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ATTENTION: BRIDAL PACK AND BUILD YOUR OWN JEWELRY BOX CANNOT BE COMBINED
The Mohs scale is a scale from 1 to 10, characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.
| GEMSTONE | GEMSTONE FAMILY | HARDNESS |
| DIAMOND | DIAMOND | 10 |
| MOISSANITE | MOISSANITE | 9.5 |
| RUBY | CORUNDUM | 9 |
| SAPPHIRE | CORUNDUM | 9 |
| CUBIC ZIRCONIA | CUBIC ZIRCONIA | 8 - 8.5 |
| ALEXANDRITE | CHRYSOBERYL | 8.5 |
| TOPAZ | TOPAZ | 8 |
| EMERALD | BERYL | 7.5 - 8 |
| MORGANITE | BERYL | 7.5 - 8 |
| AQUAMARINE | BERYL | 7.5 - 8 |
| SPINEL | SPINEL | 7.5 - 8 |
| ZIRCON | ZIRCON | 7.5 |
| TOURMALINE | TOURMALINE | 7 - 7.5 |
| AMETHYST | QUARTZ | 7 |
| CITRINE | QUARTZ | 7 |
| PERIDOT | PERIDOT | 7 |
| GARNET | GARNET | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| TANZANITE | ZOISITE | 6.5 - 7 |
| LABRADORITE | FELDSPAR | 6 - 6.5 |
| MOONSTONE | FELDSPAR | 6 - 6.5 |
| MOLDAVITE | TEKTITE | 5.5 |
| OPAL | OPAL | 5.5 |
| TURQUOISE | TURQUOISE | 5 - 6 |
| MALACHITE | MALACHITE | 3.5 - 4 |
| PEARL | PEARL | 2.5 |
In 1812, Friedrich Mohs – famous geologist and mineralogist created the Mohs scale to characterize each gemstones level of hardness, from the softest (1) to hardest (10).
This scale is perfect for figuring out the gemstones general level of hardness but does not always factor in other elements of a gemstones structure when you are considering stones for day to day wear. Emeralds for example, have many inclusions in the stone, which can weaken the overall structure, making them more likely to scratch or chip, In this case some styles of this stone are not recommended for everyday wear.
Care should always be taken when wearing any gemstone jewelry so that these timeless beauties can be passed on for a lifetime.
Synthetic diamonds are created synthetically in a lab. A lot of people incorrectly assume that synthetic diamonds are not real diamonds. However, this is not true. Although synthetics are not formed naturally, they have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds.
So, synthetic diamonds are not fake, and their artificial origin has nothing to do with the fact that they are real diamonds in terms of structure.
Synthetic Diamonds are different to Simulated Diamonds. Simulated stones, are not made of the same materials as the real thing – they only look similar, but their chemical structure and physical properties are different. An example of a stone used as a diamond simulant is cubic zirconia.
One of the biggest advantages to buying a synthetic diamond is that compared with a similar natural stone, the created one is cheaper.
When you also consider the fact that synthetic stones usually don’t have large and visible inclusions, you realize that you can get a flawless or nearly flawless diamond at a lower price than what you would pay for a naturally clean stone.
Fake diamonds are also known as diamond simulants, simulated diamonds, faux diamonds, and diamond imitations. Let’s take a look at the most common diamond substitutes used in jewelry:
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic substance and is one of the most popular diamond substitutes.
It is made of zirconium dioxide and is relatively hard (8.0-8.5 on the Mohs scale), although not as hard and durable as real diamond (which is a 10 on the Mohs scale).
You should also keep in mind that this stone is more brittle than diamond and is therefore more prone to chipping, so handle it with care.
Moissanite (or silicon carbide) is a mineral that is so rare in nature that it is often created synthetically in a lab.
Moissanite looks very similar to diamond but tends to exhibit more colorful sparkle when exposed to light. Because of its colorlessness and hardness (9.5 on the Mohs scale), this material is one of the best substitutes for diamond.
It has clarity that is a lot higher than that of your average diamond, and moissanite is usually very slightly included.
Unlike fake, or faux diamonds, synthetic ones have the same chemical composition as real diamonds. The only difference between synthetic and natural diamonds is their origin – synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory by using high temperature and high pressure.
Zircon is a mineral that occurs in nature and can come in a variety of colors. Some people confuse it with cubic zirconia, but these two substances are different. Colorless pieces of zircon are sometimes cut, polished, and used as diamond imitations. This mineral has a hardness rating of 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
White sapphires are often used as diamond substitutes. Sapphire is not as hard as diamond bit is still harder than most other gemstones (it is a 9 on the Mohs scale). The combination of durability and colorlessness in white sapphire makes it popular as a diamond imitation.
With everyday wear, most synthetic diamonds usually last 5-10 years, and with occasional wear – a couple of decades.
You'll also want to make sure that you protect your synthetic stone safe from scratches and clean it properly to maximize its longevity. This can be said for most stones.
5-10 years may not sound too long, and it isn't. In saying this, if you take great care of your synthetic diamond jewelry, you will only purchase 4-8 new rings in your lifetime - now that's an investment!
