As the world seems to have moved on from the COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene has remained a top priority in the efforts to curb the spread of bacteria. Frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers have become the new normal for many people. However, for those who wear rings, there is growing concern about the impact of constant hand washing and sanitizing on their beloved pieces of jewelry.

The question on many people's minds is whether all this hand washing and hand sanitizer during coronavirus is bad for their rings. The short answer is that it depends on the type of metal and stones used in the ring.

For rings made of precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing should not cause any significant harm. These metals are durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent cleaning. However, over time, constant exposure to water and chemicals may cause the metal to lose its luster or tarnish.

For rings with gemstones or lab-grown diamonds, the concern is not so much about the metal but the stones themselves. Certain gemstones are more delicate and prone to damage from exposure to water and chemicals. For instance, opals, pearls, and emeralds are porous and can absorb water, which can cause them to crack or discolor over time.

Shine On: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Engagement Ring

To minimize the risk of damage to your rings, it is advisable to remove them before washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. If you must wear your rings, it is recommended to dry them thoroughly after washing your hands and avoid using hand sanitizer on them.

In addition to frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing, other activities such as doing the dishes, swimming, or using cleaning products can also impact the longevity of your rings. It is essential to be mindful of these activities and take necessary precautions to protect your rings.

In conclusion, the hand washing and hand sanitizing moving past the coronavirus pandemic is not necessarily bad for your rings, but it is crucial to be mindful of the impact it may have on your jewelry. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your rings and ensure that they remain beautiful for years to come.

Ring Protection 101: How to Keep Your Rings Safe During Frequent Hand Washing and Sanitizing

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring or a ring you plan to wear every day, one factor you should consider is the gemstone hardness. Gemstones come in various types and qualities, but the level of hardness is a critical factor that affects its durability and longevity. In this article, we will explore the concept of gemstone hardness and why it matters, especially for rings that you plan to wear every day.

Gemstone hardness is determined by its ability to resist scratches and abrasions. This is measured on a scale known as the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranges from 1 to 10. The scale was created by Friedrich Mohs, a German geologist, in 1812, and it ranks minerals based on their relative hardness.

The higher the number on the scale, the harder the mineral. For example, diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale with a rating of 10, while talc is the softest with a rating of 1. Corundum is the gemstone family of sapphire and ruby, scoring 9 out of 10. 

The illustration above is also very informative as it shows Mohs hardness scale and its comparison to common items. As you can see here, a simple fingernail may scratch a gemstone rated at 3 or below, whilst you will need a drill to scratch a sapphire, ruby or a diamond.

Why does gemstone hardness matter for engagement rings or rings you plan to wear every day? 

The answer is simple: durability. You want your ring to last as long as possible, and a hard gemstone can withstand the daily wear and tear better than a soft gemstone. A soft gemstone can easily get scratched, chipped, or damaged, which can affect its appearance and value.

The most popular gemstones used in engagement rings are diamond (pictured above), sapphire, and ruby (pictured below), which all have a Mohs hardness rating of 9 and 10. This makes them very durable and suitable for daily wear. Other gemstones, such as emerald, opal, and pearl, have a lower hardness rating and are more prone to damage.

For an everyday ring that's mean to be worn daily for years, choosing a gem that's durable is important. However, there are certainly people who choose to wear other gemstones. Who doesn't love a rich purple amethyst, an earthy peridot, or an icy aquamarine? But it's important to be aware that those gems require the wearer be more careful, removing it often and never wearing it in abrasive situations. Durability is something to keep in mind if you're looking for a ring that will take less upkeep over its lifetime.

What about lab-grown diamonds and hardness?

It's important to note that lab-grown-diamonds hold the same top quality as mined diamonds. They are just as stunning, and they are equally hard on Mohs hardness scale (at 10 out of 10). Thus, our lab-grown diamonds are not only ethically sourced, but also boasts the same brilliance and fire as a mined diamond. Treat yourself or your loved one to the ultimate symbol of love and luxury with a breathtaking lab-grown diamond ring. 

Five Reasons Why You Should Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds

Choosing a gemstone with a higher hardness rating can increase the chances of your ring lasting longer and maintaining its beauty. But do keep in mind that even a hard gemstone can still get damaged if it's hit hard enough or exposed to certain chemicals or extreme temperatures. 

