Can Diamonds Break
Can Diamonds Break
A few years ago, I sat across from a jeweler, an older gentleman with a quick smile and a magnifying glass seemingly permanently attached to his right hand. He was assessing an heirloom piece my grandmother had gifted me—a ring that had seen better days but still carried immense sentimental value. As he inspected the stone, he casually mentioned, "You know, diamonds aren't as indestructible as people think." My brow furrowed with surprise. Aren’t these stones famed for being unbreakable?
The idea that diamonds might break is a hard pill to swallow for many. After all, diamonds have long been heralded as the epitome of resilience. The phrase “diamond hard” is thrown around carelessly, and with good reason. They’re the hardest naturally occurring substance known, ranking a ten on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Hardness, however, is not the same thing as toughness. While diamonds can resist scratching from virtually any other material, they are not immune to chipping or fracturing. In essence, a poorly aimed blow or a collision at a vulnerable angle can cause damage.
Consider the story of a friend's engagement ring that met an unfortunate fate. It was a snowy winter's day, a scene almost too picturesque, when she slipped on a patch of ice, her hands instinctively breaking her fall. The ring collided sharply with a concrete curb, and when she finally regained her composure, she noticed a small, yet very real, chip on the edge of her perfect diamond. It was a sobering moment that underscored the nuanced difference between hardness and durability.
Diamonds are also notorious for having natural inclusions—tiny imperfections that are formed during the crystallization process. These inclusions can sometimes create points of weakness within the stone. Thus, though rare, under specific circumstances, the stone could actually break or become damaged, especially if it receives a sharp impact at one of these vulnerable spots.
The cultural reverence for diamonds as a symbol of eternal love is somewhat ironic given their vulnerability. Yet perhaps this paradox enhances their allure. A diamond’s brilliance is still unparalleled, and its storied history continues to captivate us. Despite the potential for breakage, people continue to invest in these gems, drawn by their dazzling beauty and the stories they carry, much like my grandmother's ring, which I had restored and now guard more carefully.
It's worth remembering that owning a diamond comes with the responsibility to care for it. Safeguarding your stone from sharp blows goes a long way. Perhaps that's the allure of diamonds—like relationships, they demand attention and care, yet promise beauty and endurance when treated well. So, whether you're slipping on an icy sidewalk or just going about your daily routine, keep an eye on those cherished gems. Unbreakable or not, they’re worth every ounce of effort.
