Help! Chip in my diamond girdle, what would you do?

[Sparkles88]

Hello Pricescopers,
Since I recently discovered Pricescope I’ve been taking more notice of my diamond and I have been examining under a loupe, cleaning it religiously and I’ve discovered a small chip on the girdle . My diamond was a upgrade, ten years ago and I really don’t know when the chip occurred, I don’t think it was there when I purchased the stone as I would have noticed.

I went into my jeweler and he had a look and he’s wasn’t too fazed, I had to really impress on him that I could see a chip and I could feel it with my nail when I run my nail along the edge of the girdle. He reassured me that it was minor and that the integrity of the diamond wouldn’t be affected and if it really bothered me, I could have the diamond repolished to remove the chip.
I guess I’m just asking to reassure myself to let it be and not do anything? What would you do, I’m concerned that if I leave it I could further damage my diamond? The diamond has been insured since day 1 and I’m not sure if that’s something I can claim on my policy as the diamond hasn’t been lost, I’m based in Australia.
It’s my first time starting a thread, so I hope I’ve posted it in the right area, thanks for reading, any advice offered is appreciated.

 

[mrs-b]

Hi @Sparkles88 And congratulations on starting your first ever PS thread!

Personally, I would leave it, unless it really bothered me. I tend to take a 'leave well enough alone' approach to this sort of thing; it can be a bit like tearing off a chipped nail - it starts as a small chip, and ends up as a tear that runs half way down my finger!

So unless it really bothered me, or someone who knows something about diamonds thinks it's a problem, I'd leave it be. But for peace of mind, I'd try to have it assessed. Jewelers are not generally diamond specialists, so I'd be looking for someone who specializes in diamonds to take a look.

Do you live in Melbourne? If so, I'd be trotting it in to Garry Holloway to have it checked out. Are you positive it's a chip? When you run your nail along the girdle of a diamond, and when your nail goes over a facet join, it can often feel like a chip. I remember thinking once that I'd found a chip in one of my diamonds - doing that exact same thing you're talking about. Panicked, I checked all my diamonds and found a 'chip' in every single one! Turns out if was just the angled facet joins I was feeling.

On the other hand, tho...have you ever posted a photo of your ring? I can't recall it! Time to get the camera out!

 

[denverappraiser]

Yes, chips are normally a covered loss under most insurance policies. Whether you should make a claim about it, even if covered, is a difficult question. It’s going to have to do with things like your deductible, your claims history, the amount of damage, the pre-damage size and condition and others. It’s not all that easy a question. If you’ve got an Independent Appraiser in the neighborhood, give them a call. These things can be important but it’s going to depend on the details.

 

[Sunstorm]

While most minor chips are safe to be left alone, it would bother me too. If there is a feather extending from it inward, it could spread and cause a bigger problem. It could also extend if there is pressure on it and in rare cases even from having it cleaned in the ultrasonic. Not to scare you but just to prepare you for all scenarios.

I would definitely take it to someone who specializes in cutting and recutting and have it evaluated by them. An appraiser is not a bad idea either. If you can get it repolished and not incur major loss of weight, that might be the way I would go. You can only decide after an expert examined your stone.

Insurance would most likely apply, however, your deductible may be higher than the damage incurred. It may be that you can fix the problem and have very minimal financial loss. Keep us posted.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd never make a small claim because it might result in higher rates or getting dropped if you had to make another claim later. So always pay for small things yourself, and save the insurance for loss or total damage to the stone.

It would bother me, too. I guess whether I fixed it would have to do with whether I could access an excellent cutter. I'd contact Garry Holloway.

 

[denverappraiser]

The tricky part of diamond repairs is that it’s more complicated than most people think. The stone has to be removed and reset for example. That can cause prong damage that will then need repairs, and those repairs can cause complications for other stones in the piece. It needs to be recut, and most places don’t have a competent cutter nearby. That means insured shipping (twice). If it’s lab graded, it needs to go back to the lab because the 'cert' will no longer be valid. That’s a lab fee and more shipping. The final stone will be a little bit lighter than the original. That’s a loss in value, and quite possibly a significant one depending on the weight. A 1.99 is worth considerably less than a 2.00 for example. Lastly there are risks. The chances of further damage during the cutting/setting process aren’t all that great, but they aren’t zero either. Who bears this risk? The cutter? Don't bet on it. I don't know a single cutter who guarantees results.

 

[Sunstorm]

Great points @denverappraiser! Excellent advice.

This is why it would be extremely important to evaluate it by a master cutter but even then as you said there still are risks.