Shine On: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Fine Jewelry

In conclusion, gemstone hardness is a critical factor to consider when choosing an engagement ring or a ring you plan to wear every day. A hard gemstone can withstand daily wear and tear better than a soft gemstone, which can affect its appearance and value. By choosing a gemstone with a high Mohs hardness rating, you can ensure that your ring will last as long as possible and continue to sparkle for years to come.

Because we want to craft the most lasting ring possible, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are our top choices for engagement rings and/or rings you plan to wear every day. But the choice is of course yours! 

Gem Hardness and Why It Matters

December is represented by an array of brilliant blues with three beautiful birthstones promising brightened moods to those wearing them.

The first winter month is here, so it might not come as a surprise that December’s birthstones are known for their beautiful, clear blue tones – a perfect match for this season’s chilly temperatures.

Sagittarius and Capricorn born in December are fortunate to enjoy three gorgeous birthstones.

Currently, none of our in-stock collection pieces feature the December birthstone, but you can always 

 a gorgeous Tanzanite, Zirkon or Turquoise piece to your liking. Why not get inspired by our 

 featuring this stunning blue sapphire, stacked with our brand new 

Tanzanite is an outstanding blue gemstone with a mighty vibe. As the only jewel in the world that’s trichroic, it can change into three different colors: blue, purple and velvety brown depending on the light, impacting and brightening the entire mood of its surroundings!

According to legend, tanzanite was born when lightning struck at the foot hills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, creating a magic fire. The Maasai people discovered the stunning blue stones in the ashes after the fire, and immediately understood their enchanting capabilities – believing tanzanite will enhance their lives and give profound meaning.

Tanzanite is a precious stone as it’s very rare. It’s almost a thousand times rarer than diamond, and the chances of tanzanite being found anywhere else than in Tanzania is one in a million!

Tanzanite is very rare, a thousand times rarer than diamonds, but we can always try to source the perfect tanzanite if you want a 

This is the O.G. of gemstones. Believe it or not, but Zircon has been around for 4.4 billion years, making it the oldest mineral on earth!

a custom piece featuring a zirkon and three sustainable lab-grown diamonds

The second birthstone of December is spectacular – it’s known for its high luster and flashes of multicolored light. And guess what, some zircons even have small traces of uranium in them, meaning they irradiate themselves! Zircon is simply a badass creation.

From the Egyptians to the dynasties of China, this special gem has given name to the color turquoise. It’s an eye-catcher for sure, having gotten its vivid color from the abundant copper that surrounds it in the earth.

Having been admired since ancient times, many believe it’s special properties, including to balance its wearers energies and protecting them from unhealthy energies, actually makes turquoise a sacred stone!

Desember byr på et spektrum av brilliante blå stener, med tre nydelige lykkestener som lover gode vibber til de som bærer dem. 

Den første vintermåneden er her, så det er kanskje ikke så overraskende at desembers lykkestener er kjent for deres nydelige, klare blåtoner - en perfekt match for denne sesongens kjøligere temperaturer. 

Skytter og Steinbukker født i desember er heldige nok til å nyte tre vidunderlige lykkestener. 

Tanzanitt er en enestående blå edelsten med en mektig vibe. Som den eneste juvelen i verden som er trikroisk, kan den skifte til tre ulike farger: blå, lilla og fløyelsaktig brun avhengig av lyset, noe som gjør at den påvirker og lyser opp hele stemningen i miljøet den befinner seg i! 

Ifølge sagnet ble tanzanitt født når lynet slo ned ved foten av fjellet Kilimanjaro i Tanzania, som skapte en magisk brann. Maasai-folket her oppdaget de skinnende vakre blå stenene i asken etter brannen og forstod umiddelbart deres fortryllende egenskaper - og begynte å tro at tanzanitt ville forbedre livene deres og gi dem dypere mening. 

Tanzanitt er en verdifull sten som er svært sjelden. Den er tusen ganger sjeldnere enn diamant, og sjansene for å finne tanzanitt utenfor Tanzania er én til en million! 

