How to Check If Your Diamond Is Loose

If you’ve recently dropped your ring, snagged it, or bumped it against a hard surface, you might be worried your diamond has come loose. 

You’re going to want to check it before the gemstone becomes dislodged. Take it from us – there is no worse feeling than looking down and noticing your expensive and sentimental diamond has disappeared. 

Even if you’re extremely careful with your ring, you should still check the setting every so often to make sure it is secure. Here are three easy methods to test if your diamond is loose:

Listen for a Rattle

The easiest method involves holding the ring up to your ear and listening closely. Shake the ring gently, or tap it once with your other hand. 

If you hear a soft rattling sound, this is a sign your diamond is loose and is bouncing off the metal that is intended to secure it. 

Obviously, this technique requires good hearing and a quiet environment in order to be successful. But if you do not have either of these requirements, there are other methods you can try.

Watch for Light Refractions

You can also look carefully for light refractions that indicate a loose diamond. 

Begin by positioning your ring so the light bounces off the flat surface of the diamond. Then, take a pair of sharp tweezers and gently push down on the gemstone. Hold the band so there are no other movements. 

Watch carefully for any subtle shifts in the light refractions. This will emphasize movements in the stone that are too tiny to be seen by the naked eye. A magnifying glass might also help. 

Carefully Poke Around

Finally, you can attempt to poke around the diamond to see if it is loose. 

You will likely have to use your fingernail or a sharp pair of tweezers to reach in between the prongs. Gently push side to side, as well as forward and back to see if it rotates. If you are able to move the diamond, this is a sign it is not set properly. 

If you choose this method, do so with extreme caution. The last thing you want to do is accidentally dislodge your diamond in the process! 

What to Do If Your Diamond Is Loose

Once you confirm that your diamond is loose, you’re going to want to stop wearing it as soon as possible. Continuing to wear it will likely cause the diamond to become looser, or even completely dislodge from the band.

Place it in a secure container until you are able to get it repaired by a professional. 

Do not attempt to fix the ring yourself. You might do more harm than good when attempting to secure the diamond. This could also jeopardize your warranty or insurance coverage if you have it. 

It is always better to be safe than sorry. So even if you are not confident that your diamond is loose, bring it in to be examined anyway. Jewelers typically do not charge much for this service, and the peace of mind it will give you is definitely worth it. 

Jewelry Repair Services in Frederick, MD

Don’t wait until it’s too late – If your diamond gemstone is loose, you risk losing it forever. Bring your ring to Gold Thumb Jewelry, conveniently located in Frederick, Maryland! Since 1979, we have provided expert jewelry repair services that are both affordable and reliable. Call now to learn more!