Chips on Girdle and Culet

In this combined image, you can see two chip inclusions: one along the girdle and another near the culet. Both disrupt the smooth geometry of the diamond, though in different ways. The girdle chip breaks the clean line between facets and is easily visible without magnification. The culet chip is more subtle but still affects symmetry and could compromise durability if struck. Chips in these areas may seem minor, but because they occur at structural junctions, they deserve a closer look before deciding whether the diamond is a safe long-term choice.

Because chips are damage rather than natural inclusions, they can be removed by re-polishing the diamond. Minor chips often require just a light polish, but larger ones may need re-cutting. That can lead to a reduction in carat weight or a shift in symmetry, so it’s not always a simple fix.

In small sizes, chips don’t pose much risk, especially if they’re far from the table or hidden under a prong. But if the chip is near a sharp point (like the tip of a marquise or princess cut) or right on the girdle, it may weaken the structure and make the diamond more vulnerable to further damage.