Dette er virkelig "the O.G." av edelstener. Tro det eller ei, men zirkon har eksistert for 4.4 milliarder år, noe som gjør den til det eldste mineralet på jorda! 

Den andre lykkestenen for desember er spektaktulær - den er kjent for svært høy brillians og utstråler flerfarget lys. Dessuten har noen zirkoner spor av uranium i seg, som gjør at de er selvlysende! Zirkon er simpelthen en badass kreasjon. 

Fra egypterne til dynastiene i Kina, denne spesielle edelstenene har gitt navnet til fargen turkis. Den fanger oppmerksomheten uten tvil, og fargen har den fått fra de store mengdene kobber som finnes i jorden rundt den. 

Turkis har blitt beundret siden tidenes morgen, og mange tror på dens spesielle egenskaper, som å balansere energiene i den som bærer den og beskytter mot usunne energier, hvilket gjør turkis til en helt hellig sten! 

December Birthstone: Triple Action with Tanzanite, Zircon & Turquoise

Desember lykkesten: Triple Action med Tanzanitt, Zirkon & Turkis

As one of the months represented by two striking gemstones, November promises new level hotness with sexy citrine and vibrant topaz.

The birthstones for November, citrine and topaz, are both found in golden, warm yellow and orange tones. But topaz also exists in a variety of different colors, most commonly seen in energetic blue with a hint of turquoise.

, features a 0,93 carat natural, blue topaz set in 14K solid yellow gold surrounded by three round brilliant 

It’s all about passion and prosperity with these two marvels — which couldn’t be a better fit for sensual Scorpios and adventurous Sagittarius’ born in November.

Dazzling citrine is in fact said to be a gift from the sun, but did you also know it’s called the “money stone”? So, if you’d like to invite more wealth into your life, citrines are for you!

Above: A custom piece featuring a baby citrine for a girl who is expecting a baby this November

They’ve long been believed to help bring success to anyone who wears them. But beware, citrines also encourage you to share your good fortune with those around you ;)

Citrines have a great durability and score a 7 on Mohs scale for gemstone hardness.

Check out custom design rings with citrine and topaz.

The other November birthstone, lavish topaz in all its beautiful shades, also knows how to crank up the heat. We mean that literally! In the Middle Ages, they believed wearing a topaz could actually increase your body temperature, helping you fight off illness and lunacy.

Some also think the word “topaz” stems from the Sanskrit word “tapas” meaning “fire”. Obviously, this gem is meant to entice hotness in all aspects of life.

 features an insane 10,80 ct swiss blue topaz set with double claws in solid white gold.

In all seriousness, though, topaz is one of the most powerful gemstones out there.

Topaz is claimed to help realign the energy points of your body, balancing your emotions, enhancing your mental powers and keeping communications clear, both with yourself and others. Now, we sure find that hot ;)

Topaz gemstones are a notch harder than their birthstone partners citrines, landing at 8 on Mohs scale for gemstone hardness.

Check out the November birthstones in our 

November med sine to glødende edelstener lover hete dager med sexy citrin og ville topas.

Lykkestenene for november, citrin og topas, er begge å finne i gyldne, varme gule og oransje toner. Men topas finnes også mange ulike farger, mest sett i sin energiske blåfarge med et hint av turkis. 

Det handler kun om rikdom og lidenskap for disse to vidunderlige edelstenene som utgjør novembers lykkestener. Og det passer virkelig helt perfekt for den sensuelle Skorpionen og eventyrlystne Skytten født i november.

Strålende citrin sies faktisk å være en gave fra selve solen, men visste du også at den kalles "suksess-stenen"? Hvis du med andre ord ønsker å invitere mer velstand i livet ditt, er citriner for deg! 

Avbildet over: en custom ring med en gul citrin til en jente som venter en liten baby denne måneden

Man har lenge trodd at citriner bidrar til å bringe hell og suksess til den som bærer dem. Men pass på; citriner oppfordrer også til å dele velstanden med de rundt deg ;) 

Citriner har svært god varighet og scorer 7 på Mohs skala for edelsten-hardhet.

