The most important aspect of many popular engagement ring settings is the precious center stone, and it is required to survive the rigors of daily wear. So, they must have a high degree of hardness and this is measures in Mohs hardness. The hardness of a diamond is 10 and that of household dust is 7, so most of the stones can easily resist scratching from daily hazard. However, the factor that determines the survivability of any stone is its tenacity and stone with high tenacity can resist blows or impact. Besides, the setting of the stone on the ring provides added protection. Listed below are some precious stones that can be used on an engagement ring.
Alexandrites
Alexandrites change colour and they are of emerald hue during the day and ruby by night. They have blue or green colour in daylight, and purplish-red or red during the night or in incandescent light. This precious stone was discovered in Russia and became the favorite of the Czars. They have a hardness of 8.5 and its rarity makes it one of the most expensive gems in the world. You should also know that the lab made artificial alexandrites is expensive as well.
Paraiba Tourmalines
Paraiba Tourmalines belongs to tourmalines that are available in almost every conceivable shades of colour. However, this particular one with blue-green to neon- blue discovered in Paraiba, Brazil is rare and has an unabated demand across the globe driving up its price. These types are also found in Mozambique and Nigeria; their colour is due to the presence of copper. They have a hardness of 7 to 7.5 and can survive damage from blows or impact.
Cats Eye Chrysoberyls
Even though many gems show cat’s eye effect or chatoyancy, chrysoberyls are very valuable stones. They have a yellow or greenish-yellow or yellowing green body colour, and the most precious stones have a clear “pupil” with “milk and honey” effect when held indirectly to a strong light source. It has a hardness of 8.5 and high luster. They are used in any type of jewelry like engagement rings, even though used traditionally in men’s rings.
Pink Diamond
Natural pink diamonds are one of the most expensive and sought after coloured diamonds. Because of this they are sought after by women and made popular by celebrity pink diamond engagement rings.
Blue Diamond
Similar to pink diamonds, natural blue diamonds are also rare and hence they are very expensive. Lighter hued stones are more expensive than darker coloured ones. They are used in some of the most popular wedding ring sets.