I have an FCD that was damaged when unset. There is a teeny tiny chip on the girdle that is almost not possible to notice with a loupe. I have not had it recut for the above reasons and plus it has an even tinier feather underneath the chip extending into the stone. The feather was the likely culprit in the first place unless that too was a result of the miniscule damage. The chip was not there initially. I would most likely not have it recut due to the feather. I have seen other stones in which the feather "blew up" just from boiling rendering a beautiful 2 carat stone unsaleable.

I also agree not to claim insurance unless a qualified appraiser finds the damage much larger than you think it is.

 

[Sparkles88]

Hi @Sparkles88 And congratulations on starting your first ever PS thread!

Personally, I would leave it, unless it really bothered me. I tend to take a 'leave well enough alone' approach to this sort of thing; it can be a bit like tearing off a chipped nail - it starts as a small chip, and ends up as a tear that runs half way down my finger!

So unless it really bothered me, or someone who knows something about diamonds thinks it's a problem, I'd leave it be. But for peace of mind, I'd try to have it assessed. Jewelers are not generally diamond specialists, so I'd be looking for someone who specializes in diamonds to take a look.

Do you live in Melbourne? If so, I'd be trotting it in to Garry Holloway to have it checked out. Are you positive it's a chip? When you run your nail along the girdle of a diamond, and when your nail goes over a facet join, it can often feel like a chip. I remember thinking once that I'd found a chip in one of my diamonds - doing that exact same thing you're talking about. Panicked, I checked all my diamonds and found a 'chip' in every single one! Turns out if was just the angled facet joins I was feeling.

On the other hand, tho...have you ever posted a photo of your ring? I can't recall it! Time to get the camera out!

Thanks for your reply @Mrs B, unfortunately I’m not in Melbourne, I’m located in Perth Western Australia, although my husband does travel to Melbourne occasionally for work. I’ll have to do something research to see if I can find someone located close by that can give me some advice.

I wish it was just an facet I was feeling with my nail, but I’m pretty sure it’s chip on the girdle. I’ll post some photos, it look is like the chip extends further into the diamond edge.
I found the chip a few months ago and I was going to leave it be, but it’s been in the back of my mind and bugging me lately. You can only see it with the loupe but I know it’s there!

 

[Sparkles88]

While most minor chips are safe to be left alone, it would bother me too. If there is a feather extending from it inward, it could spread and cause a bigger problem. It could also extend if there is pressure on it and in rare cases even from having it cleaned in the ultrasonic. Not to scare you but just to prepare you for all scenarios.

I would definitely take it to someone who specializes in cutting and recutting and have it evaluated by them. An appraiser is not a bad idea either. If you can get it repolished and not incur major loss of weight, that might be the way I would go. You can only decide after an expert examined your stone.

Insurance would most likely apply, however, your deductible may be higher than the damage incurred. It may be that you can fix the problem and have very minimal financial loss. Keep us posted.

Hi Sunstorm,
I think what you have described is what has happened to my diamond, there’s a feather extending inwards and I’m concerned with durability isssues later on.
I’ve tried to take a few photos using a loupe and my iPhone, it was very tricky, had to use a bit of play doh to hold my ring in the correct position..lol

I’ll check to see what my insurance deductible is, to ascertain whether it’s worth doing.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Sparkles88]

I'd never make a small claim because it might result in higher rates or getting dropped if you had to make another claim later. So always pay for small things yourself, and save the insurance for loss or total damage to the stone.

It would bother me, too. I guess whether I fixed it would have to do with whether I could access an excellent cutter. I'd contact Garry Holloway.

Thanks @diamondseeker2006 I agree and that’s what my jeweler said, not to make a small claim otherwise my rates could go up in the future and even worse they may decide not to insure me at all if they think there’s a future risk of replacement, even though I’ve paid 10 years of insurance premium to them!
I’m not sure if there are any excellent cutters in Perth, a trip to Melbourne might be in order. I can at least email Garry and try and get hubby to drop off my ring so Garry can have a look at it.

 

[Sparkles88]

The tricky part of diamond repairs is that it’s more complicated than most people think. The stone has to be removed and reset for example. That can cause prong damage that will then need repairs, and those repairs can cause complications for other stones in the piece. It needs to be recut, and most places don’t have a competent cutter nearby. That means insured shipping (twice). If it’s lab graded, it needs to go back to the lab because the 'cert' will no longer be valid. That’s a lab fee and more shipping. The final stone will be a little bit lighter than the original. That’s a loss in value, and quite possibly a significant one depending on the weight. A 1.99 is worth considerably less than a 2.00 for example. Lastly there are risks. The chances of further damage during the cutting/setting process aren’t all that great, but they aren’t zero either. Who bears this risk? The cutter? Don't bet on it. I don't know a single cutter who guarantees results.