Sjekk ut våre custom-design ringer med citrin og topas

Novembers andre lykkesten, den overdådige topasen i alle sine vakre sjatteringer, kan også skape hetebølger. Vi mener det bokstavelig! I middelalderen mente de faktisk at topasen  kunne øke kroppstemperaturen din og dermed hjelpe deg med å bekjempe sykdom og galskap.

Noen mener også at ordet "topas" kommer fra "tapas" i Sanskrit som betyr "ild". Så dette er åpenbart en edelsten som bringer frem 

 fattet med en naturlig, blå topas på totalt 0,93 carat omkranset av tre bærekraftige lab-diamanter 

Men helt seriøst, topas er faktisk en av de mektigste edelstenene som finnes.

Topas sies å kunne balansere kroppens energipunkter slik at du kan regulere følelsene dine, forbedre tankekraften din og holde kommunikasjonen åpen og tydelig, både med deg selv og andre. I våre øyne er akkurat det superhot ;) 

La edelstenenes superkrefter påvirke deg

Topas er et nivå hardere enn sin lykkesten-partner citrin, og måler 8 på Mohs skala for edelsten-hardhet.

November Birthstone: Citrine and Topaz and Their Fire Energy

November lykkesten: Fire energy med citrin og topas 

Leos and Virgos born in August sure are lucky, they can choose a Spinel birthstone of any color!

The name “Spinel” comes from the Greek word for “spark”, referring to the gem’s distinctive sparkly shine.

, spinels can be found in red, green, blue, pink, purple, orange, brown, colorless and black.

This diverse and brilliant gemstone is very sturdy (7,5 to 8 on 

), which means it has excellent durability and can be passed on for generations.

In ancient times, exceptional large spinel crystals were found in Southeast Asia, and thus became the treasured properties of kings and emperors.

Since then, red spinel has constantly been mistaken for 

.

In fact, several of the famous “rubies” of royal history have been spinels.

One of the most famous examples is the so-called “

”
This historic gemstone is in fact a giant spinel, weighing 170 carats. It’s set in England’s Imperial State Crown and displayed in the Tower of London.

Pictured above: ﻿Our gorgeous Elephant Spinel rings. Check out similar rings 

In addition to being adored by royals, the August Birthstone is known to inspire growth in its bearer, and will help you overcome obstacles.

Wearing a spinel of any color will also increase your confidence and boost your inner strength. Spinel is, furthermore, believed to protect you from harm and soothe away sadness.

From time to time we have spinels in our 

, but if you can't find the right one you can always contact us for a 

Løver og Jomfruer født i august kan velge en lykkesten i yndlingsfargen sin, for spineller kommer i alle nyanser!

Avbildet ovenfor: Våre nydelige Elephant Spinel ringer, sjekk ut lignende ringer 

Navnet “spinell” kommer fra det greske ordet for “gnist”, som viser til denne vakre stenens særegne utstråling.

, finnes spineller i rød, grønn, blå, rosa, lilla, oransje, brun, fargeløs og sort.

Denne varierte og flotte stenen er veldig solid (7,5-8 på 

), som betyr at den har utmerket varighet og kan gå i arv i generasjoner.

Denne asiatiske herligheten har blitt forvekslet av 

I gamledager ble eksepsjonelt store spineller funnet i Sørøst-Asia og de ble derfor kjære eiendommer for konger og keisere.

Siden da har røde spineller ofte blitt forvekslet med 

Faktisk er flere av de berømte rubinene i kongelig historie spineller.

En av de mest kjente eksempele på dette er den såkalte ”

Denne historiske edelstenen er en gigantisk spinell som veier hele 170 carat. Den er satt i Imperial State Crown, en av Englands kronregalier, og står på utstilling i Tower of London.

I tillegg til å være yndet av de kongelige, er lykkestenen for august også kjent for å inspirere til utvikling i den som bærer den. Spineller vil også hjelpe deg å overvinne hindringer på din vei.

Går du med en spinell, i hvilken farge som helst, vil den bidra til å øke selvtilliten din og gi deg en boost av indre styrke. Spineller er dessuten kjent for å beskytte mot skade og gjøre deg mindre trist.

Fra tid til annen har vi spineller i vår 

, men hvis du ikke finner den riktige kan du alltids kontakte oss for en 

August Birthstone: Spinel Sparkle

August lykkesten: Fargerike spinell

Tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors shine so bright it can summon anyone’s inner artist. October is the perfect month to up your creative game!

