Gemstones Worn Daily. The Do's and Don'ts.
Gemstones Worn Daily. The Do's and Don'ts.
Crafting a bespoke engagement ring or piece of jewellery at Erin Cox Jewellery involves balancing design with practicality. While certain gemstones may not be ideal for everyday wear, others seamlessly blend beauty with resilience. In this blog post, we'll explore why pearls, emeralds, and opals may not be the most practical choices and explain whey we recommend diamonds, rubies, and sapphires for pieces designed to be worn everyday. We'll also provide care tips for those who still desire the beauty of the less durable options.
Erin Cox Jewellery’s Top Three Handle with Care
Pearls: Timeless Elegance, But Not Everyday Durability
Here at Erin Cox Jewellery we love pearls & their timeless elegance. Check out our pearl collection here. However they do not make a practical choice for an engagement ring or design meant to be worn day in day out. Their softer nature makes them susceptible to scratches and damage from everyday activities, which can result in a loss of luster over time. Whilst a pearl necklace may benefit from fairly regular wear (the oils from your skin can actually help maintain the pearls), silk knotted strings will need maintenance via re-stringing periodically (frequency dependant on wear). They make an ideal choice to don on special occasions or at a cocktail party!
Care Tips: Avoid exposing pearls to chemicals, including those found in cosmetics, sunblock, hairspray and cleaning agents. Store them separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching. At Erin Cox Jewellery we recommend removing pearl jewellery prior to showering, washing up or swimming & to avoid exposing it to warm high moisture environments. We recommend checking the silk condition on strung pearls & the security of set pearls regularly to ensure they last a lifetime. We offer a complimentary ‘health check’ on all Erin Cox Jewellery designs. If you feel your items might need some TLC or maintenance bring them in for review and we can advise & quote you (if applicable) for any recommended servicing.
Emeralds: Beware the Brittle Beauty
Emeralds, known for their enchanting green hues, are inherently included, brittle and prone to fractures, making them less suitable for the wear and tear of an everyday engagement ring. For those looking for a more durable alternative, we love the rare tsavorite garnets. Although they are a similar hardness to emeralds, they are more rare and resistant to breakages & even rival the emerald’s vivid green tone. Despite emeralds’ more brittle characteristics we still love their mesmerising green hue. Click here to read our blog post ‘May Birthstone: 10 fun facts (Emerald)’ to learn more about this charming gem.
Care Tips: Regularly inspect emerald settings for loose stones and consider removing the ring during activities that may put it at risk, such as cleaning or exercising.
Opals: A Kaleidoscope of Colours, but Handle with Care
Opals, with their captivating array of colors, are softer and more prone to damage from temperature changes and impacts. Everyday activities may increase the risk of cracking, making opals less than ideal for daily wear.
Care Tips: Avoid storing opals in dry environments to prevent dehydration, or exposing them to extreme temperature changes. Remove opal rings before engaging in activities that pose a risk of impact.Erin Cox Jewellery’s Top Three for Everyday Wear
Diamonds: Unmatched Brilliance and Durability
Diamonds are not only a symbol of eternal love but also the hardest natural substance on earth. Their exceptional hardness makes them highly resistant to scratches and damage, helping your diamond jewellery remain as brilliant as the day it was crafted.
Rubies: Passionate Red Symbolism
Rubies, with their deep red hues, symbolise passion and love. They are a durable choice for an engagement ring, ranking just below diamonds in hardness. Their vibrant color and durability make them an excellent option for everyday wear.
Sapphires: Endless Colours and Durability
Sapphires, often associated with the classic blue hue, come in a stunning array of colours, offering limitless possibilities for a unique piece of everyday jewellery. Their remarkable hardness makes them an excellent choice for everyday wear, ensuring your ring remains as vibrant as your love.
At Erin Cox Jewellery, we take pride in creating bespoke jewellery that not only capture the essence of your story but also withstands the test of time. While pearls, emeralds, and opals may not be the most practical choices for daily wear, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires offer both enduring beauty and durability. Consider the vibrant world of colours that diamonds and sapphires can provide, allowing you to create a truly unique and personal piece that will last a lifetime. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let's design the perfect piece of jewellery that reflects your style.