Thank you @denverappraiser for your advice, I didn’t think of all the other repercussions associated with repair. My diamond is 2.43 ct so I would hope that it would be well above a 2 ct after cutting/polishing should that be an option. The lab report is from HRD. Hmmmmm lots to think about.

 

[Sparkles88]

@mrs-b I dont think I’ve posted any photos of my rings, except when i posted photos of my recent IDJ tennis bracelet purchase, the rings would have been in the photo too. It’s quite simple by Pricescope standards, a six prong solitaire, Tiffany inspire setting. Do you know what, when hubby upgraded by engagement ring diamond, I left it up the jeweler to design my setting based on the Tiffany setting. Now that I’ve discovered PS, there is so many beautiful ring settings to choose from, although I’m still quite drawn to the simplicity of a solitaire but would love one with sleeker prongs and more fluid design one day.
Here’s my ring, (3rd upgrade!! )must have been a PS all long and didn’t realize it! Oops I posted 2.43 above but it’s a 2.41 ct, E, SI2 MRB.

 

[tanalasta]

I cannot readily think of a single reliable diamond specialist in Perth, WA who would be interested in looking at a diamond who was not purchased from them. Which is of course rather unfortunate.

Although I feel it's playing on your mind, something that small is unlikely to alter the performance nor the durability of your diamond in the long term. Unless you were planning to sell/upgrade the stone, if it's a forever ring, I'd just keep it and wear it in good health.

Where did you purchase your ring from? Whilst costly, you can sometimes arrange a FEDEX back to the company you bought the ring from. I know WF will print off and arrange a self-return label for insured postage. Otherwise, if your husband flies to Melbourne then see if you can make an appointment with Holloway? I haven't dealt with him in person so do not know of his availability or fees.

I'm amazed you were able to find it!

 

[Sunstorm]

Sparkles I am so sorry to hear this. There are several scenarios.
1. the SI2, that feather with what you think is a chip was already there. I cannot comment on this since unless you louped it for hours upon purchase, it may have been. I have no idea where you bought the stone.
2. this does appear to be a typical girdle damage, that is what it normally looks like a chip on the girdle with a feather extending and wow this one is quite a large one. What I was talking about is only in one direction and maybe 1/10 the size of this.
Your feather looks like I saw on a stone that was damaged during setting and I could take a photo for you but I am terrible at pix.

However, despite what I said above I cannot tell for sure based on pix if 1. you do in fact have a chip and damage 2. the feather is a result of damage not something that was there before.

Hence, No.3. is also possible.

3. there is a girdle natural and there are feathers underneath. Can be difficult to differentiate. I have a fancy color with several naturals on the girdle and there is a feather close to one. Again I would have to take a pic for you.

That said it does not look like yours has a natural on the girdle.

An examination would be very important. You do want to find out what it is for sure and if it can be repaired. The damage, if it is that indeed, looks quite extensive and you are right to be bothered by it.

BTW, this type of a feather does appear to me to be a result of damage and not one that was there before. I could be wrong but yes your concern is valid, so do take a trip to a reputable cutter.

The reason no one can tell for sure based on only pix is because I would have to tilt your stone in different angles to see better. Perhaps a video would help or photos from other angles but a personal appointment cannot be replaced by us here.

 

[Sparkles88]

@tanalasta I’m feeling the likelihood of finding anyone with that level of expertise very slim in Perth. I bought the ring and diamond locally, this was prior to me finding PS, if I had known about PS it would be a very different purchase..lol
Size /spread and colour were my preference back then and it was intended to be my forever stone, but since I’ve found PS, I’m so curious to see a super ideal diamond, the temptation to upgrade is real. I didn’t know about HCA or how much the cut can affect the brilliance of my diamond. I was pretty much guided by our jeweler at the time. The HRD cert doesn’t even include an inclusions plot or crown or pavilion angles, but I think the HCA score is 1.4 based on conversions of % listed on my certificate and my diamond does sparkle beautifully but doesn’t exhibit much fire, I think it’s a 60/60 stone. I can’t be too upset as I’ve enjoyed my beautiful ring for the last 10 years and I was very grateful that my DH supports my love of diamonds so I could upgrade at that time.

 

[Sparkles88]

Thank you @Sunstorm for your detailed reply. It’s hard to pinpoint when the damage occurred, it could have been caused during setting, to be honest, I didn’t loupe it that intensely. My naive ‘knowledge’ was that a diamond was so strong that it couldn’t be that easily damaged, I didn’t think I diamond could be damaged during the setting process, I was just so much in love with my ring to even notice!
During the last ten years a lot has happened, including two kids and there was a long time when I didn’t clean my diamond that often and I wouldn’t have noticed the chip. It’s only recently that I’ve been examining and getting familiar with my diamond again that I found it.

