E.S. Design

Diamonds are known as the hardest natural substances on Mother Earth. In fact, on the MOHS scale, which is a scale used to measure the hardness of a gemstone, diamonds rate a 10. The MOHS scale ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Sapphires and rubies are rated 9 on the MOHS scale. Even though the difference between sapphires and diamonds is only a one-notch scale different, this translates to the fact that diamonds are ten times harder and sturdier than sapphires or rubies.

Does the fact that the diamond is the hardest natural substance on earth make it free from damage? Is it unbreakable or can it be damaged or broken? The answer is this: Diamonds can be chipped or broken. Why and how? The construction of a diamond is unique. It grows and crystallizes with cleavage lines. These cleavage lines are a diamond’s weak spots since the stone is cut and shaped along these lines.  If you strike a diamond at the right angle, focused on its cleavage lines, you can actually separate it into pieces. It is like placing a wedge on a tree and adding a direct physical impact on it. 
No matter how hard a diamond is, its edges may still be chipped. The edge of a diamond is called a girdle. It is the most vulnerable part of a diamond due to its thinness. The prongs of a setting are placed around the girdle to protect it from chipping.

Old, antique, or heirloom diamonds most likely have several chips or fine little breaks its edges. This is known as a bearded girdle. Is there a way to fix a broken diamond? Yes. The chipped diamond may be re-cut. However, re-cutting it will make your “new” diamond smaller. It may not be the fastest and cheapest option available to salvage your precious stone, but it may just be the wisest choice.