Diamonds are cut using diamonds and diamond dust as the gem is among the hardest materials on earth. There are other gemstones that are hard as well, but few are as hard as diamond. The hardness of gemstones is measured by the Mohs scale, running from 1 being the softest to 10 being the hardest. An example of a soft mineral, Talc, with a Mohs hardness of 1, can be scratched with a fingernail.
The Mohs scale is arbitrary and not linear; meaning the range from 8 to 9 is much smaller than the range from 9 to 10. Minerals that are harder have always been better choices for jewelry as they tend to be more durable and will not scratch easily by an arbitrary knock. They can also better withstand the changes in elements.
The most common gem mineral is Quartz, which ranges on the Mohs scale at 7 and above. Other gems that are nearly as hard as diamonds, with a Mohs scale of 9 are sapphires and rubies.
One of the common myths of diamonds is that it is indestructible. If you hit the diamond with an iron, the diamonds will very likely shatter. Simply hitting the diamond against surfaces will also scratch the diamonds.
To prevent accidental nicks, scratches and breaks, many diamonds have their corners cut. Most corners on angular diamonds are rounded except for diamonds with the Princess cut, which are square-cut diamonds with pronounced corners. If a protruding point of a rectangular or square diamond is knocked against a surface, it can chip or scratched.
If you are not wearing your diamond, it should be protected in a soft, velvet-lined case. You should have the diamond examined by a professional to check its setting periodically. An investment in diamond is an investment in yourself and your relationship, so take the extra care to preserve it forever!
To summarized, having an understanding of how to protect your diamonds will ensure that your jewelry is well taken care of. (Learn more at http://www.MyLovelyDiamonds.com)
