When choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring, there are several things to keep in mind. When your engagement ring has a gemstone it will be unique as the vast majority of engagement rings feature diamonds. Things you need to know about gemstone engagement rings start with the hardness and durability of gemstones versus diamonds.
The MOH Hardness Scale
An engagement ring is an expression of eternal love. Thus, it is important that the gemstone can stand up to the wear and tear that engagement rings commonly experienced over the years. Jewelers use the MOH scale of hardness to rate precious gems with diamonds standing at the top of the scale at 10. Rubies and sapphires fall into the corundum category with a hardness rating of nine. Chrysoberyl rates at 8.5 and spinel and topaz have an 8 hardness rating. Emeralds fall into the 7.5 to 8 hardness range. All of these are of sufficient hardness that they can be used for engagement rings without undue concern about how they will stand the test of time.
How Much Harder is a MOH Scale 10 Than a MOH Scale 9?
The MOH scale of hardness can be confusing to the average person. The 10 rating for diamonds is nearly four times harder than the 9 rating for rubies and sapphires while their 9 rating is twice as hard as the 8 rating for topaz. A general rule is that an 8 rating is safe for an engagement ring. That having been said, a diamond is about 8 times harder than a topaz and thus eight times less likely to be damaged by normal wear and tear over time.
Gemstone Colors
One of the features of gemstones that make them attractive is the wide range of available colors. Sapphires, for example, are available in thousands of colors and degrees of saturation. A ruby can be deep, blackish red, orange, or pink and Chrysoberyl ranges from green to honey-gold while spinel can be anywhere from pink to yellow, to deep blue, and more.
Gemstone Prices
As a rule, a gemstone will cost less than a diamond that ranks high in color, cut, and clarity with a large carat weight (the 4 C’s). Gemstones are not rated the same way as diamonds are. While diamond prices go up with higher gem quality, gemstone prices are generally lower with the exception of very unique and rare stones. To learn more about diamonds and gemstones follow the two links to the education section of our website or simply ask one of our jewelers by dropping by our store at 15 W 47th St #305 in New York City just a three-minute walk from Rockefeller Center.
Yes, You Can Combine Gemstones and Diamonds in an Engagement Ring
If you would like both the fire and sparkle of a diamond as well as a color accent for an engagement ring, consider a setting that includes both. Take a look at our selection of engagement rings online and then schedule an appointment with one of our expert jewelers.