Diamond Rescue: What to Do If Your Diamond Fell Out of Its Setting

Don’t panic! If your diamond fell out of its setting, it’s easy to get flustered. Diamonds are often small and delicate, which can make it difficult to find them once they fall out. But don’t worry — even if you’ve lost your diamond, it’s not a lost cause. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common ways diamonds can get dislodged from their settings, immediate steps to take when they do, and how to seek help from a professional to get your jewelry looking its best again. After you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what to do if your diamond fell out of its setting — and how to prevent it from happening again. 

Common Ways for Diamonds to Get Dislodged

There are a few different ways a diamond can become loose or go missing. If your diamond fell out of its setting, it's important to know how it happened so you can prevent it from occurring again. Some of the most common issues include:

• Wear and tear: Over time, the metal prongs or claws that hold the diamond in place can become worn or weakened due to daily wear, exposure to chemicals, or accidental knocks.
• Poor craftsmanship: If the diamond was not properly set or the prongs were not adequately secured during the manufacturing process, it can lead to an increased risk of the stone coming loose.
• An accidental drop: If you drop or hit your jewelry against something hard, the impact can dislodge a diamond from its setting.

3 Steps to Take Right Away

No matter how it happened, you’ll want to take action right away. As soon as you notice your diamond fell out, follow these three steps: 

1. Inspect the jewelry: Carefully check the jewelry for any signs of damage or deformity in the setting, and make sure that the diamond is the only piece missing. 
2. Put your jewelry away: If you were wearing the jewelry when the diamond fell out, place both pieces somewhere safe. Avoid wearing the jewelry until the diamond is properly reset to prevent further damage.
3. Search for the diamond: Search the immediate vicinity wherever the diamond fell out to see if you can find the stone. Check the floors, carpets, or any nearby surfaces where it might have landed. 

Go to the Professionals

While it may be tempting to try a DIY fix, it’s a better idea to seek professional help when a diamond falls out of its setting. An experienced jeweler will have the expertise and specialized tools necessary to put the diamond back in place (and keep it from falling out again). 

The jeweler will assess the damage and examine the jewelry to determine how the diamond came loose and fell out. They’ll also inspect the prongs and setting to ensure there is no further damage or risk of future loss once the stone is reset.

A professional jeweler should present you with a few different repair options depending on the damage they find during their inspection. This could include re-tipping or rebuilding the prong in the existing setting, replacing the entire setting, or discussing alternative solutions like designing a new piece to showcase your diamond. Once you decide on the repair option that’s right for you, the jeweler will carefully reset the diamond back into the jewelry. They’ll ensure that the setting provides a secure hold to prevent future incidents.

Preventative Measures

Prevention is key to maintaining the security of your diamond and avoiding future mishaps. Here are some tips to safeguard your precious gemstone:

• Be on the lookout: Make sure you regularly check your jewelry for any loose stones or weakened prongs. If a stone is wiggling, take it to a jeweler immediately.
• Be gentle: Handle your jewelry with care, especially when engaged in physical activities or tasks that could subject it to impact or pressure. Remove your jewelry when playing sports or engaging in rigorous activities, and store your jewelry safely in a soft, cool, and dry place to avoid any damage. 
• Be ahead of the game: It’s a good idea to periodically take your jewelry to a trusted jeweler for professional cleaning and maintenance. While they clean your jewelry thoroughly, they can also identify and address any potential problems before they escalate. We recommend doing this every six months. 
• Be insured: Consider insuring your valuable jewelry to protect it against loss, theft, or damage. Insurance can give you peace of mind — consult with an insurance agent to determine the best coverage options for your specific needs.

If you’re ready to get your diamond jewelry back into tip top shape, send it in to our expert team at Quick Jewelry Repairs. Whether it’s an earring, a pendant, a ring, or any other piece of jewelry, our trusted jewelers can set your diamonds back into their rightful place so that they stay secure. You’ll get your jewelry back ready to wear and looking as good as new in no time.