Last winter, during a trip to Antwerp—the diamond capital of the world—I visited a jeweller who had worked with diamonds for over three decades. As I admired a sparkling solitaire, I casually asked, “Can diamonds break?” To my surprise, he chuckled and replied, “They don’t break easily, but I’ve seen a few heartbroken clients who thought they were indestructible.”
That moment stuck with me. We often hear that diamonds are the hardest material on Earth, but what does “hard” really mean? Does it imply that diamonds are unbreakable? The answer is more nuanced than most people realise. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of diamonds to uncover the truth.
What Does ‘Hardness’ Mean in Gemstones?
When we say diamonds are the “hardest,” we’re referring to their rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Diamonds sit at the top with a perfect 10, which means they can scratch any other material. But here’s the catch: hardness isn’t the same as toughness.
Hardness vs. Toughness
- Hardness: Resistance to scratching
- Toughness: Resistance to breaking, chipping, or cracking
While diamonds are exceptionally hard, they aren’t the toughest. In fact, they have cleavage planes—natural lines of weakness within their crystal structure. Hit a diamond at just the right angle, and it can indeed chip or even shatter.
Real-Life Cases: Diamonds That Did Break
Case 1: The Dropped Engagement Ring
A client of London-based jeweller Lewis Malka once dropped her diamond ring on a tiled floor. The diamond hit the ground at a specific angle and chipped. Not catastrophically, but enough to warrant a costly re-cut.
Case 2: Diamond-Cutting Mistakes
Even skilled gem cutters make errors. According to a report by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), misjudging a cleavage plane during cutting can cause the stone to split. And once it splits, there’s no going back.
These examples aren’t to scare you but to highlight that while diamonds are durable, they’re not invincible.
Expert Insight: What Scientists and Jewellers Say
Dr. Jeffrey Post, curator of the Smithsonian’s gem and mineral collection, notes: “Diamonds can be brittle if struck in the wrong direction. Their crystalline structure is both their strength and their weakness.”
In an interview with The Jewellery Editor, master jeweller Glenn Spiro explained, “A poorly set diamond is far more vulnerable. Pressure from the metal can sometimes fracture the stone if it’s not balanced correctly.”
How to Protect Your Diamonds
Despite their potential to chip, diamonds can last a lifetime—or more—with the right care.
1. Choose the Right Setting
Opt for settings that protect the stone, such as bezel or halo settings, which offer more coverage than a prong.
2. Regular Maintenance
Have your jewellery inspected every 6-12 months. Loose settings are a common culprit behind broken or lost diamonds.
3. Avoid Harsh Knocks
Take off your diamond ring when doing high-impact activities like lifting weights, gardening, or cleaning with chemicals.
4. Store with Care
Keep your diamonds separate from other gemstones to avoid scratching, and use padded boxes or soft pouches.
Why Do People Believe Diamonds Are Unbreakable?
The myth likely stems from aggressive marketing campaigns over the decades. The iconic tagline “A diamond is forever” popularised by De Beers in 1947 helped romanticise the idea of diamonds being indestructible symbols of eternal love.
But marketing and material science are two different things.
The Science of Diamond Breakage
Let’s get technical for a moment. Diamonds have octahedral cleavage, meaning they can cleave (split) along four different directions. This structural property makes them highly susceptible to force applied in specific ways.
A study published in the Journal of Materials Science explains how stress applied at certain vectors causes internal fractures. This is the same principle used in diamond cutting: a swift, precise strike splits the stone cleanly.
Alternatives That Are Tougher Than Diamonds?
Moissanite
While not as hard as diamond (Mohs 9.25), moissanite is often tougher in terms of fracture resistance.
Sapphire
Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs scale and are less prone to cleavage, making them a robust alternative for daily-wear rings.
However, neither offers the same brilliance or prestige, which keeps diamonds in high demand despite their vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diamonds break if dropped?
Yes, if dropped at the right angle onto a hard surface, a diamond can chip or break.
Can you break a diamond with a hammer?
Surprisingly, yes. If struck correctly, even a hammer can break a diamond due to its cleavage planes.
How can I tell if my diamond is damaged?
Look for signs like cloudy spots, chips along the edges, or uneven brilliance. A jeweller can confirm with a loupe or microscope.
Are lab-grown diamonds less likely to break?
Lab-grown and natural diamonds share the same physical properties, so they are equally susceptible to breakage.
Key Takeaways
- Diamonds are extremely hard but not unbreakable.
- Their crystalline structure makes them prone to chipping under specific conditions.
- Proper settings and care can dramatically reduce the risk.
- The belief in their invincibility is largely a marketing myth.
Related: Can You Melt Diamond?
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
So, can diamonds break? Absolutely—but with knowledge and care, yours doesn’t have to.
If you wear diamonds daily or are planning to invest in one, think beyond sparkle. Ask your jeweller about secure settings, invest in regular check-ups, and don’t be afraid to remove your ring when it’s safer to do so.
Have you ever chipped a diamond or know someone who has? Share your story in the comments—you might just help someone else protect their treasured gem.
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