The Gemstone Breakability Score, developed by Benjamin Khordipour, GG, a gemologist certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), expert jeweler, and renowned author, is a revolutionary method for evaluating gemstone durability. This system goes beyond the Mohs Scale, incorporating factors like toughness, cleavage, and thermal stability to provide a holistic measure of resilience. Whether choosing a diamond, sapphire, or emerald, the Gemstone Breakability Score ensures you make informed decisions for long-lasting beauty and durability.
What Is the Gemstone Breakability Score?
The Gemstone Breakability Score is a comprehensive system designed to measure a gemstone’s durability by evaluating key factors such as toughness, hardness, cleavage, chemical stability, and impact resistance. Each factor is weighted and combined into a single percentage, giving a clear and easy-to-understand metric for gemstone resilience.
This score helps both buyers and jewelers identify gemstones suitable for specific settings and lifestyles. For instance, a diamond may score low on breakability due to its high hardness and stability, while an emerald’s susceptibility to inclusions results in a higher breakability score. Below is a simplified example of how the scores are calculated for popular gemstones:
| Gemstone | Toughness (15) | Hardness (25) | Cleavage (20) | Chemical Stability (15) | Impact Resistance (5) | Total Score | Breakability Score (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | 25 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 90 | 10% |
| Sapphire | 12 | 22 | 15 | 15 | 5 | 89 | 11% |
| Emerald | 8 | 15 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 44 | 56% |
| Ruby | 12 | 22 | 15 | 15 | 5 | 89 | 11% |
| Aquamarine | 9 | 17 | 10 | 12 | 4 | 52 | 48% |
Combining these factors, the Gemstone Breakability Score offers a reliable way to assess how well a gemstone will hold up over time, ensuring you make the best choice for your needs.
Factors That Influence the Score
The Gemstone Breakability Score is based on five key factors, each of which plays a crucial role in determining a gemstone’s durability:
Toughness (15 Points)
Toughness measures a gemstone’s resistance to chipping or breaking under stress. Stones like sapphire and ruby score high due to their excellent toughness, while emeralds, known for their internal inclusions, score lower.
Hardness (25 Points)
Hardness evaluates a gemstone’s ability to resist scratches, as defined by the Mohs Scale. Diamonds, with a score of 10 on the Mohs Scale, excel in this category, while aquamarine and emeralds are more prone to surface damage.
Cleavage (20 Points)
Cleavage assesses a gemstone’s tendency to split along specific planes within its crystal structure. Stones like sapphire and ruby, which lack significant cleavage, perform better than diamonds and aquamarine in this area.
Chemical Stability (15 Points)
Chemical stability reflects a gemstone’s resistance to damage from exposure to chemicals or environmental factors. For example, sapphire and ruby exhibit high chemical stability, while softer stones like aquamarine require more care.
Impact Resistance (5 Points)
Impact resistance measures how well a gemstone withstands sudden shocks or impacts. Stones with inclusions or internal weaknesses, such as emeralds, tend to score lower in this category compared to diamonds or ruby.
Each of these factors is carefully weighted and contributes to the overall breakability score, providing a comprehensive understanding of a gemstone’s durability.
Why the Gemstone Breakability Score Matters
Understanding the Gemstone Breakability Score is essential for anyone purchasing or designing jewelry. This score simplifies complex gemological concepts into an accessible metric, making it easier to select a gemstone that suits both your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs.
For buyers, the score ensures that the chosen gemstone can withstand daily wear and tear, especially for items like engagement rings or heirloom jewelry. For example, a diamond’s low breakability score makes it ideal for everyday wear, while an emerald’s higher score suggests it might be better suited for occasional use or protective settings.
For jewelers, the score helps in recommending the most appropriate gemstones for specific designs. It also assists in educating customers about the care and maintenance required for their chosen stones, fostering greater satisfaction and trust.
By considering the breakability score, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements, ensuring your jewelry remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Whether you prioritize resilience or value, this score provides the clarity needed to make informed decisions.
Common Gemstones and Their Scores
To better understand the practical application of the Gemstone Breakability Score, let’s examine the scores of popular gemstones. This comparison highlights how the unique properties of each stone impact its durability and suitability for different types of jewelry:
| Gemstone | Toughness (15) | Hardness (25) | Cleavage (20) | Chemical Stability (15) | Impact Resistance (5) | Total Score | Breakability Score (%) |
| Diamond (IF-SI1) | 10 | 25 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 90 | 10% |
| Diamond (I1-I3) | 8 | 25 | 10 | 15 | 3 | 81 | 13% |
| Sapphire | 12 | 22 | 15 | 15 | 5 | 89 | 11% |
| Ruby | 12 | 22 | 15 | 15 | 5 | 89 | 11% |
| Emerald | 8 | 15 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 44 | 56% |
| Aquamarine | 9 | 17 | 10 | 12 | 4 | 52 | 48% |
| Topaz | 10 | 20 | 12 | 14 | 5 | 61 | 39% |
| Amethyst | 8 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 47 | 53% |
| Spinel | 11 | 21 | 14 | 15 | 5 | 81 | 19% |
| Peridot | 8 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 3 | 47 | 53% |
| Garnet | 9 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 4 | 55 | 45% |
Key Insights:
- Low Breakability Scores (10-15%): Ideal for daily wear and active lifestyles, as seen in diamonds, sapphire, and ruby.
