. If your stone was already cracked (or heavily included), they should bring it to your attention before they did any work on it. (Jewelers want to protect themselves as well).
Preventing the Situation
No matter what, there's only one true way of preventing this situation:
Microscope your Diamond!
Microscope your Diamond BEFORE and AFTER you get it back. Microscope it BEFORE to assure to you AND the Jeweler that your Diamond is NOT cracked. Have them note it on the repair slip. No Cracks - No Chips! (And then you both should sign or initial it!)
And when you get it back, make sure you microscope it again to guarantee that your Diamond is still NOT cracked. View it under 10x magnification. (The microscope is the best tool to use, but some use a Jeweler's Loupe!) This is the best way to protect yourself. Scope it BEFORE and AFTER! Plus, if the Jeweler were to switch out your Diamond for a lower quality one, you would catch that as well.
Microscoping it and noting it is the only way to have total peace of mind. If you see in the scope that your Diamond is Cracked or Chipped and they have noted that it wasn't... Then they did it! Simple as that. They will have to replace the stone.
But you MUST do it...
Before you leave the Jewelry Store!
You can't wait until the next day when you decide you want a closer look... Take the time to do it when you pick it up. Otherwise, it's your word against theirs! And if that happens, then there really isn't anything you can do about it.
Slow Down
Slow down. Don't rush into the store, grab your ring and rush out... Take the time to scope it. Bring your Certification Papers with you and double check any Inclusions, Plot or Inscription numbers. You have to be responsible for protecting your own valuables.
So if the Jeweler DID crack your stone (and you can't prove it), what can you do about it?
1) Trade it in towards a new (and possibly bigger) Diamond.
2) Have it recut and made smaller (to cut the chip out).
3) See if your Insurance Company will cover the cost of replacing the stone.
Honest Mistake
You may be a victim, but I assure you, it's by honest mistake. Jeweler's do not want to be blamed for carelessness. They don't want to have to fill out Insurance Claims, have their coverage go up, or have to cover the cost themselves. They don't want to lose you as a customer either. It's not a good situation for anyone.
Usually Jewelers will check the stone when you bring it in just to make sure that it is a genuine Diamond (not a CZ), and that the Diamond is not chipped or cracked. But you just never know. Maybe they are busy and don't have time to look? If this is the case, then it's up to you to make sure they find the time. Make them scope it! Protect yourself!
Stones Crack!
Things happen. Life is not perfect.
Microscope the Diamond Before and After you get it back. It's the only way you'll truly know... And that's the only way you'll truly protect your Diamond!
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