Can Diamonds Break

Diamonds are known as the hardest natural substance on Earth — a symbol of unbreakable love and endurance. But even the strongest materials have limits.

At Ganem Jewelers, customers often ask one of the most important questions about their engagement rings and heirloom jewelry:

Can a diamond break?

The short answer: yes, under certain conditions.

While diamonds resist scratching better than any other gemstone, they can chip or fracture if struck in the right spot with enough force. Understanding how and why helps you keep your diamond beautiful for a lifetime.

Why Diamonds Can Break: The Science Behind the Sparkle

A diamond’s exceptional hardness comes from its crystal structure — carbon atoms arranged in a perfect tetrahedral lattice. This makes it nearly impossible to scratch, but also means it has cleavage planes, or natural directions of weakness.

If a sharp impact occurs along one of these planes — especially near the edges, points, or thin girdles — the diamond can chip or even cleave.

Ganem Jeweler´s Insight:

Hardness protects against wear; toughness protects against breakage. Diamonds are very hard, but not the toughest gemstone. They’re more vulnerable to sharp blows than sapphires or spinels.

Common Situations That Can Damage a Diamond

Everyday life exposes your jewelry to more risk than most realize. These are the moments where caution matters most:

• Accidental impacts — Hitting a countertop, metal handle, or another ring can chip a corner or girdle.

• Tight settings — A prong pressing unevenly on a stone’s edge can increase tension, leading to small fractures over time.

• Hard knocks during activities — Weightlifting, gardening, or sports can subject your ring to stress and vibration.

• Thermal shock — Extreme temperature changes, such as moving from hot water to cold, can stress inclusions or fractures.

Each of these may leave a visible mark — or worse, an invisible fracture that grows with wear.

Can a Diamond Shatter if Dropped?

In most cases, no — dropping your diamond ring onto a carpet or wood floor won’t harm it. But if it lands on a hard tile or concrete surface, particularly on a pointed edge like a marquise or pear tip, damage is possible.

Modern cuts and settings help minimize risk, but any sharp corner remains delicate by design.

From the Jeweler’s Bench:

At Ganem Jewelers, we’ve seen chipped stones from everyday moments — a quick wave, a dropped phone, a kitchen counter tap. Prevention starts with awareness and regular inspection.

Signs Your Diamond Might Be Chipped

Not every chip is visible to the naked eye. Look for:

• A small white or rough edge on the surface.

• A sparkle that seems muted or slightly uneven.

• A tiny line or cloudy area under magnification.

If you suspect damage, bring your ring to one of our certified gemologists. With professional magnification and lighting, they can assess the stone’s integrity and guide you on next steps — from repair to resetting.

How Jewelers Protect Diamonds from Breakage

At Ganem Jewelers, protection begins with craftsmanship. Each diamond is inspected and set by skilled artisans who understand both the science and artistry of fine jewelry.

We ensure:

• Even pressure in every prong.

• Proper seat alignment to avoid stress points.

• Polished, balanced girdles that minimize exposure to sharp impacts.

• High-quality craftsmanship is your diamond’s first safeguard.

Design Insight:

Bezel and halo settings offer added protection by surrounding the stone’s edges — ideal for active lifestyles or sentimental heirlooms.

How to Keep Your Diamond Safe

While you can’t prevent every bump or brush, simple care habits go a long way:

• Remove your ring before strenuous activities, workouts, or housework.

• Store jewelry separately in soft pouches to avoid collisions.

• Schedule professional inspections twice a year — our jewelers check for loose prongs, worn settings, or micro-damage.

• Clean gently using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush — never ultrasonic machines if the stone has internal fractures.

Routine attention ensures your diamond’s longevity matches its symbolism.

Repair and Restoration Options

If a diamond does chip, there are still solutions:

• Repolishing can smooth small surface chips and restore brilliance.

• Recutting may reshape or resize the stone while maintaining proportion.

• Resetting the diamond in a protective mounting can prevent further risk.

At Ganem Jewelers, our in-house experts evaluate each case individually, guiding you toward the option that best preserves both value and sentimental worth.

Why Diamond Care Reflects Craftsmanship

Beyond their physical strength, diamonds reflect artistry — every facet, every angle cut by hand to harness light. When cared for properly, a diamond becomes a lifelong heirloom.

Ganem Jewelers’ tradition of Arizona craftsmanship ensures that each piece we sell or service continues to represent that same brilliance, resilience, and refinement — generation after generation.

Final Thoughts: Diamonds Are Forever — With Care

A diamond’s endurance is legendary, but its brilliance depends on care. Even something as strong as love deserves protection.

With regular inspections, proper handling, and expert maintenance from Ganem Jewelers, your diamond ring will remain every bit as radiant — and resilient — as the day it was placed on your hand.

Visit Ganem Jewelers

Experience trusted craftsmanship and expert jewelry care at either of our locations:

Scottsdale – Gainey Ranch Shops

7704 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, #110, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Ahwatukee – Chandler Blvd

4910 E Chandler Blvd, #6, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Call: (480) 820-1122