Love is in the eye of the beholder and so it is with gemstones. There is no “one size fits all” and with so many gemstones out there, you’re probably wondering what your preference would be as the best stone would be for your daily wear.

Well, same as our individual tastes differ, so do gems, as they are unique in their own way, but they aren’t all created equal. Some minerals, although jaw-droppingly mesmerizing, are more fragile than others, and hence, require additional care. Jewelry featuring such gems is excellent for certain occasions, but it can be pretty risky for daily wear items, such as engagement rings.

Additionally, they all follow the 4Cs standards which must be included in the mix as far as what you would like to wear and/or show, and their associated costs.

So, here we go with our list of the best and worst gemstones for daily wear. 

Gem Hardness is a Primary Consideration

If you’re rough with your jewelry and don’t pay enough attention to their wellbeing, you should consider avoiding these stones, especially rings that contain the following minerals.

Amber 

With a 2 to 2.5 rating on the Mohs scale of hardness, this organic material is pretty soft in comparison to its counterparts. Ambers feature stunning colors and are wonderful representatives of nature’s beauty. However, due to their low hardness, these gems are, unfortunately, non-durable and more prone to scratching. 

Pearl

With a hardness rating of 2.5 to 4.5, pearls are other incredibly vulnerable gems that are prone to damage. Not only do they scratch easily, but they also require a considerable amount of care to maintain their luster.

Those who own pearl jewelry have to constantly wipe their jewelry after every use to get rid of the dirt and oils on the surface of the stone. Although pearl engagement rings look elegant and romantic, it can be a huge hassle to help the stone maintain its integrity. Some of the most common damages you’ll notice on a pearl ring include dull spots, chipping, or loss of the pearl due to a loose setting. 

Amethyst

Amethyst is a stunning gemstone that is widely recognized for its brilliant purple color. Those looking for a cheaper alternative to a purple sapphire ring often lead towards amethyst. Unfortunately, the bad news is that despite their beauty, these beauties have a significantly low hardness level. With a rating of 7, amethyst gems have the same hardness as dust. 

As a result of their poor hardness, amethysts are highly prone to scratching and wear quite poorly over time until their luster completely wears off. So, if you’re looking for a purple gemstone engagement ring, a better option would be to bump up your budget and opt for a purple sapphire. 

Opal 

Opal is a silica-based stone that rates only 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This gem comes in various forms based on the location of its source. Since some opals react oddly to water and heat changes, they are deemed unsuitable for wearers who keep their rings on while cooking or washing their hands. 

Although gorgeous with a shimmery glow, the soft nature of opals makes them highly unreliable when it comes to daily wear. So, you must proceed with extreme caution as there’s a chance that your stone may even crack while wearing.

Morganite 

As one of the most popular peachy-pink minerals, morganites symbolize love and innocence. While this may make them seem like the ideal pick for engagement rings, they might not be the best choice. Since morganites have a very light color and low sparkle levels, they show dirt and oil almost immediately. Even those who take significant care of their ring face this problem. So the best choice is to opt for pink spinel, pink sapphire, or pink topaz instead. 

Gems for Everyday Wear

If you’re in search of the best gems that you can wear every day without fretting about them, we have some great options for you. 

Tourmaline 

Tourmaline is a truly wonderful gemstone that you should have as part of your jewelry pieces. This beautiful crystal comes in various colors, including blue, black, green, and pink. With a rating of 7 to 7.5, it is considered pretty durable compared to many other gemstone counterparts. Moreover, this gemstone was largely popular amongst royalty during the 1800s, making it a fantastic choice for engagement rings. 

Aquamarine 

Known for its cooling watery blue color, aquamarine belongs to the same family as emeralds (both gems are variations of the beryl mineral). However, unlike emeralds, aquamarines don’t feature multiple includes. 

With a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the MOHS hardness scale, this gemstone is a pretty good choice for those searching for a durable gem that represents calmness and tranquility. Available in light, medium, and darker blue tones, this good-looking rock is truly a treat for the eyes. 

Rubies and Sapphires

Not many people are aware of this, but sapphires and rubies are just different colors of the same mineral. With a rating of 9 on the MOHS scale, they are one of the most precious and durable gems in the world. 

Sapphires come in rich colors, while rubies are typically known for their vivid red color that is incredibly mesmerizing. Although both these stones have some type of inclusions, it’s best to seek eye-clean gems. Also, remember to choose gems with rich medium tones that aren’t too light or too dark. All in all, their vivid colors, incredible luster, and superior hardness make them a fantastic choice for everyday jewelry, especially engagement rings. 

Diamonds 

You can’t ever miss out on diamonds when making a list of the most durable minerals. After all, with a rating of 10 on the MOHS scale, diamonds are the hardest of the gemstones. Moreover, as the most precious and popular stone in the world, diamonds are also pretty expensive. With their amazing brilliance and resistance to chipping, scratching, and wear and tear, diamonds truly are worth the investment. 

Emeralds

Known for their luscious and mystical green color, emeralds have a rating of 7.5, making them a durable choice. Although emeralds have extensive visible inclusions, they are still very beautiful. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful green stone for your engagement ring, then emeralds are your best bet. However, you must remember to care for them to avoid chipping. 

Conclusion

We hope that our lists of the best and worst gemstones for daily wear help you find the perfect gemstone that suits your lifestyle!