Not all coloured gemstones are suitable for engagement rings.

Some are more suited in dress rings where they’ll be pampered and not worn as often.

This is made evident in the Mohs’ Scale of mineral hardness. Created by Friedrich Mohs in 1822, it’s a measure of the relative hardness or scratch resistance of minerals on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being soft and 10 hard.

As you can see from our diagram, diamonds, sapphires and rubies are very hard stones. This doesn’t mean that a diamond can’t be chipped or broken, but more that if you rub a nail against the surface of a diamond, it won’t leave a scratch.

Our favourite alternative to diamonds are sapphires and rubies. They have great scratch resistant properties and offer a vibrant rainbow of colour as sapphires come in many colours and shades – blue, yellow, red, orange, green, pink, purple, colourless and black.

Similarly, tourmaline and citrine are found in an abundant array of colours and whilst perfectly acceptable in an engagement ring, they won’t be as durable as a sapphire and will dull with scratches from wear over time.

Consider having these stones repolished or replaced periodically when they show high signs of wear.

Have a chat with your Showcase Jewellers Team to discover the most suitable stones for your engagement ring, they will also advise on the best setting (the metal that holds the stones in place) to suit you and your lifestyle.