Picture this: You’re walking your dog on a sunny Sunday afternoon, listening to a podcast, while enjoying the scenery and spending quality time with your furry best friend. But when you get home from such a lovely walk, you make a shocking discovery—a diamond has fallen out of your engagement or wedding ring! You try to locate it on your walking route, digging through dirt and piles of leaves, but eventually you have to accept that the stone is gone forever. 

Could you have done anything to prevent this worst-case scenario? Definitely, but it does happen to even the most conscientious ring-wearers. While engagement and wedding rings are crafted for durability and frequent wear, they’re not life-proof; and there are a few reasons why a stone could fall out of its setting, with the chief reason being wear and tear.

“There are a few things that can cause a stone to fall out of an engagement ring, the most common being a heavy impact,” explains Olivia Landau, gemologist and founder and CEO of The Clear Cut. “For example, a prong holding the diamond could be knocked out of place or the metal could be damaged by contact against a hard surface. This can happen very quickly so you will want to check your ring immediately for any damage.” 

Before you begin to panic, we put together a guide to help you navigate this jewelry emergency should it happen to you. Here’s what to do if a diamond falls out of your engagement ring.

What to Do If a Diamond Falls Out of Your Engagement or Wedding Ring

First, try and remain calm. Yes, this is a big deal, but panicking will only make it harder to find your diamond and repair the unexpected damage. Once you've settled down a bit, follow the below steps to quickly restore your sparkler to its original state.

Assess the Situation

Take a good look at your ring and determine what, exactly, is missing. Is it the center rock or perhaps a small baguette or accent stone? Sometimes we’re so used to looking at our jewelry that we may forget the little details. So, if you have a photo of your ring, it could be helpful to take a peek at what it’s supposed to look like—especially if you have a handful of diamonds in your design.

If at all possible, be sure to also retrace your steps as best you can. Check every room you’ve been in recently, including all surfaces, corners, and under couch and chair cushions. Could you have knocked the ring on a bathroom cabinet or snagged it on a sweater? Give your closet a thorough once-over, as well as coat and pants pockets. If you’re out and about, it’s even a good idea to let any servers, bartenders, retail employees, or coworkers you may encounter know that you’ve lost a stone, so if someone finds it they can return it to you later. 

Handle Your Ring With Care

Did you find the diamond? Amazing! Before you rush to grab it, help preserve the quality of the stone and handle it with the utmost care (for example, if it’s a teeny-tiny accent stone, a tweezer may help you securely grasp it so it doesn’t fall out of your hand and get lost again). It’s never a bad idea to wash your hands before touching a loose stone, either.

Once you have the diamond in hand, keep it as secure as possible; a zip-top bag or a small velvet pouch will work well in a pinch, but a small box you can close securely would be even better. Keep it in a safe place until you can get to the jeweler, and if you haven’t already taken off your ring, do so to prevent further damage.

If you haven’t lost a stone but suspect it’s loose and about to fall out, or you're unable to find the missing diamond, Landau says prevention is key. “Take the ring off and keep it in a safe place until you’re able to get in touch with your jeweler for a repair and consultation,” she explains. 

File an Insurance Claim

If you have insurance on your jewels, file a claim as soon as possible. “If the stone is misplaced entirely, it’s important to look into your insurance policy that was put in place as soon as you notice it’s fallen out,” says Landau. This, of course, depends on the company you insured the stone with.

If you don’t have insurance, though, you may be out of luck—but it’s a good idea to insure your new ring immediately. You can easily add your ring to your renters’ or homeowners’ insurance or create a new policy via a jewelry-centric insurance company. Rates will depend on the value of your ring and where you live. 

Head to a Jeweler

Once you’ve recovered the stone or accepted your fate, it’s time to call your jeweler and get started on a repair. Loose stone? Your jeweler may replace damaged prongs or tighten loose ones to keep them firmly in place.

If you have the diamond in hand, you’ll work closely with the jeweler on the next steps. “They will assess the damage to see if the setting is able to be repaired or if a new setting is recommended,” shares Landau. “Each diamond is individually cut, so the setting should be made to the exact proportions and dimensions of your stone to ensure it is safe and secure.” 

If you need a replacement diamond, however, you (or your insurance) will have to pay for it. “The estimate of the replacement stone is based on the market value of the size and quality—like color and clarity—of the original stone, which is stated on the diamond certificate that accompanies the stone,” explains Landau. “A certified diamond comes with paperwork, and your jeweler will work with you to find something comparable to your original stone.”

How to Avoid Future Damage to Your Ring

Even though a well-made ring should be able to deal with daily wear and tear, handle it with care to keep it at its best. Don’t wear your ring to garden, work out, or do any other high-impact activity that could shake the stone loose. Always take your ring off when you get home and place it on a small, pretty dish near your bed or on your dresser, and make it a habit to remove your ring every evening. 

What's more, regularly check your ring for potential damage or loose prongs. “The tell-tale signs of a loose engagement ring stone are all physical,” says Landau. “Keep an eye out for any major movement when gently wiggling the stone or visible gaps between the prong setting and the stone itself.” Try gently shaking the ring close to your ear; if you hear a “ticking” sound, the center stone could be loose. “This can happen even if you’re being cautious while wearing your ring, such as a thread from a sweater or a piece of hair getting caught right under the prong,” Landau explains. 

It’s also a good idea to visit the jeweler on a regular basis for cleaning and maintenance, says Landau. “Bringing your ring in for an annual inspection will help catch these instances early and also keep your center stone safe.”