Gemstone Hardness Guide: What You Need to Know Before Choosing Jewellery
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When you’re picking out a gemstone, beauty is just one part of the story. Durability matters too - especially for jewellery you’ll wear every day, like an engagement ring. That’s where the Mohs Hardness Scale comes in. It ranks gems from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on how resistant they are to scratching.
Here’s how the most popular jewellery gemstones stack up:
Diamond & Lab-Grown Diamond (10/10)
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The hardest natural (and lab-created) material on Earth.
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Perfect for daily wear and engagement rings.
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Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural ones, so they’re just as durable.
Moissanite (9.25/10)
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Almost as hard as diamond and an increasingly popular diamond alternative.
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Known for its fiery sparkle.
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Great choice for engagement rings that last a lifetime.
Sapphire (9/10)
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Available in many colours (blue is the most classic).
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Very durable, second only to diamond and moissanite.
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Excellent for daily wear rings.
Ruby (9/10)
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A red variety of corundum (same mineral as sapphire).
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Equally tough and timeless.
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A traditional engagement stone with a bold look.
Topaz (8/10)
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Usually seen in blue, but also comes in pink, yellow, and more.
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Fairly strong but can chip if struck hard.
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Better for pendants and earrings than everyday rings.
Emerald (7.5–8/10)
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A form of beryl, loved for its rich green colour.
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Slightly softer and often has natural inclusions, which make it more delicate.
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Best for careful wear, or rings with protective settings.
Tourmaline (7–7.5/10)
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Comes in a wide variety of colours, including pink and green.
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Durable enough for most jewellery, but not as hard as sapphire or diamond.
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Works well for rings if you’re mindful, and perfect for pendants.
Tanzanite (6–6.5/10)
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Striking violet-blue gem found only in Tanzania.
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Softer than many other gems, making it more prone to scratches.
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Best for special occasion rings or jewellery worn less often.
Choosing the Right Gem for You
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Everyday wear (engagement rings, daily jewellery): Diamond, lab diamond, moissanite, sapphire, ruby.
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Beautiful but needs care: Emerald, tourmaline.
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Special occasion only: Tanzanite, topaz (in rings).
Pro tip: Always store your jewellery separately - harder stones like diamonds can scratch softer ones.
Whether you want the timeless sparkle of a diamond, the deep blue of a sapphire, or the rare glow of tanzanite, knowing hardness helps you choose a gemstone that fits both your style and your lifestyle
