Hardness determines a stone's suitability for daily wear. Stock the right hardness for each jewelry type.
Mohs Scale Reference
| Stone | Hardness | Daily Wear? | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | Yes | Any |
| Moissanite | 9.25 | Yes | Any — recommended |
| Ruby/Sapphire | 9 | Yes | Rings, daily |
| Emerald | 7.5-8 | With care | Pendants, earrings |
| CZ | 8-8.5 | Fashion | Fashion rings |
| Amethyst | 7 | No rings | Earrings, pendants |
| Opal | 5.5-6.5 | No | Earrings only |
| Pearl | 2.5-4.5 | No | Earrings, pendants |
Hardness vs Toughness
Hardness = scratch resistance. Toughness = break resistance. Emerald is hard but brittle. Moissanite excels at both — ideal for daily-wear rings.
Inventory Strategy
Rings: only 7+ hardness (moissanite, diamond, ruby, sapphire). Earrings/pendants: any stone. Fashion jewelry: CZ, amethyst. This reduces returns and complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can moissanite scratch?
Only by diamond or another moissanite. 9.25 Mohs is extremely durable.
Why are softer stones more expensive?
Rarity drives price, not hardness. Emerald is rare despite being softer.
Conclusion
Holycome recommends moissanite for all daily-wear pieces. Contact service@holycome.com.
