Can Diamond Rings Get Scratched

Diamonds are famous for being the hardest natural material on Earth. That’s why they’ve become the ultimate symbol of strength, love, and endurance. But does “hardest” mean “indestructible”? Not exactly. While diamonds resist scratches better than any other gemstone, they are not immune to damage — especially when set into rings that you wear daily.

At Ganem Jewelers, we believe understanding the care and limits of your fine jewelry is just as important as choosing the right design. Here’s what you need to know about diamond durability, scratching, and how to keep your ring flawless for years to come.

Diamond Hardness vs. Toughness

To answer whether diamond rings can get scratched, it helps to understand two key concepts:

• Hardness: How resistant a stone is to scratching. Diamonds top the Mohs scale at 10 — meaning no natural material (except another diamond) can scratch them.

• Toughness: How resistant a stone is to chipping or breaking. Diamonds, despite their hardness, can still break if struck at certain angles.

Key Insight: A diamond resists scratches better than any other material, but it isn’t indestructible.

What Can Scratch a Diamond Ring?

While rare, scratches on diamonds do occur. Here are the most common culprits:

• Another diamond: When rings are stored together, diamonds can rub and scratch each other.

• Hard surfaces: Accidentally brushing against stone, tile, or metal edges can leave marks on the setting — and occasionally the diamond.

• Everyday dust: Household dust often contains quartz, which is hard enough to leave fine abrasions over time.

Protecting the Setting: More Vulnerable Than the Diamond

Even if the diamond remains unscratched, the metal band and prongs are much softer:

• Gold (14K, 18K) can scratch more easily.

• Platinum is more durable but still shows wear.

• Worn prongs can loosen the diamond, putting it at risk of loss.

That’s why regular inspection is essential to maintaining the integrity of your ring.

How to Prevent Scratches and Wear

Practical care is the best way to preserve your diamond’s sparkle:

• Store jewelry separately: Keep diamond rings in individual pouches or lined boxes.

• Remove during activities: Take off your ring before sports, gardening, or heavy lifting.

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Cleaning agents can wear down metal and dull the setting.

• Regular cleaning: Gently soak in warm, soapy water and brush with a soft brush to remove grit that may cause abrasions.

• Professional checkups: Have your ring inspected at Ganem Jewelers to ensure the setting remains secure and the surface is pristine.

Sparkle and Scratches: Why It Matters

Even tiny scratches — whether on the diamond’s surface or the metal setting — can interfere with the way light moves through the stone. This may slightly reduce brilliance and sparkle. Keeping your ring clean and damage-free ensures your diamond continues to reflect light as beautifully as the day you received it.

FAQs About Diamond Durability

Can everyday wear damage a diamond?

Not usually. Diamonds resist scratches from most objects, but daily wear can expose them to knocks, which may cause chips if they hit hard surfaces.

Are certain diamond shapes more prone to chipping?

Yes. Fancy cuts with sharp points — like marquise, pear, or princess cuts — are more vulnerable at the corners than round brilliants.

Does the setting protect my diamond?

Absolutely. Secure settings like bezels or halos provide added protection, while prong settings need regular inspection to ensure stability.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Forever Piece

So, can diamond rings get scratched? Technically, yes — though it’s uncommon. More often, the risk lies in the ring’s setting and how you wear it day to day. With proper care, storage, and routine professional maintenance, your diamond ring will continue to sparkle for generations.

At Ganem Jewelers, we’ve been helping families in Arizona care for their fine jewelry since 1982. Whether it’s a six-month cleaning, a prong inspection, or designing a new setting to protect your diamond, our expert jewelers are here to ensure your ring remains as enduring as your love.

Visit us at our Scottsdale or Ahwatukee locations for cleaning, inspection, or to explore our collections of diamond jewelry.