This is a collaborative post.
Variety is the spice of life and this observation is just as true when referring to diamonds. Each of these stones is truly magnificent in its own right and therefore, your stone is entirely unique. As we all know, well-known organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America will classify diamonds based upon four characteristics:
- Color
- Carat weight
- Clarity
- Cut
In many cases, you can expect these qualities to last a lifetime. Choosing a beautifully cut diamond in the first place (such as the 2 carat diamond here) will ensure you do not need to make tricky decisions in the future. It is nonetheless important to highlight that there may be times when you wish to change the shape (cut) of the stone. Perhaps you need to remove a small chip or you instead hope to mount the diamond within a different setting. Is this a good idea and what factors should you always take into account?
A Question of Value
We need to remember that re-cutting a diamond is an exacting and (often) time-consuming process. Furthermore, it requires a great deal of skill. This is why you need to balance the cost of the project in accordance with the actual value of the diamond. If you happen to own a stone of a lesser grade, most experts recommend that reshaping is not worth the price; particularly if the external chip is not very noticeable.
The same holds true if you wish to mount the stone in a different piece of jewelry. Unless a great deal of sentiment is involved (such as a ring that has been passed down through the family), keeping the original safe is normally the wisest choice.
The Size of the Diamond (and the Chip)
It is easier to re-cut stones of a larger size. Simply stated, the professional has more area to work with; helping to expedite the entire process. This is why experts recommend that any stone below 0.30 carats should be left as it is; even if a chip is indeed present.
However, there can still be times when a larger crack will lead to more damage in the future. Be sure to have the stone examined by an experienced jeweler in order to determine if this is a possibility.
Might a Different Mount be the Better Option?
Let’s assume for a moment that re-cutting the diamond is not a viable option. In this case, it is normally possible to choose a different setting. This setting can be used to protect the stone from additional damage and it will often help to accentuate those facets which have not suffered wear an tear over time.
Above all, re-cutting a diamond is a subjective decision. Should you be motivated by sentimental feelings or if the stone could incur future damage, this process could very well be worth the effort. On the other hand, changing the size and shape of the stone is likely to detract from its initial value in many cases. The best way to come to a conclusion is to consult with an industry expert.
