Prepared by the Imperial Cushions editorial team. Laboratory terminology is retained where a report is cited; historical context and dealer judgment are identified as interpretation.
A condition examination records wear, repairs and vulnerable areas so you can plan safe use. Study these details alongside the outline and light pattern, especially when choosing a stone for daily wear.
Inspect the loose stone when possible
Irregular girdles, open culets, asymmetrical facets and naturals can belong to the original cut. Chips and abrasions can come from later wear. A mounted examination may hide the difference, so recheck condition even when a report exists.
Map the girdle
Follow the full circumference under magnification. Record very thin areas, chips, bruises, feathers near the edge, rough original sections, polished repairs, extra facets and naturals. A clock-position map tells the setter where support or protection is needed.
Know the vocabulary
- Chip: material that broke away.
- Natural: original crystal surface retained by the cutter.
- Cavity: a surface opening, often linked to an included crystal.
- Abrasion: wear along an edge or facet junction.
The words matter, but location and depth matter more. A deep break at a thin corner needs closer attention to durability than a tiny chip in a protected position.
Check the culet
An open culet is an intentional bottom facet. Inspect it for chips and abrasion, and give it enough clearance to avoid contact with the setting.
Look for earlier work
A different girdle finish, unusually crisp facets beside worn ones, repaired corners or measurements that disagree with an older report can suggest repolishing. Ask what changed and whether the present stone remains coherent.
Mounted stones hide things
Prongs and bezel walls can cover the girdle. Dirt and metal reflections can imitate or conceal features. Removing a stone also carries risk, so agree on permission, insurance and responsibility before work begins.
When wear can be acceptable
Judge condition against visibility, durability, rarity, price and intended use. Modest wear may be reasonable in a collector’s stone. A daily-wear ring may need more protection. Condition should be disclosed and documented, never softened with a romantic story.
Inspection checklist
- Confirm whether the examination is loose or mounted.
- Map girdle thickness and vulnerable areas.
- Separate naturals from impact damage.
- Record chips, cavities, abrasion and the culet.
- Compare the stone with its latest report.
- Discuss protection and clearance with the setter.
- Use independent advice when uncertainty remains.
Continue with How to Evaluate an Antique Diamond, the grading-report guide, or Inspection and Service.