Are Gemstones Worth Anything If They Are Broken?

Even the most well-cared-for gemstones can break, but that doesn’t mean they lose all value. Time, wear, and accidents can cause chips and fractures in your stones that a skilled jeweler can often repair or recut, providing you with a new beautiful piece. 

We’ll explore the key factors that determine the value of chipped or cracked gemstones, as well as some options for what to do with your broken gemstones. If you have a favourite stone that’s been damaged, reach out to the local professionals at Jewelers Touch for in-house jewelry repair, custom designs, cleaning, and jewelry inspections.

Do Broken Gemstones Still Hold Value?

Wondering if you can sell a damaged gemstone? These are some of the key factors that determine value:

• Type of gemstone: High-value gemstones like diamonds typically retain their value even when they sustain some damage. For inclusion-prone stones like emeralds, minor cracks and damage may be less apparent, so a small break may have less impact on the stone’s value.

• Severity of the damage: Depending on the type of gemstone, a minor chip may be repairable or easy to recut. Surficial chips and damage will impact value less than a deep fracture.

• Rarity and demand: Some stones like diamonds and rubies remain consistently in demand, which generally ensures a market even with flaws or damage.

• Carat weight: High-carat stones can usually be recut. Although you’ll lose some worth if a large portion of the stone is removed, it will still retain worthwhile value.

Are some gemstones more valuable even when broken?

Certain high-value gemstones will still retain much of their worth, even when they’ve sustained some damage. 

• Diamonds: As one of the hardest gemstones, severe damage to diamonds is less common. Even when they break, they’re well-suited to repurposing and recutting, meaning they retain a high value. 

• Rubies and sapphires: Rubies and sapphires are frequently in demand and can be repaired or recut after damage.

• Emeralds: Natural emeralds often have inclusions, so a minor crack may be less noticeable and may only have a slight impact on the stone’s value.

There are also some stones that are more prone to damage and lose most of their value when broken. Opals and pearls are fragile and difficult to repair, making it difficult to recut or resell their pieces. Both gemstones are also vulnerable to water, so remove any jewelry before visiting your favorite Orange County beach.

Learn more about how to care for gemstone jewelry, or consider jewelry insurance if you own fragile, rare, or high-value gems.

Can You Sell Broken Gemstones?

If you’re feeling lost about what to do with broken gemstones, have no fear: jewelers often buy broken gemstones to repurpose into new jewelry. Gemstones with surficial scratches and minor cracks are usually the most appealing, as they can be recut or repolished. Damaged gemstones like musgravite may also retain high value due to their rarity.

Where to sell broken gemstones for cash

Your best bet is always to start with a local jeweler. They’ll be able to offer the best assessment of your gemstone and provide a fair price. You can also visit local pawn shops, although this may be a less reputable option.

Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy allow you to connect directly with potential buyers. Specialty gemstone trading platforms may also offer broader demand for certain types of stones. If your gemstone is particularly rare or historically significant, an auction house or collector may offer the best prices.

Some lapidary artists and custom jewelers also buy broken stones to create new jewelry designs. This can be a good option if your gemstones are severely damaged, as you may still be able to sell the fragments.

Can Broken Gemstones Be Repaired?

Depending on the type of gemstone, your jeweler may be able to repair it. Diamonds and emeralds can be filled using laser treatments and fracture filling, which can repair a cracked stone. 

If your gemstone has only surficial scratches, polishing can restore the shine and clarity with minimal effect on value. Most gemstones can be polished, although softer stones like opals and pearls are more challenging. If the humidity takes a toll on your gems or jewelry settings, visit your local Jewelers Touch for in-house jewelry repairs in the greater Orange County area.

Larger chips may require recutting and reshaping. Although this will reduce the size of the stone, it preserves the quality and allows you to resell the stone or repurpose it into a new jewelry design.

How to Determine the Value of Your Broken Gemstone

The following steps help you create an initial idea of the value of your broken gemstone:

Step 1: Identify the gemstone type and quality.

If you have an original sale certificate from your stone, it should list the type and quality. Particularly for high-value stones, knowing the clarity of your stone is important for pricing. If you’re not sure how valuable your gemstone is, the Gemological Institute of America’s gem encyclopedia is a great place to start your gemstone assessment.

Step 2: Assess the damage. 

Examine your stone closely and take note of any chips, fractures, or scratches that could affect the price.

Step 3: Get a professional appraisal from a jeweler or gemologist.

Contact a professional jeweler or gemologist to assess your broken gemstone. They’ll be able to offer market insights into demand for that type of stone, as well as an overview of how the damage affects potential resale value.

Step 4: Research resale or repair options before making a decision.

Based on the type of stone and the extent of the damage, make a list of potential resale or repair options. Browse around and consider listing your gem in a few places before you accept a final offer.

Should you repair, sell, or repurpose a broken gemstone?

Whether you should sell, repair, or repurpose your broken stone depends on the type of gem and the extent of the damage.

• High-value stones: Diamonds, rubies, and other high-value stones retain the most resale value. Even if these stones have a chip or fracture, it’s usually worth investigating resale options.

• Minimal damage: Stones with scratches or other minor damage can often be polished or repaired. This tends to be the best option for retaining value. 

• Sentimental pieces: If you have a sentimental gem like a birthstone that’s been damaged, consider repurposing it. Lapidaries and jewelers can help you create a custom design, or you can explore DIY crafting options like charm bracelets and picture frames.

What’s the Best Option for Your Broken Gemstone?

The best path for your broken gemstone may be reselling, repairing, or repurposing. A local jeweler can repair small cracks or polish your stone if it’s been scratched. They can also provide insights into resale value or help you come up with ideas for how to repurpose broken gemstones. Schedule an appointment at Jewelers Touch to appraise your gem, chat about repair options, and get expert insights into the best option for your gemstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get gemstones valued?

A gemologist or jeweler can provide a professional appraisal of your gemstone. They’ll assess the value based on the quality and size of the stone, as well as rarity and market demand.

Which gemstones are the most valuable?

Some of the most valuable gemstones include tanzanite, musgravite, and black opals, thanks to their rarity. High-demand gems like rubies, emeralds, and diamonds are also very valuable.

Are crystals considered gemstones?

There are several differences between crystals and gemstones, so they’re not considered interchangeable. However, both are often used in jewelry thanks to their rich color and sparkle.