Beauty That Lasts a Lifetime
When we choose a piece of fine jewellery, we hope it will become part of our daily lives — a trusted companion that reflects who we are. Yet not every gem is made for everyday wear. Some are too delicate, while others possess the rare strength to endure a lifetime of love, movement, and memory.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds in Cape Town, we understand that true luxury combines elegance with endurance. Our master goldsmiths design jewels that balance artistry with resilience, ensuring that every creation — from an engagement ring to a pendant — remains beautiful for generations.
Understanding Durability in Jewellery
A gemstone’s durability depends on more than its surface shine. It is determined by three main factors: hardness, toughness, and stability.
- Hardness measures how resistant a gem is to scratches, using the Mohs Hardness Scale (from 1 to 10).
- Toughness reflects how well it resists chipping or breaking.
- Stability relates to how a gem reacts to heat, light, and chemicals.
For jewellery that is worn daily — such as engagement rings, wedding bands, or signature earrings — durability is essential. A gemstone must endure gentle knocks, daily exposure, and the occasional brush with a hard surface. Knowing which gems can handle such wear ensures that your jewellery remains as flawless as the day it was made.
Diamonds — The Benchmark of Strength
The natural diamond is the hardest known material on Earth, rated 10 on the Mohs scale. Its crystalline structure gives it unmatched resistance to scratching — you can only scratch a diamond with another diamond. This durability, combined with its brilliance, makes it the ideal choice for lifelong wear.
At Prins & Prins, every piece of Diamond Jewellery is crafted not only for its beauty but for its integrity. Each diamond is ethically sourced, independently certified, and meticulously set to ensure security and longevity. Whether it’s an heirloom engagement ring or a contemporary pendant, a natural diamond remains the ultimate symbol of enduring love.
Sapphires and Rubies — Royal Companions in Durability
Sapphires and rubies, both forms of corundum, come second only to diamonds in hardness, rating 9 on the Mohs scale. Their resistance to scratches and chips makes them perfect for rings and bracelets — pieces exposed to constant movement.
Sapphires are celebrated for their mesmerising range of blues, while rubies captivate with deep crimson fire. Both gemstones have been favoured by royalty for centuries, not only for their beauty but for their ability to withstand a lifetime of wear. Their toughness, combined with timeless colour, makes them ideal choices for those seeking luxury that lasts.
Spinel — The Unsung Hero of Everyday Elegance
Often mistaken for ruby in historic jewels, spinel is another remarkably durable gemstone. Ranking 8 on the Mohs scale, it offers superb toughness and a brilliance that rivals far more famous gems. Found in hues from vivid red and pink to smoky grey and cobalt blue, spinel combines strength with individuality.
Modern collectors appreciate spinel for its natural beauty and rarity — qualities that make it a perfect centrepiece for daily wear jewellery. Its resilience ensures that it can be worn often, while its luminous colour gives it an understated sophistication.
Aquamarine and Topaz — Balanced Beauty
For those who prefer softer tones, aquamarine and topaz provide an excellent balance between beauty and durability.
- Aquamarine, the pastel-blue variety of beryl, ranks between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale. Its clarity and tranquil hue make it ideal for everyday pendants and earrings.
- Topaz, particularly in its golden and blue varieties, is slightly harder at 8 and suited to daily wear when properly set.
Both gemstones should be mounted in protective settings that shield them from sharp impact. At Prins & Prins, our goldsmiths design mounts that enhance each gem’s brilliance while preserving its integrity — a marriage of engineering and art.
Avoiding Fragile Gems for Everyday Use
Some gemstones, though exquisite, are better reserved for special occasions.
- Opals are admired for their play of colour but can crack under sudden temperature changes.
- Pearls, formed in water, are soft and easily scratched.
- Tanzanite and emerald, though breathtaking, contain natural inclusions that make them prone to chipping.
For such gems, consider pendants or earrings rather than rings or bracelets. The experts at Prins & Prins always advise clients on the most suitable design to balance wearability with beauty — ensuring that each jewel matches its wearer’s lifestyle as well as their aesthetic.
Caring for Your Everyday Jewels
Even the hardest gemstones benefit from gentle care. Regular cleaning and inspection help maintain their brilliance and structural integrity.
- Clean your jewellery using mild soapy water and a soft brush.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners for delicate gems.
- Have your settings checked annually to ensure prongs remain secure.
Our in-house workshop offers professional cleaning and maintenance services, preserving your jewellery’s radiance for years to come. A small act of care can safeguard a lifetime of beauty.
Choosing with Confidence — The Prins & Prins Promise
Durability in jewellery is about more than resistance — it is about craftsmanship, provenance, and trust. At Prins & Prins Diamonds, every design reflects decades of expertise and a deep respect for both heritage and innovation. Each gemstone is selected not only for its brilliance but for its integrity, ensuring that the final piece carries beauty that endures.
Explore our collection of Gemstone Jewellery and discover why Prins & Prins is known as The Home of Natural Diamonds and a leading authority in fine bespoke design. Because luxury should not be fleeting — it should be everlasting.
