Let’s be honest – There’s nothing scarier than a missing diamond from your ring.
Of course, while there are steps one could take to prevent this from happening, the fact of the matter is having a stone fall off your engagement or wedding ring setting can happen to anyone with regular wear and tear being the top reason for the same.
What’s more, it’s common for your engagement ring or wedding ring to get damaged during heavy impact. For instance, the metal of your sparkler could be damaged or the prong holding your gemstone in place could get knocked aside by contact against a hard surface and this could result in your stone falling off.
Regardless of the reason, if you’re experiencing this issue take a deep breath in because in today’s article, we’re going to tell you exactly what to do when you realize you have a missing diamond.
Diamond Fell Off Your Ring? Here’s What You Do
Step #1: Search For the Diamond
Before you start to panic, take a second to calm down and cheque out exactly what diamonds have fallen off your ring.
Did you lose your centre stone or one of your accent gems?
Once you’ve taken stock of what exactly is missing, take your sparkler off and keep it in a safe place like your jewellery box until you schedule a repair appointment.
Next, search your immediate area with a fine-tooth comb, or if possible, retrace your steps (with the help of your group, of course). Scan every room you’ve recently been in and don’t forget to look at all the surfaces, corners as well as under the couch and chair cushions (because let’s face it, the not-so-fun part about diamonds is that they can fit into the smallest of places).
It’s also possible that you might have snagged your sparkler on your sweater. So, remember to give your closet a thorough look-through and make sure to cheque your coat and pant pockets.
If you’re at a hotel, restaurant, the mall or even at your office, let your servers, bartenders, retail employees or co-workers know that a diamond fell off your wedding ring or engagement ring immediately. This will put them on high alert and help anyone who finds your stone return it to you.
Step #2: Treat Your Diamond Like Your Baby
Once you’ve found your diamond *brief pause for celebration*, don’t just rush and grab it. Instead, make sure you take the necessary steps to help preserve your gem’s quality and handle it with utmost care.
To begin with, wash your hands before touching your loose stone. And if you’re dealing with a small accent stone, a tweezer will help you securely grab it so it doesn’t slip through your fingers and get lost again.
When firmly in your gasp, try to keep your gem as secure as possible here. While a small velvet pouch will work in a pinch, you can’t go wrong with a velvet box you can securely close. Needless to say, keep the box in a safe place (like your closet) until you can take it to the jeweller for a consultation and repair.
Also Read: How to Take Care of Your Engagement Ring
Step #3: Don’t Forget to File an Insurance Claim
Quick question: Do you have a wedding ring or engagement ring insurance policy? Because if so, rush and file your insurance claim ASAP.
If you’re dealing with a lost diamond in an engagement ring or wedding ring, make sure to look at the insurance policy that was put in place the minute you notice your stone gone. Needless to say, this depends on the company you’ve insured your sparkler with.
On the off chance that you don’t have insurance, then you may be out of luck. That said, it isn’t a bad idea to get your new sparkler insured immediately.
Did You Know?
Apart from creating a new policy with the help of a jewellery-centric insurance company, you can also add your sparklers to your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. That said, do note that your rates will depend on where you live and the value of your ring.
Step #4: Pay Your Jeweller a Visit
Once you’ve chequeed off all the above tasks, the next step is to get your sparkler repaired.
If you do manage to find your diamond (lucky you), your jeweller will start by assessing the damage. Based on the same, they’ll let you know if they can repair your ring’s setting or if a new one is required.
It’s worth noting here that each diamond is individually cut, so it’s vital that your setting is crafted keeping the exact dimensions and proportions of the stone in mind. This will ensure that your gem is safe and secure.
On the flip side, if you do require a diamond replacement, either you or your insurance will need to pay for it. Here, the estimated value of a replacement stone will be based on several factors like the quality (the colour and clarity, for instance) as well as the market value of the size of the original stone as stated on the diamond certificate handed to you when you buy the gem.
Generally speaking, a jeweller will work with you and help you find a sparkler comparable to your original gem here.
The Best Ways to Prevent Losing a Diamond in Your Ring
1) Proper Care and Storage
Typically, a well-made sparkler should be able to handle the wear and tear associated with daily life. That said, make sure you treat it with care to ensure it’s at its best.
Ensure that you remove your ring before performing any strenuous activities that could shake the stone loose (like working out or cleaning the house, for example).
We also recommend removing your ring the moment you get home and/or every evening and placing it in a small dish on your dresser or near your bed. Alternatively, you can also place your ring in its jewellery box.
Also Read: Should You Sleep With Your Engagement Ring On?
2) Look Out for Loose Diamonds in Your Ring
IMO, the best way to avoid a missing diamond is to regularly cheque your ring for loose prongs or potential damage.
Here, you want to cheque if there’s any visible gap between the prong setting and the stone itself.
You could also try gently shaking your sparkler close to your ear. Remember, if you hear a ‘ticking’ sound here, it could mean that your centre stone is loose. There are several reasons why this could happen and it can even occur if you’re being cautious. For example, it could happen because a piece of your hair or a thread from a sweater got caught under your prong.
In addition to your regular ring inspection, you can also take your stunner to a jeweller for cleaning and maintenance at least once a year. Here, not only will the professional thoroughly clean your stone but they will also be able to fix any damage or loose settings instantly and ensure your stone stays safe.
Up Next: 5 Things to Never Do to Your Engagement Ring
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can my insurance pay for the repairs on a ring with a lost diamond?
While this depends on the kind of policy you have, in general, your engagement ring or wedding ring insurance policy should reimburse you for the cost of a lost diamond as well as any additional fixture fees.
Q2. How can I prevent my diamond from falling off my ring again?
To do this, remove your ring before any strenuous activities and/or every evening and store it properly. We recommend regularly chequeing your sparkler for loose stones and taking it to the jeweller for cleaning and maintenance.
