diamonds · Jewelry · Aug 19, 2025

Can Diamonds Break?

Diamonds have long been celebrated as the hardest natural substance on Earth, a symbol of enduring beauty and strength. But does “hard” mean “unbreakable”? Not exactly. While a diamond resists scratching better than any other gemstone, it can still chip, fracture, or even break under certain circumstances.

At Greis Jewelers, where our family has guided generations of clients through selecting and caring for their most treasured pieces, we believe understanding your diamond’s strengths—and its vulnerabilities—will help you enjoy it for a lifetime.

The Truth: Diamonds Are Hard, Not Indestructible

Hardness refers to how resistant a material is to scratching. On the Mohs scale, diamonds score a perfect 10, meaning no other natural material can scratch them.

Durability, however, also considers a gemstone’s ability to withstand impacts and pressure. Diamonds have a crystal structure with natural points of weakness—called cleavage planes—that make them susceptible to damage if struck with enough force in the wrong spot.

Quick Insight: A diamond can withstand everyday wear, but a sudden hard blow (such as hitting a countertop) can chip or break it.

How Diamonds Can Break

Diamonds are strong but not immune to damage. Common causes include:

Impact at the Wrong Angle – Striking the girdle or point of a diamond can cause chipping.
Inclusions and Internal Flaws – Larger inclusions can create weak spots.
Extreme Pressure – While rare, excessive force during setting or resizing can fracture a diamond.
Temperature Shock – Rapid, extreme temperature changes may cause cracks.

Settings Matter: Protecting Your Diamond

Your diamond’s setting plays a key role in its protection.

At Greis Jewelers, we often recommend:

Bezel Settings – Surround the diamond with metal for maximum edge protection.
Six-Prong Settings – Offer more stability than four-prong options.
Halo Designs – Provide a cushion of smaller stones that can absorb impact.

Example: An emerald-cut diamond with sharp corners is more vulnerable to chipping than a round brilliant. A protective prong at each corner helps safeguard the stone.

Can a Broken Diamond Be Repaired?

If your diamond chips or fractures, the options depend on the type and extent of damage:

Repolishing – Removes small chips, restoring brilliance (though it slightly reduces carat weight).
Recutting – Reshapes the diamond to remove larger damage.
Resetting – Strategically positions the diamond so the flaw is less visible.

Note: Severe breaks may require replacing the diamond altogether.

Caring for Your Diamond to Avoid Breakage

Daily Habits:

Remove your ring before high-impact activities.
Avoid wearing diamonds while cleaning with harsh chemicals.
Store jewelry separately to prevent contact with other stones.

Professional Maintenance:

Schedule regular inspections at Greis Jewelers to ensure prongs are secure.
Have your diamond professionally cleaned to maintain brilliance without risk.

When to Consider Diamond Insurance

A chipped or broken diamond is costly to repair or replace. Many clients choose to insure their diamond jewelry for peace of mind, especially for pieces with high sentimental or financial value.

Key Takeaways

Diamonds are the hardest natural substance but can still chip or break.
Avoid hard impacts, protect vulnerable shapes, and choose protective settings.
Regular professional care extends the life and beauty of your diamond.
Damage can often be repaired, but prevention is always best.

Protect Your Investment with Greis Jewelers

For over a century, the Greisdorf family has provided expertise, craftsmanship, and care to ensure every diamond remains as beautiful as the day it was chosen. Whether you need a secure setting, a professional inspection, or guidance on protecting your diamond, we’re here to help.

Visit us at:

Greis Jewelers

32940 Middlebelt Rd

Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Call: 248-855-1730

Make an Appointment