There’s no doubt that jewelry makes an outfit, but finding the right piece to wear every day can be a challenge. If you want something versatile and stylish, why not try a gemstone?

Each one has its own unique properties, so you can choose the right one for your needs.  While gemstones are often associated with formal occasions, they can be worn for any occasion, including everyday life. Many gemstones are surprisingly resilient and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. For example, diamonds are the hardest gemstone, and thus are exceedingly difficult to scratch.

How to measure the gemstone hardness?

Hardness is one of the most important properties of gemstones, because it determines the durability of a gemstones. To measure the hardness of a mineral, it is used in the Mohs scale. The scale was developed in Germany by the mining scientist Friedrich Mohs.

The hardness of minerals varies from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.  The scale is based on the ability of one material to scratch another. For example, a material with a hardness of 1 will scratch a material with a hardness of 2, but not vice versa. .

The harder a gemstone is, the more resistant it will be to scratching and wear. As a result, hardness is a key factor to consider when choosing a gemstone for jewelry. 

The Mohs scale is important because it helps gemologists to identify which gemstones are appropriate for different purposes. For example, a diamond's hardness makes it ideal for use in engagement rings, while a softer stone like opal might be better suited for a pendant or earrings. 

if you're looking for a jewelry piece that you can wear every day, it's important to choose a gemstone that is durable enough to stand up to the hustle and bustle of daily wear. The Mohs scale is a good way to compare the durability of different stones.

Tourmaline, for example, ranks 7-7.5 , making it a good choice for everyday wear. Aquamarine ranks slightly higher, at 7.5-8, while rubies and sapphires rank 9. However, diamonds are the hardest known substance and rank 10 on the Mohs scale, making them an ideal choice for jewelry that will see a lot of wear.

So, when you're shopping for your next piece of everyday jewelry, keep the Mohs scale in mind to help you choose a durable stone.  According to Mohs scale Amber, pearl, and fluorite are all beautiful gems, but they are not suitable for daily wear. Amber and pearl are both rated at 2.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they can be easily scratched and damaged.

Fluorite is a bit harder, rating at 4 on the Mohs scale, but it is still quite soft and prone to damage. Opal is slightly more resistant and is rated 6-7 on the Mohs scale but it is still not ideal for everyday wear. If you want a gem that will stand up to regular wear and tear, you need to select something that is rated 8 or higher on the Mohs scale. 

The other 3 Main Factors That Determine Gemstone Durability 

The other three main factors that determine the durability of gemstones are cleavage, treatment, and enhancements:

Cleavage is often a key factor in a gemstone's durability. Cleavage is the way that a mineral breaks. If it has good cleavage, it will break in a way that is easy to see. If a gemstone has poor cleavage, it is more likely to resist breaking and being damaged.

The cleavage plane can also be important in a gemstone's overall symmetry. For example, a diamond has perfect octahedral cleavage, which can be split into two identical halves along its six-sided crystal structure.

However, because diamond has such strong molecular bonds, it is still one of the hardest and most durable gemstones. Other factors that can affect a gemstone's durability include treatments and enhancements.

For example, heat-treated gems are usually more durable than untreated gems because the heating process strengthens the molecular bonds. Similarly, gems that have been enhanced with fillers or stabilizers are usually more durable than those that have not been subjected to these treatments.  

How to take care of your gemstone

Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. Humidity and hot temperatures can cause metals to tarnish and gemstones to become dull.

It's best to keep each piece of jewelry in its own box or pouch to prevent scratches. When storing pearls, wrap them in a soft cloth to keep them from tangling with other jewelry pieces. If you're traveling, store your jewelry in a carry-on bag to protect it from getting lost or damaged.

Be careful not to drop your jewelry or knock it against hard surfaces, which can damage fragile gemstones. When cleaning your jewelry, use a mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage delicate gemstones and metals.

Never wear your jewelry while swimming or doing other activities that involve water. Chlorine can damage many types of gemstones, so it's best to take your jewelry off before you get wet.

To prevent tangles, be sure to put your necklaces and bracelets on after you've put on lotion or perfume. When not wearing your jewelry, wipe it with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or fingerprints. With proper care, your jewelry will look beautiful for years.

If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish piece of jewelry that you can wear every day, consider using a gemstone. Each one has its own unique properties, so that you can choose the right one for your needs.

While they may be most associated with formal occasions, these gems can be worn for any occasion. They are also surprisingly resilient and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Visit our website to learn more about each type of gemstone and find the perfect one for you.