All work and no play? October is here to change that around!

The October birthstone is tourmaline, a truly outstanding gemstone that comes in endless color combinations and with mystical abilities.

Tourmaline actually means “stone with mixed colors” in Sinhalese, one of the language spoken in Sri Lanka, and comes in various natural colors, from lovely greens to rose, red, pink, and blue, orange and champagne, including boundless shades of pastels.

With one of the widest color ranges of any gem, it’s easy to get why tourmalines are said to have enchanting qualities.

Tourmaline has often been called “the electric stone” because of its pyroelectric and magnetic powers. Back in the day, it was highly valued by alchemists, who thought they could make gold with it!

Check out one of our custom pieces that feature this stunning gemstone

As a most cherished gem, tourmaline is prophesied to bring enlightenment to its owner.

The October Birthstone is in fact thought to be especially helpful to artists, authors, actors and anyone working in creative fields.

October is the perfect month to channel that playful, creative spirit we all know you carry inside.

At Nangi, we believe everyone is an artist—so let colorful tourmalines guide you to your next project!

Whatever you feel attracted to this month, Libra, the first zodiac sign of October, simply go with it!

Bring out those paint brushes, sharpen your pencils, dig up that guitar or focus your photo lens.

October is the time to let yourself go and be guided by the magnetic sources that draw you to certain crafts, experiences and environments.

For the second zodiac sign of October, passion is in the air this month.

It’s time to turn up the heat in the kitchen, or, dare we say, the bedroom! You know what we mean, you sexy Scorpio ;)

a custom piece featuring a green tourmaline flanked by white sapphires

October invites you to create alchemy by coming out to play!

Libras are typically drawn to harmonious pink and green tints, whereas Scorpios have a thing for scarlets and deep reds.

Lucky for both zodiac signs, the infinite color possibilities of tourmalines, gives you a chance to find that perfect, magical, one-of-a-kind gem to spark your creative side.

Turmalins imponerende, glitrende fargespekter kan inspirere hvem som helst til å ville bli kunstner. Oktober er den perfekte måneden til å bli mer lidenskapelig og kreativ!

Jobber du for mye og leker for lite? Oktober er her for å snu det på hodet!

Oktobers lykkesten er turmalin, en virkelig enestående edelsten som kommer i utallige fargekombinasjoner og med mystiske egenskaper.

Turmalin betyr opprinnelig "sten med ulike farger" på singalesisk, språket som snakkes på Sri Lanka. Denne edelstenen kommer i et variert utvalg naturlige farger, fra nydelige grønntoner til rose, rød, rosa, blå, oransje og champagne. Den finnes også i uendelige nyanser pastell. 

Med et av de største fargespekter av alle edelstener, er det lett å forstå hvorfor turmaliner sies å ha fortryllende egenskaper.

Turmalin blir ofte kalt "den elektriske stenen" på grunn av dens pyroelektriske og magnetiske krefter. I tidligere tider var den svært ettertraktet blant alkymister, som forsøkte å lage gull med den!

Se en av våre custom ringer med denne utrolige edelstenen.

Som en høyt elsket sten, sies det at turmalinen skal gi innsikt og oppvåkning til den som bærer den.

Lykkestenen for oktober skal være svært nyttig særlig for kunstnere, forfattere, skuespillere og alle som jobber kreativt.

en custom ring med en grønn turmalin omkranset av to hvite safirer

Oktober er den perfekte måneden for å vekke til live den lekne, kreative siden din.

Hos Nangi mener vi at alle kan være kunstnere, så hvorfor ikke la turmalinen inspirere ditt neste prosjekt? 

Det første stjernetegnet for oktober er Vekten. Hva enn du tiltrekkes av denne måneden, Vekten, bør du bare gå for det. 

Ta frem penslene, spiss blyanten, dra frem gitaren eller fokuser fotolinsa!

Oktober er tiden for å glemme det du allerede vet, og la deg bli guidet av de magnetiske kildene som trekker deg til spesifikke håndverk, opplevelser og miljøer. 

For det andre stjernetegnet i oktober er det lidenskap som står i sentrum denne måneden.