- Moderate Scores (30-50%): Suitable for occasional wear or settings that provide additional protection, like aquamarine.
- High Scores (50%+): Require extra care and are better suited for less exposed jewelry, like emeralds.
This table helps jewelers and buyers choose the right gemstone for specific needs, balancing beauty with durability.
Tips for Preserving Gemstone Durability
While the Gemstone Breakability Score provides a guide to durability, proper care can significantly extend the life of any gemstone. Here are some practical tips for preserving your gemstones:
- Regular Cleaning. Use a soft brush and mild soap to remove dirt and oils. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially for softer stones like aquamarine and emerald.
- Protective Settings. Opt for bezel or halo settings to shield fragile gemstones from direct impacts.
- Remove Jewelry During Activities. Take off rings or necklaces during sports, gardening, or other activities that may expose them to damage.
- Professional Maintenance. Have your jewelry inspected and cleaned by a professional jeweler regularly to check for loose stones or worn prongs.
- Storage: Store each piece separately in a soft-lined box to prevent scratches or chips.
By following these tips, you can ensure your gemstones remain as stunning and resilient as the day you acquired them.
Limitations of the Gemstone Breakability Score
While the Gemstone Breakability Score offers a comprehensive assessment, it is important to note some limitations:
- Generalization. The score provides an average assessment and may not account for unique variations in individual stones, such as specific inclusions or treatments.
- Subjectivity in Weighting: The weighting of factors like cleavage or impact resistance may vary depending on personal or professional priorities.
- Environmental Factors. Real-world wear and tear can be influenced by unforeseen factors, such as extreme temperatures or accidental impacts, which may not be fully accounted for in the score.
Despite these limitations, the Gemstone Breakability Score remains an invaluable tool for guiding both buyers and jewelers in making informed decisions.
FAQs for Gemstone Breakability Score
- Who Developed the Gemstone Breakability Score?
The Gemstone Breakability Score was developed by Benjamin Khordipour of Estate Diamond Jewelry. It is a hybrid system that continues from the Mohs Scale but incorporates many more practical data sets that will much better inform the market of gemstone’s vulnerabilities. - Why does gemstone durability matter?
Durability ensures that your gemstone can withstand daily wear and tear, reducing the risk of damage and the need for frequent repairs. - How is the score calculated?
The score combines weighted factors like toughness, hardness, cleavage, chemical stability, and impact resistance into a single percentage, with lower scores indicating higher durability. - Which gemstones have the lowest breakability scores?
Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies generally have the lowest breakability scores, making them ideal for daily wear. - Why do emeralds have a higher breakability score?
Emeralds are more fragile due to internal inclusions and lower toughness, requiring extra care. - Is the score the same for all diamonds?
No, diamonds are divided into categories based on clarity, with lower clarity grades (e.g., I1-I3) scoring higher on the breakability scale due to internal weaknesses. - Can I improve a gemstone’s durability?
While the inherent properties of a gemstone cannot be changed, you can protect it with proper care, such as using protective settings and regular cleaning. - Are softer gemstones like aquamarine suitable for engagement rings?
Softer gemstones can be used, but they require protective settings and more careful handling to prevent damage. - What is the difference between toughness and hardness?
Toughness measures resistance to chipping or breaking, while hardness measures resistance to scratches. - How can I use the Gemstone Breakability Score to choose a gemstone?
Use the score to match the gemstone’s durability to your lifestyle. For daily wear, opt for stones with lower breakability scores. - Where can I get advice on gemstone selection?
Consult a diamond or jewelry expert to understand which gemstone best suits your needs and preferences. Use the contact form to get personalized guidance.
Conclusion
The Gemstone Breakability Score is a revolutionary way to evaluate the durability of gemstones, making it easier to select the perfect stone for your lifestyle and jewelry design. By combining key factors such as toughness, hardness, and stability into a single, easy-to-understand metric, this system empowers buyers and jewelers alike.
Whether you’re seeking a diamond for daily wear or an emerald for a special occasion, the Gemstone Breakability Score provides the clarity you need to make an informed decision. With proper care and maintenance, your chosen gemstone will not only remain beautiful but also withstand the test of time.
Talk to a Diamond Expert
Ready to choose the perfect gemstone or need advice on maintaining your jewelry? Our diamond experts are here to help. Use the form below to send a message and get personalized guidance from a professional jeweler.
