This month at Le Arret, we're celebrating November's birthstones — topaz and citrine — alongside a guide to understanding the Mohs hardness scale and what it means for your jewelry.
Featured This Month:
A Bespoke Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Engagement season is around the corner, and this one of a kind emerald-cut diamond ring makes a statement that's both luxurious and bold. Custom designed in 18K yellow gold, the tension set half bezel cradles the diamond in a sleek, modern embrace. A sexy, statement-worthy piece.
For private viewings and bespoke inquiries, contact us at info@learret.com
November's Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine
Topaz
Traditionally golden yellow, topaz also comes in stunning blue, pink, and orange hues. Across cultures it has symbolized love, strength, and protection — making it a meaningful and versatile choice for fine jewelry. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is durable enough for everyday wear while remaining brilliantly beautiful.
Citrine
Ranging from pale yellow to deep amber orange, citrine represents happiness, success, and abundance. Once called the "Merchant's Stone" for its believed ability to attract prosperity, citrine has long been prized for its warm, radiant glow. At 7 on the Mohs scale, it is a durable and accessible gemstone that makes a striking statement in custom jewelry.
Both stones make cherished November gifts and beautiful centerpieces for bespoke fine jewelry pieces.
What is the Mohs Scale?
The Mohs scale is a way to measure a gemstone's hardness — specifically, how easily it can be scratched. It ranges from 1 (softest, like talc) to 10 (hardest, like diamond).
Why it matters: The Mohs scale helps jewelers and buyers understand how durable a gemstone is for its intended use. Harder stones are more resistant to scratches and better suited for daily-wear jewelry like rings and bracelets, while softer stones require more careful handling and are better suited for occasional wear pieces like earrings and pendants.
Here's where popular gemstones fall on the scale:
10 — Diamond
The hardest natural substance. Excellent for daily wear in any setting.
9 — Sapphire & Ruby
Very durable and highly resistant to scratching. Sapphires come in many colours beyond blue, including pink, yellow, and white.
8 — Topaz
Often golden, blue, or pink. Hard and durable but can cleave if struck with force, so protective settings are recommended.
7.5 — Emerald
Beautiful deep green but more brittle than its hardness suggests due to natural inclusions. Requires protective settings and careful wear.
7 — Quartz (including Amethyst & Citrine)
Durable for most jewelry use but can scratch over time with daily wear.
5.5–6.5 — Opal
Softer and porous. Best suited for occasional wear and protective settings. Requires extra care to avoid moisture and impact damage.
When choosing a gemstone for a custom piece, understanding its hardness helps ensure your jewelry is as durable as it is beautiful. Our team is happy to guide you through stone selection at your consultation.
Book a Complimentary Consultation
Ready to begin your custom jewelry journey? Book a complimentary one-on-one consultation with our team.