Det er på tide å utforske dine ferdigheter på kjøkkenet, eller på soverommet, for den saks skyld! Skorpioner vet hva vi mener ;)

Oktober inviterer deg til å skape alkymi ved å leke mer! 

Vekten trekkes typisk mot harmoniske rosa og grønntoner, mens skorpioner vanligvis digger pulserende skarlagensrød og andre dype rødfarger. 

Heldigvis for begge stjernetegnene finnes det uendelige mange fargemuligheter i turmaliner, som gir deg sjansen til å finne den perfekte, magiske, unike stenen som kan vekke kreativiteten i deg. 

October Birthstone: Playful Tourmaline

Oktober lykkesten: Unike turmalin

The September birthstone sapphire is believed to bring inner peace and harmony to your life. Just what a hardworking girl needs when summer has long waned!

September can be a stressful month. Summer vacations seem like forever, and it’s full speed ahead at work.

It might be wise not to take on too much so you won’t be thrown off balance.

Perhaps you could use some of the calming energy from one of the most precious gemstones in history?

The September birthstone, sapphire, has magical properties that can help you restore harmony in your life.

Because of their hardness, ranking only second to diamonds, sapphires are considered one of the strongest gemstones there is. [1]

Tapping into that inner strength is something a stunning sapphire can inspire you to.

The magnificent blue-colored sapphires also symbolize the deepness of the soul, and September invites you to connect with your true self.

This holds especially true if you’re a fierce Virgo, the first zodiac sign of September.

As dedicated, strong-willed and hardworking people, Virgos can most definitely benefit from taking special care of yourself in September.

Not only do sapphires bring about inner peace, they will also boost your creativity and meditative practice.

Meditation is also a great tip for outgoing Libras born in September. Now is the time to take a deep breath and stay still.

Libras thrive in harmonious relationships and conflict-free environments, and are most happy when surrounded by soothing pink and green colors.

Luckily, the September birthstone doesn’t only come in blue!

Sapphires can actually be found in gorgeous greens, fun pink and fine champagne.

Now, take inspiration from these magical sapphires; slow down and shine in September!

Lykkestenen for september er safir. Det sies at safirer bringer indre fred og harmoni til livet ditt. Akkurat hva enhver "busy" kvinne trenger nå som sommeren er forbi.

September kan være en hektisk måned. Det kan virke som en evighet siden det var sommerferie, og det er full rulle på jobb igjen.

Kan hende det er lurt å ikke ta på seg for mye denne tiden da det er lett å havne i ubalanse. 

Kanskje du kunne trenge litt rolig energi fra en av historiens mest verdifulle edelstener? 

Lykkestenen for september er safiren. Den har magiske evner som kan hjelpe deg med å gjenopprette balanse og harmoni i livet ditt.

) blir safirer ansett å være en av de sterkeste edelstenene som finnes. [1]

Å komme i kontakt med din egen indre styrke er noe en spektakulær safir vil kunne inspirere deg til. 

De fantastiske blåfargede safirene symboliserer dessuten sjelens dybde, og september inviterer deg til å finne frem i dypet til ditt sanne jeg. 

Dette er spesielt sant hvis du er en modig Jomfru, det første stjernetegnet i september. 

Som viljesterke og hardtarbeidende mennesker vil Jomfruer garantert dra fordel av å ta litt ekstra vare på seg selv denne måneden. 

Safirer vil ikke bare kunne gi deg indre sjelero, men vil også kunne sette fart på  kreativiteten og motivere deg til å gjøre flere meditasjonsøvelser.

Meditasjon er også et godt tips for utadvendte Vekter født i september. Nå er tiden inne for å trekke pusten dypt og være i ro.

Vekten trives i harmoniske forhold og konfliktfrie miljøer, og har det best når de er omgitt av behagelige rosa og grønne toner.

Safirer finnes faktisk i lekre grønnfarger, friske rosatoner og nydelig champagne.

La deg inspirere av disse magiske safirene, senk skuldrene og føl deg strålende i september!

Menu

Ring Protection 101: How to Keep Your Rings Safe During Frequent Hand Washing and Sanitizing

Which rings require additional care?

Read similar posts