Your heart is racing, stomach in knots, eyes filled with ugly cry tears. This is the sad truth of what occurs when you realize that your precious diamond has escaped the confines of your ring’s setting. However, fear not - there is comfort and resolution even when a loss such as this happens. Let’s discuss how to replace a lost or damaged diamond in your ring and what to expect throughout the process. There is light (plus radiance and brilliance) after the loss!
What to Do If a Diamond Falls Out of Your Ring
If a diamond falls out of your custom engagement ring there are a few things that you should do right away. DON’T PANIC!
- Check the area to see if you can find the diamond. They do have a tendency to roll and fly a lot further than we think so make sure to do a very thorough search. Don’t forget to open nearby drawers and random cracks/crevices - they’re sneaky little gems!
- If you’re able to find the loose diamond, place it in a plastic bag and make sure the ring’s setting is in a separate bag. Set these aside in a secure and safe place until you begin the jewelry repair process with your jeweler. If you are unable to find the diamond, contact your jeweler and insurance provider ASAP.
- Stop wearing the ring to avoid further damage to the setting. It’s often possible to use the ring’s original setting if you need to replace your diamond.
- Contact a trusted jeweler and ask them to properly assess the situation. Make sure you ask for guidance on next steps in relation to insurance, jewelry repair, etc.
- Check with your insurance provider so they can inform you on how to properly file a claim (if necessary). This is very IMPORTANT.
Steps to Replace a Missing Diamond
If your diamond ring is insured, the immediate first step is to contact your insurance company to let them know what happened and discuss next steps. Often, the insurance company will tell you what the value of your lost diamond is and will send you a check for a replacement stone. Now, once you know the value, here comes the fun part! You can either replace your diamond with the closest match to your previous diamond or mix it up and do something totally different! There are also ways to honor the ring’s original design while adding new details!
If you’re wondering how long does it take to get an engagement ring, the process for replacing a diamond can vary based on the stone and setting, but typically takes a few weeks from start to finish.
Assessing the Ring’s Setting
Your jeweler can assess whether the current setting is suitable for a new diamond or if a new setting is necessary. Regardless, it's important to ensure that the ring’s prongs are securely holding the stone.
If you’re curious about checking your diamond’s security at home, hold the ring up to your ear and gently tap the diamond. If you hear a sound, this indicates that the diamond may be loose which requires immediate attention. This also means that you should not wear your ring until you’re sure that the diamond is secure.
Expert Advice on Diamond Ring Maintenance
- Fine jewelry is strong but NOT indestructible! The gym is good for the mind/body and tough on jewels. The items most prone to damage are your rings. Weight lifting, tightly gripping the handles of an elliptical, pressing your hands into the floor as you finally achieve that perfect handstand - these are all situations that can warp the metal of your rings or even chip a stone. Our Travel Jewelry Zip Case is great to have on hand when you need to take your beloved rings off for their own protection!
- The #1 place where diamond jewelry gets lost is in water (pools, oceans and lakes)! Plunging into water or even hitting a surprise wave can easily remove the jewelry piece from a slippery body. Skin naturally shrinks in water, which causes diamond jewelry piece to fit much looser. Beware of chlorine in pools as it’s extra harsh and can strip your gems of their rich color and even breakdown gold. We love the DRD Jewelry Box – here your rings (and other jewels) are nestled at home, safe and sound, away from open bodies of water!
- Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners (found on Amazon) are a popular jewelry cleaning option. They use frequency waves that shake and rattle the jewels in order to clear the dirt and debris. They typically work well but due to the shaking from the machine, you should have a jeweler occasionally check your stones to make sure the prongs are still tight.
