How to Inspect Your Own Diamond Ring


A piece of diamond jewelry, such as a diamond engagement ring can be a huge investment. Even if your diamond ring is insured, it is important to care for it properly. This includes regular inspections. Most jewelry stores will inspect your jewelry for you, but you can also do it yourself. The following is a simple guide to show you how to inspect your own diamond ring.



What You Will Need
To inspect your own diamond jewelry, you will need a jeweler's loupe or strong magnifying glass, a metal probe such as a pair of angled tweezers, a flat surface and some bright lighting.

Step #1: Prong Symmetry
The first thing you should do is check the prongs. The prongs are the gold or platinum spokes which come up and hold your diamond in place. The prongs should all be evenly distributed and straight. Look at the ring in its entirety to ensure that the prongs around each diamond are symmetrical. If one of the prongs is on a slant, while the others are straight, they must be straightened by a jeweler right away.

Step #2 Prong Wear
Because the prongs go over the top of your diamond, they rub against things and have a tendency to wear down. Take a close look at the tops of your prongs to make sure they are not worn all the way down to the surface of the diamond. If they are, you are at risk for losing your diamond and should have the prongs professionally re-tipped. If all the prongs are worn, it may be better for you just to get a new head. The head is the prongs and the prong base.

Step #3: Clothing Catch Test
Once you have determined that the prongs look straight and are not worn, test to make sure there are no other problems with your prongs by performing the clothing catch test. Take an old nylon stocking, and rub the ring against the stockings from all angles. If part of the ring catches on the fabric, your prongs are not tight enough and must be fixed.

Step #4: Examine the Diamonds for Scratches or Chips
Under strong light and against a flat surface, take the magnifying glass or jewelers loupe, and look closely at the diamonds in your ring. Look at each facet (flat surface) of the diamond separately to make sure there are no cracks or chips

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