When choosing an Oval diamond engagement ring, beauty and symbolism matter—but so does durability. Not all gemstones are built to withstand the daily wear that engagement rings endure. While every stone has its charm, some are simply too soft, fragile, or high-maintenance to serve as a long-lasting symbol of love.
At KRK Jewels, we believe your ring should be as enduring as your relationship. That’s why we always guide our clients toward stones that are not only beautiful but also practical for lifelong wear.
So, what stones should not be used for engagement rings? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Opal
Opals are enchanting with their iridescent play of color, but they are among the most delicate gemstones. Ranking only 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, opals are:
- Prone to scratching and chipping
- Sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture
- Easily damaged by impact or chemicals
Opals also have a high water content, which means they can crack or craze over time, especially in dry climates. While beautiful in pendants or earrings, opals are not well-suited for the everyday wear of an engagement ring.
2. Pearl
Timeless and elegant, pearls are a classic symbol of love—but not ideal for engagement rings. Pearls rank only 2.5 to 4.5 on the hardness scale, making them extremely soft and vulnerable to:
- Scratches from everyday surfaces
- Damage from skin oils, cosmetics, and acidic substances
- Wear and tear from even occasional use
Even with gentle handling, pearls tend to lose their luster over time. For rings, they’re better reserved for special-occasion jewelry.
3. Amber
Amber is a fossilized tree resin—not a mineral—and it’s incredibly soft, ranking just 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale. It can easily be:
- Scratched or crushed
- Affected by heat or chemicals
- Broken under mild pressure
While amber makes for striking statement pieces, it simply doesn’t have the resilience needed for a daily-wear ring.
4. Turquoise
With its vibrant blue-green hue, turquoise is a beloved stone in many cultures. However, it ranks only 5 to 6 on the hardness scale and is:
- Porous and prone to staining
- Easily scratched or chipped
- Susceptible to discoloration over time
Unless heavily protected by a bezel setting and worn with care, turquoise is not the best option for engagement rings.
5. Labradorite
Labradorite’s shifting iridescence makes it visually stunning, but it’s too fragile for frequent wear. With a hardness of around 6 to 6.5, it can be:
- Easily chipped or fractured
- Affected by everyday knocks or bumps
- Scratched by harder materials like metal or dust
It’s better suited for occasional-use jewelry like pendants or earrings.
6. Fluorite
Fluorite comes in a gorgeous range of colors, from soft purples to vibrant greens, but it’s one of the most fragile gemstones used in jewelry. With a hardness of only 4, it’s extremely prone to:
- Scratches and abrasions
- Breaking from even mild impact
- Losing clarity or brilliance over time
Fluorite simply lacks the structure to endure daily engagement ring wear.
A Quick Durability Guide:
Safe Picks for Engagement Rings (Hardness 8+)
- Diamond (10)
- Sapphire (9)
- Ruby (9)
- Moissanite (9.25)
- Spinel (8)
Use with Caution (Hardness 6.5–7.5)
- Aquamarine
- Morganite
- Garnet
- Topaz
- Emerald (with protective settings)
Avoid for Rings (Hardness Below 6)
- Opal
- Pearl
- Amber
- Fluorite
- Turquoise
- Lapis Lazuli
Final Thoughts from KRK Jewels
An engagement ring is a piece you’ll wear every day—through handshakes, workouts, errands, and celebrations. While every gemstone has its own story and charm, not all are built for forever. By choosing a durable, well-set stone, you ensure your ring can shine just as brightly decades from now as it does on day one.
At KRK Jewels, we’re here to help you find the perfect balance of beauty, symbolism, and strength—so your ring reflects not just your style, but your journey together.