I really appreciate your advice and unless another Pscoper can recommend some one I can see in Perth, I might need to make contact with Gary.

 

[Sunstorm]

Sparkles yes take it in and keep us posted. I am curious what they will tell you. At least you know an expert will give you advice and handle your stone.

In this case it does not look like setting damage because those would usually be under or adjacent to one of the prongs, unless they took the stone out and positioned the damage right between the prongs. If it was a large feather inclusion, not damage, it would generally be positioned like this for safety reasons. Placing it under one of the prongs could result on pressure on the feather and damage in the future.

Either way I guess it does not make much sense to build any theories now, you will hopefully have a solution soon.

 

[Sparkles88]

I have a little update, thanks for everyone that posted advice, it was appreciated. I ended up calling Holloway Diamonds and spoke to the sales assistant there, Garry was overseas so she suggested I email their gemologist and explain the situation with photos of my diamond.

I was really happy that he took the time to call me to have a chat about it considering I didn’t purchase the diamond there. Based on the size of the chip on the girdle and the fact that it extends into the diamond, a re-cut would probably result in too much weight loss, so that’s not an option at the moment. He said that I should just continue wearing my ring with care and that the likelihood of further damage is pretty slim. He showed my photos to their jeweler and they suggested that should I reset the stone to place the prong close to the chip rather than on the chip, so that it gives it some extra protection without causing extra stress on the area.

So based on the info, I’ll leave it be and not mess too much with having it recut or polished. If I’m planing on going to Melbourne I’ll definitely make an appointment to see Garry but for now, I’ll continue to wear it gently!

Lol, the silver lining is, DH is open to the idea of buying another diamond in the future, I’ve already starting seeding the idea and he didn’t protest or faint

 

[tanalasta]

I might just have to drop in next time I'm in Melbourne also! Thanks for your testimonial. Keep wearing your ring in good health ...

Is your ring insured? We used QReport in Australia as several jewellers recommended them. Not cheap but then again we can't afford another ring!

 

[Sparkles88]

I might just have to drop in next time I'm in Melbourne also! Thanks for your testimonial. Keep wearing your ring in good health ...

Is your ring insured? We used QReport in Australia as several jewellers recommended them. Not cheap but then again we can't afford another ring!

Thanks @tanalasta, my ring is insured through AAMI, I’ve not heard of QReport before, are you happy with them? My ring is insured as part of my house and contents insurance, but I pay an extra premium as it’s insured as special portable valuables. It’s very expensive, but I’m too scared to stop paying as that’s when I probably need to claim!

 

[Sunstorm]

@Sparkles88 I am so sorry. You got excellent advice, I would have told you the same. Yeah I was afraid that because of the large feather running both up an down and into the stone quite extensively, they would not touch it. Not only because of the weight loss, I agree it would be quite a bit even if doable but the feather can further extend during cutting at times. It is of course not possible to just cut it out.

I think that these feathers tend to remain the same and it will likely remain ok. That said I understand completely why you hate the idea of having such a stone too. If you have a problem with it, insurance should be contacted. If you were to incur complete loss, at least you know you will be covered.

It is true that damage or even similar inherent feather inclusions should be placed in between two prongs and never right under or very close as I think I mentioned here that if you hit the prong creating pressure on it, it will further put pressure on an already existing damage, thereby creating the highest chance of further damaging the stone.

It is possible that there was an inclusion in the area where the stone got damaged but I am so happy that your husband is generous to give you another diamond. In the meantime just wear your stone happily if you can. I am really sorry that this happened to you.

 

[Sparkles88]

@Sunstorm thank you so much for your concern, I’m a little bit sad as I will always know it’s there, but unless some examines my diamond closely or with a loupe you cannot tell it there. I’m quiet sentimental about this diamond, as I remember the excitement of choosing the stone with my husband, so it’s unlikely that I will trade it in, especially now that it’s got the damage to the girdle.
It’s a beautiful stone, that regularly attracts lots of positive comments so I’m going to wear it happily. Thank you for taking the time to help me.

 

[tanalasta]

Hello. QReport are underwritten by Chubb. I’ve been very happy with them, and they were very easy to sign up to. They accepted the purchase receipt from
Whiteflash and given it was a recent purchase when I took up the policy did not require examination or further valuation.

The policy per annum was pretty much 3 percent of the ring. They have a few clauses that are favourable including being able to go back to the original jeweller.