Diamonds are widely celebrated for their exceptional brilliance and perceived indestructibility. Despite this common belief, these precious gemstones are not entirely immune to damage. While renowned for their remarkable resistance to scratching, diamonds possess characteristics that make them susceptible to other forms of harm. Understanding diamond durability can help preserve their beauty and integrity.
Diamond Hardness Versus Toughness
A common misunderstanding about diamonds stems from confusing their hardness with their toughness. Hardness refers to a material’s resistance to scratching or abrasion. Diamonds rank at the very top of the Mohs hardness scale, scoring a perfect 10, meaning they can scratch almost any other material, including other gemstones. This exceptional hardness is due to the strong atomic bonds within their tightly packed carbon crystal structure.
However, hardness does not equate to indestructibility or toughness. Toughness is a material’s ability to resist breaking, chipping, or fracturing from impact. Despite their hardness, diamonds have a crystalline structure with planes of weaker atomic bonds, known as cleavage planes. If struck with sufficient force at the right angle along one of these cleavage planes, a diamond can chip, crack, or even split. Internal imperfections, or inclusions, can also create weak spots that increase a diamond’s susceptibility to breakage.
Types of Diamond Damage
Diamonds can exhibit several distinct forms of damage, each impacting their integrity and appearance. One common type is chips or fractures, which often occur when a diamond receives a sharp blow, particularly along its inherent cleavage planes. These breaks can appear as clean splits or irregular cracks, frequently affecting vulnerable areas like the girdle or the pointed corners of certain cuts, such as princess or pear shapes.
Another form of damage is abrasions or scratches on the diamond’s surface. While diamonds are the hardest known natural material and highly resistant to scratching by most substances, they can be scratched by another diamond. This can happen if diamond jewelry pieces rub against each other during storage or wear, leading to dullness in their sparkle.
Diamonds are also susceptible to thermal shock, a phenomenon caused by rapid and extreme temperature fluctuations. Moving a diamond quickly from a very hot environment to a very cold one, or vice versa, can induce internal stress that leads to new fractures or expands existing ones. Although diamonds are formed under high heat, sudden temperature changes can compromise their structural integrity, potentially causing visible damage.
Everyday Risks to Your Diamond
Even with proper care, diamonds encounter various everyday scenarios that pose risks to their condition. One primary risk is physical impact. Accidental drops onto hard surfaces like tile or concrete, or striking the diamond against countertops and doorframes, can exert enough force to cause chips or fractures, especially if the impact occurs at a vulnerable angle or on a thin edge.
Chemical exposure also presents a threat, mainly to the diamond’s setting and its surface appearance. While diamonds themselves are highly resistant to most chemicals, harsh household cleaners such as chlorine bleach, ammonia, and strong acids can corrode or discolor the metal settings, potentially loosening the diamond. These substances can also leave a residue on the diamond’s surface, dulling its sparkle over time.
Another significant risk involves extreme temperature changes, which can cause thermal shock. Storing multiple diamond pieces together can also result in damage, as only a diamond can scratch another diamond, leading to surface abrasions.
Protecting Your Investment
Protecting a diamond investment involves proactive measures to minimize exposure to potential harm. Practicing situational awareness is a primary defense; removing diamond jewelry before engaging in activities like sports, gardening, cleaning, or cooking can significantly reduce the risk of impact or chemical exposure. This simple habit prevents accidental knocks against hard surfaces or contact with damaging substances.
Proper storage is also essential to prevent damage when diamonds are not being worn. Each diamond piece should be stored separately, ideally in a soft fabric-lined pouch or a jewelry box with individual compartments. This prevents diamonds from scratching each other or other softer gemstones and metals. Storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight also helps maintain their integrity.
Regular cleaning is another important aspect of care, as accumulated dirt and oils can dull a diamond’s sparkle. A gentle cleaning solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, applied with a soft-bristled brush, can safely restore its brilliance. It is advisable to avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or ultrasonic cleaners at home, as these can potentially damage the metal setting or loosen stones.
Finally, periodic professional inspection is recommended to ensure the long-term safety of your diamond. Jewelers suggest having diamond jewelry professionally checked every six months to a year. During these inspections, a jeweler can examine the setting for any loosened prongs or signs of wear, detect minor damage early, and perform a thorough cleaning, addressing potential issues before they escalate.