Is It Common for Diamonds to Fall Out of Rings?

We can all be pretty rough with our hands because we use them all the time. It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll bang your ring against a hard surface at some point, causing a minor panic. A common concern from many ring owners is what happens if the diamond falls out of the ring?

It is fairly common for diamonds to fall out of rings. They should not be able to fall out if the ring was made properly to secure them. If the diamond does fall out, don’t panic—it happens more often than you’d think!

The great news is that this is a problem that can usually be fixed, especially if you locate the diamond. Most jewelers can repair this type of problem, or at the very least, replace your diamond. Diving deeper into the topic, you can see what your options are if this happens to your favorite ring.

Is It Common?

A diamond falling out of a ring is somewhat common, accidents can always happen. Since you do use your hands for nearly every task, there is a big risk of bumping your ring into surfaces.

If you want to avoid this, you should be aware to take off your ring when you are doing something that requires a lot of use of your hands. It is also helpful to take your ring off when you wash your hands or shower because if the diamond falls out, it can easily go down the drain.

Another thing that determines how solid your diamond is in your ring is its setting. There are many different types of settings to choose from, and some are more sturdy than others. A Channel Setting and a Bezel Setting are really good options if you’re active or accident-prone.

Usual Causes for Diamonds Falling Out

There are a few common causes to be aware of. Once you know of them, you can try to avoid these situations to the best of your ability.

The first is if your diamond wasn’t set properly—this would be due to the jeweler’s craftsmanship and why it matters where you purchase the ring from.

Another reason is residue can build up underneath the diamond and between the setting. While this is a more unlikely cause, it is a big reason to always get your ring cleaned regularly.

One final reason is probably the most common, and that is simple daily wear and tear. As the ring gets older, the setting’s prongs become looser. The prongs are what hold your diamond in place.

How to tell if I have a Loose Diamond?

A good way of determining if your diamond is in good condition is if you are able to move it around in the setting. We do warn that a loose diamond means that you have one that could be at-risk.

To test this, you can simply try to move the diamond with your finger. If there is a movement to it, you might want to bring it back into the shop to see if they can reinforce the stone for you.

You can also hold the diamond to your ear and tap on the band, listening for any rattling. If you can hear something, this is another indication that the stone is loose or probably getting loose. If you want, you can do this periodically to ensure that your ring is still in good condition.

Do Pave Diamonds Fall Out Easily?

A pave diamond ring is one that typically contains several small stones next to each other. The pattern and amount of stones can vary, but naturally, the risk is higher.

The more stones you have in your ring, the easier it is for one to fall out and potentially go unnoticed. Another downside is that you might not realize when this happens, so you won’t be able to recover the stone.

Luckily, smaller stones are usually easy to be replaced and matched, but it is understandable that you’d want to keep your same diamond. Overall, the risk is going to be slightly higher with this pave style.

What to do if you lose a diamond from a ring?

If your diamond does fall out, the first step is to see if you can find the stone. If you can, that’s great—hold onto it! Then, you can bring it to your local jeweler. Assuming nothing has happened to the stone, then they should be able to put it back into your ring.

If you can’t find it, there is still more you can do. Check to see if you have insurance on the ring. This could cover the cost of replacement.

If you have no insurance, you can go to your jeweler to see if they have a match for your ring. They will be able to go over your options and quote you, ensuring that you can still keep the ring that you love so much.

Carl A. Jones, GIA GG

Carl A. Jones is a GIA Graduate Gemologist with over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. He is an independent jewelry appraiser. He specializes in determining the value of diamonds and advising consumers on how to buy quality diamond jewelry.

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