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Now that we’ve shared the delicious buffet of gemstones that can replace the traditional diamond, let’s talk which gems to avoid in your engagement ring or wear-everyday ring:
Opal
While they’re seriously mesmerizing (and are having a major moment right now), opals are only a 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale and are incredibly delicate. They can easily break, chip, scratch, and can even be damaged by water! Opals are best for jewelry you’ll only wear occasionally and that you don’t need to last a lifetime.
Pearl
Even softer than opals, pearls only rate a 2.5-3 on the Mohs Hardness Scale – one of the softest gems around. They can very easily chip, break, become dull, and since they can’t be set with prongs, they can fall out of their settings completely. Pearls can be become damaged by handsoap, hairspray, and countless other everyday items that may come into contact with your engagement ring. Just say no and opt for a stone that can stand up to normal life!
Moonstone
We get it, you can’t help but love the dreamy iridescence in a moonstone. While we can deny its magic, moonstone is not a good choice for an engagement ring. Rated at 6-6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it can easily be scratched and will lose its signature luster over time. Opt for an opalescent sapphire to mimic that luminescence or an icy white diamond for a similar etheral energy.
Quartz or Amethyst
Rated a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, Amethyst will easily scratch and become dull over time. If you love that rich purple hue, shop purple sapphires or purple spinel to get the look in a stone that’ll last forever!
Morganite
As serious devoted pink fans, we love morganite’s pinky-peach hue. Unfortunately though, it’s not a great engagement stone option. With a rating of 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s not super durable, plus it shows dirt and oil very easily. Even the natural oils on your hands will cause the stone to look cloudy.
If you’re thinking pink, opt for a pink sapphire, pink spinel, or pink topaz for the same look that can be worn forever!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/rita-moreno-2024-oscars-031024-54cb2c55c28543c6893ec395fd29d6de.jpg "Rita Moreno, 92, Debuts Major Hair Change at 2024 Oscars")
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