The Durability of Ruby and Diamond Rings

If you are going to go for the look of a combination of stones for an engagement or wedding band then you are best to go for the durability of ruby and diamond rings. This is because ruby gemstones are almost as hard as diamonds. Sapphires would also be a good choice but this combination went out of fashion right after Prince Charles married Lady Diana! It is just too eighties. Rubies are the trendier and prettier choice in this first decade of the new century.

It seems that lately that girls have other best friends besides diamonds. Some of the most popular stones chosen by brides are a combination of diamonds with tanzanite, sapphires, emeralds, citrine and pink or yellow spinels. Spinels are actually lower quality stones that used to be misclassified as being members of the family of ruby gemstones.

However the problem with combining diamonds with anything other than ruby gemstones is that most of the stones mentioned above (except for the sapphire) are much softer than the diamond. This means that your diamonds will keep shining bright but the other gems won’t.

When buying rubies or diamonds you might be reassured that you are making the right decision by looking at the following Moh Hardness scale. The hardest gemstones rate a ten, which means it, is less likely to scratch, crack or chip.

Hardness scale of 2 – Amber and ivory

Hardness scale of 3 – Pearls, Coral and Malachite

Hardness scale of 4 – Rhodochrosite

Hardness scale of 5 -Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and Opal

Hardness scale of 6 -Moonstone, Tanzanite, Peridot and Zircon

Hardness scale of 7 -Citrine, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Garnet and Emerald

Hardness scale of 8 -Topaz, Spinel and Alexandrite

Harndess scale of 9 – Ruby and Sapphire

Diamond scale of 10 – Diamond

Most gem experts recommend a gem stone with a hardness level of 7 or higher if you want your ring to last you until death do you part. Keep this in mind when buying ruby and diamond rings.