What do I do now?

It’s your worst nightmare…You look down and your diamond is missing.  Your heart stops and you start to panic. A diamond is almost always the symbol of something sentimental.  No matter if it is your engagement ring, wedding band, or a family heirloom; it is the worst feeling in the world when something happens to it.   When the stone is damaged or lost, it is always worth the cost and effort to replace the diamond.

After you break it to your husband that the stone is missing, what is the next step?  Talk to your insurance company. Your diamond ring may be insured under your homeowner's insurance or an insurance plan may have been purchased with the ring. Depending on the type of insurance and the nature of the damage or loss, your repair may be covered by your policy.  Next, take it to the jeweler where the ring was purchased.  Some jewelers offer a warranty on the diamond.  They may cover some type of damage or even a replacement for your ring.  The jeweler should be able to access the damage and give you an estimate of how much it will cost to repair if there isn’t a warranty.  

So why did this happen in the first place?  There are many things that could have occurred.  Even though a diamond is hard and extremely durable, it is not indestructible.  Prongs can wear down over time causing the diamond to just come out.  A jeweler can re-tip the prongs to keep your diamond secure in the setting.  Be aware that shared prong settings, or pave settings can lead to more stone issues if you tend to be hard on jewelry.  It is recommended that you have your ring checked at least yearly to ensure prongs are in good shape.  If you have a ring that you have inherited or purchased an estate piece, perhaps get it inspected more frequently so it lasts another generation. If you have been very adamant about going and having the prongs checked regularly at a reputable jeweler, still be careful because you could hit your ring at just the right spot and compromise the prongs or diamond. Lastly, remove your ring when you are doing heavy activity or going to be dealing with any chemicals that might expose your ring to damage. 

I hope that it never happens to you, but if it does I hope this information helps!

If you need a recommendation call Sumpters Jewelry. They have been in business for 40 years and the jewelers are amazing! (704) 399-5348.

www.sumptersjewelry.com 
 
written by: Susan G
edited and designed by: Carolyn M