Gemstone Jewellery

If you are looking for coloured gemstone jewellery for everyday wear, you want to pick a gemstone that is steadfast and durable. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies and topaz can be worn every day with little to no worry. More delicate stones like opal, onyx, and jade may require a little more caution.

When it comes to durability, all gemstones are ranked on something called the Mohs scale of hardness. A score of 1 means it is soft, whereas a score of 10 is the hardest. Diamonds top the scale with a perfect 10, as they are the hardest product on the planet. Other high-ranking stones include rubies, sapphires and topaz.

Realistically, any stone that ranks lower than 7 is less than ideal for everyday wear, even if you take extra care.

There is no such thing as the "best" gemstone, because it all comes down to your personal preference and the characteristics that are most important to you. If you are judging on colour, there are a whole variety of hues to choose from—and while you might think ruby red reigns supreme, your best friend could have the same affection for emerald.

If you are judging on durability, there are some gemstones that are more durable than others. A lot of the time, this distinction is reflected in the price point. More affordable semi-precious gemstone jewellery is just as beautiful as its precious counterparts—they just have different levels of wearability.