Diamonds - 10
Coming in at a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the most durable mineral known to man — the breathtaking, enviable diamond. This baby isn’t getting scratched, regardless of what gets thrown at it. Diamonds are often used as wedding and engagement rings for their longevity — both practically and symbolically. Because diamonds are the hardest mineral on Earth, only other diamonds can cut them. When jewelers craft luxury jewelry diamonds like the one used in the yellow gold Deutsch Signature 3 prong Diamond Pendant, they’ll often use a diamond-tipped or diamond-dusted tool to achieve the perfect cut.
Rubies and Sapphires — 9
A 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, the second-hardest minerals in the world, ties with both Rubies and Sapphires. Even though diamonds are the most common gemstone picked for engagement and wedding rings, both rubies and sapphires are durable enough for everyday use, making them great alternative wedding rings. The Deutsch Signature Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band expresses the perfect iteration of a ruby wedding band with baguette-cut rubies interspersed with brilliant round white diamond accents. Lauren K has a modern, whimsical take on a sapphire ring with the Samira Ring in multi-shaded blue sapphire.
Topaz — 8
Dropping in at 8 on the hardness scale is Topaz, a versatile stone with an array of color and pattern variations. Jude Francis harnesses a gorgeous teal topaz in lustrous yellow gold in her Blue Topaz Diamond Bracelet. The space between each topaz is punctuated with brilliant round white diamonds, elevating this bracelet into an elegant luxury piece.
Amethyst — 7
A 7 on the hardness scale is Amethyst, another prismatic gemstone with a variety of colors. At a hardness of seven, Amethyst is still considered fine for everyday use and can be worn on rings, which tend to get knocked around the most out of all the luxury jewelry pieces. The Single Amethyst Bezel Necklace from the Deutsch Signature Collection hosts a gorgeous single amethyst bezel in icy white gold and a range of vibrant colors. Collect every one and have an amethyst for every occasion.
Opal and Turquoise — 6 and 5
Now that we’re under a hardness of 7, we are getting into softer gemstones and more delicate care routines. Opals are a 6 on the hardness scale, but they also have a poor “toughness” rating, which means they are often better worn on special occasions or on earrings or necklaces, where they are less likely to be damaged or scratched. Turquoise is considered a little tougher than opals but scratches more easily, which is why they are ranked at a 5. The Opal and Carved Turquoise earrings by Lauren K encapsulate both gemstones and bring out the natural beauty in each. The turquoise stones are delicately carved into little leaves and the opals retain their organic shape, true to Lauren K form.
Pearl — 4
The softest mineral on our list is the delicate and demure pearl. Pearls come in at a 4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, and need to be cared for with tenderness. Pearls are an organic gemstone — formed by an oyster calcifying a grain of sand, this natural material is then crafted by artisans into a lustrous piece of luxury jewelry. The Yellow Gold Pearl Station Chain Bracelet by Mikimoto is as delicate as it is gorgeous. The tiny gold chain linking the white pearls gives this bracelet a sweet, dainty look.
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