Gemstone Hardness 101: A Guide to Choosing the Right Stone for Your Custom Ring | Ryley Jewellery Creations
At Ryley Jewellery Creations, we know that designing a custom ring is a personal and meaningful experience. Whether you're celebrating love, honouring family, or treating yourself to something special, every detail matters—from metal colour and stone shape to your gemstone of choice.
But there's one factor that often gets overlooked in the design process: gemstone hardness.
This essential (and often underestimated) quality affects how well your gemstone will hold up to everyday wear—and how long your custom piece will stay as beautiful as the day you received it.
In this guide, we’ll explain why gemstone hardness matters, how it’s measured, and what to consider when selecting the perfect stone for your custom jewellery design with Ryley Jewellery.
💎 What Is Gemstone Hardness?
Gemstone hardness refers to how resistant a gemstone is to scratching and surface damage. It’s measured using the Mohs Scale of Hardness, a system ranking minerals from 1 (very soft) to 10 (extremely hard).
The higher the number, the more durable the stone—an important consideration when designing custom engagement rings, remodelled heirloom jewellery, or any piece meant for regular wear.
📊 The Mohs Scale – Common Gemstones
Here’s a simple breakdown of popular gemstones and their hardness levels:
Diamond
10- Extremely durable, perfect for daily wear
Sapphire & Ruby
9- Excellent durability with vibrant colour
Spinel & Topaz
8- Strong, but can scratch over time
Quartz (Amethyst etc.)
7- Decent durability with proper care
Moonstone & Opal
5.5–6.5 Delicate—requires protective settings
Pearl & Turquoise
<5 Very soft—ideal for occasional wear
✨ Why Gemstone Hardness Matters at Ryley Jewellery
At Ryley Jewellery Creations in Toowoomba, we specialise in custom-made rings and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. One of the first things we consider when helping you select a gemstone is how you'll wear it.
Will it be worn daily, like an engagement ring or wedding band? Or is it a statement piece for special occasions?
Rings take more impact than other jewellery like earrings or necklaces. They’re exposed to surfaces, handwashing, gardening, gym workouts—you name it. Choosing a gemstone with the right hardness means your piece will maintain its brilliance, resist damage, and last a lifetime.
💍 Which Gemstone Is Right for Your Custom Ring?
💎 Diamonds (Hardness: 10)
Diamonds are the hardest and most durable gemstone available. This makes them ideal for engagement rings, everyday wear, and anyone looking for a low-maintenance luxury.
💙 Sapphires & Rubies (Hardness: 9)
If you want a pop of colour with excellent wearability, sapphires (which come in blue, yellow, green, pink and more) and rubies are perfect choices. They offer nearly the same durability as diamonds but with more personality.
✨ Spinel & Topaz (Hardness: 8)
Beautiful and vibrant, but slightly more prone to scratching. These stones are great for dress rings and occasional wear pieces.
🌙 Moonstone, Opal, Pearl (Hardness: <7)
These softer gems are stunning but require care. They are perfect for sentimental or statement designs—especially when set in protective bezels or halo settings. If you love the look of these gems, we’ll help you design a ring that offers both protection and elegance.
🔨 Setting Styles for Softer Gemstones
If your heart is set on a softer stone, don’t worry—it’s still possible! At Ryley Jewellery, we use thoughtful design techniques to protect your chosen gem.
We often recommend:
Bezel settings (surrounds the stone with gold for added protection)
Halo settings (adds a border of diamonds to cushion and enhance the centre stone)
Lower profiles to reduce exposure to knocks
These design choices help extend the life of your ring—especially if your gemstone falls below 7 on the Mohs scale.
🛠️ Remodelling Heirloom Stones at Ryley Jewellery
If you’re working with heirloom stones—like your grandmother’s opal or a family diamond—we’ll carefully assess the stone’s hardness and condition before advising on how to reset it.
Our Toowoomba workshop is experienced in restoring, remodelling and repurposing sentimental pieces with love and precision.
🧼 Caring for Your Custom Ring
Once your dream piece is complete, a little care goes a long way:
Remove rings before heavy activity
Store softer gemstones separately
Clean gently with a soft cloth (no ultrasonic cleaners for opals or pearls)
Visit our workshop for regular maintenance checks and cleaning
We’re always here to help you keep your jewellery looking its best.
💬 Final Thoughts: Built to Last
At Ryley Jewellery Creations, we believe a beautiful ring should be as strong as the love or story it represents. Choosing the right gemstone means balancing style, sentiment, and practicality—and that’s where we come in.
Whether you're dreaming of diamonds, sapphires, or a delicate heirloom gem, we’ll guide you through every step to ensure your custom ring is both stunning and strong.
📍 Visit our Toowoomba showroom or message us to start your custom design journey today.