Can a diamond break?

Few naturally-occurring materials are stronger than diamonds. However, they’re not invincible. Real diamonds are incredibly durable however in some circumstances they can break. This is rare, though, and doesn’t happen often.

Here, we answer some commonly asked questions that jewellery owners ask about diamonds and their durability.

• Can diamonds break?
• How to protect your diamond from chipping
• What should I do if my diamond is broken?
• Can diamonds melt?
• Can diamonds chip?
• Can diamonds be scratched?
• How can I keep my diamond ring safe?

Can diamonds break?

Yes, a diamond can break – including a lab-grown diamond. Just like how diamond cutters are used to shape and sculpt a rough diamond, it can break if enough force is applied. Diamonds don’t shatter when dropped, however, they can chip or break from powerful blows. The most vulnerable parts of a diamond include the girdle which is the diamond's outermost edge, creating the outline. The girdle sticks out more, so is more likely to have direct contact with hard surfaces that could cause it to break.

Diamonds can also break when there is pressure buildup which is referred to as the strain. All it can take for the pressure to break the diamond is a small tap. This however is incredibly rare.

How to protect your diamond from chipping

There are several things you can do to avoid a chipped diamond.

• Choose a diamond shape without points or sharp corners, such as the round, oval, asscher, or cushion shape.
• Avoid girdles with thin sections as they are more vulnerable to breaking and chipping.
• Choose a jewellery setting that protects the diamond, such as bezel.
• Examine your jewellery for damage to the prongs. If a diamond is loose, it is more vulnerable to damage.
• Get a diamond with fewer inclusions as they can make the diamond more prone to breaking.

What should I do if my diamond is broken?

You should take a broken diamond to a jeweller to try and salvage it. Get any chips or cracks attended to by a professional jeweller as this can stop them from worsening – the stone can be reset or recut to hide any damage.

If it is beyond repair, you can replace it with a new stone, although this is probably the last resort you’ll want to take.

Can diamonds melt?

The word ‘melt’ might not be the best way to describe what can happen to a diamond. ‘Vaporise’ would be more accurate. Although diamonds are one of the hardest rocks in the world, when subjected to temperatures of 763 degrees celsius or higher, they will turn into vapour.

It may come as a surprise to know that diamonds are a type of pure carbon. When tested against high temperatures, carbon will oxidise into carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, therefore explaining why diamonds react in the same way to these high temperatures.

Can diamonds chip?

Any forceful impact on diamonds can cause them to chip. When it comes to diamond rings, for example, the diamond cut can impact how easily it can chip. This is because some girdles and points on the diamond are more exposed to being hit off surfaces when going about your everyday life.

Can diamonds be scratched?

Just like how diamonds can break and crack, they can also scratch too. However, their impressive internal structure makes it difficult. Put simply, the harder a mineral is, the harder it is to scratch it. Most minerals are ranked 9 or below on the Mohs scale of hardness, however, diamonds are ranked 10, making them the hardest gemstone on earth. So, scratching them by accident is possible, but it is uncommon.

How can I keep my diamond ring safe?

Whether it be from scratches, cracks, or breaks, knowing how to keep your diamond safe and looking brand new is something everyone will benefit from knowing. There is no hidden secret behind how to protect your diamonds or any jewellery. It is simply down to how much care you take of them.

For example, metal can scratch diamonds, so storing them in a place that is separate from any metal objects or surfaces is a must. Since a crack in a diamond is often mistaken for debris or dirt build-up, making sure to wash them once a week to keep them clean will keep them looking their best rather than damaged.

Protecting a diamond from sustaining accidental damage is a responsibility everyone takes on when making a purchase. However, don’t let this scare you. Diamonds are incredibly hard rocks that don’t require a great deal of care – just regular cleaning.

Get your hands on a high-quality diamond engagement ring from Angelic Diamonds, and browse our collection today.