Hardstone Explanation and Purchasing Guide: An Overview of Hardstones
In the world of jewellery and decorative arts, the term "hardstones" has long been a catch-all phrase used to describe certain semiprecious gemstones known for their relative hardness and ability to be polished to a fine luster. Common examples include turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, tiger's eye, and opal. These stones have been traditionally used in jewellery and decorative arts, often set alongside diamonds for contrast and sparkle.
However, the term "hardstone" is somewhat misleading in contemporary gemmology. It implies a focus solely on hardness as a defining characteristic. However, gemstone hardness (measured on the Mohs scale) varies widely, and some stones called hardstones are not as hard as diamonds or sapphires. For example, lapis lazuli and turquoise are relatively soft compared to corundum or diamond.
The classification is more historical and traditional than scientific. It groups together a variety of stones that are not necessarily related mineralogically but share usage in jewellery and decorative carving. Modern gemmology prefers more precise terms describing the mineral composition, hardness, durability, and gemological properties rather than the catch-all "hardstone" label, which can obscure important differences in stone care and value.
One such example is the material malachite, a banded green gem material with a hardness of 3 to 4, which is not considered hard by gemmologists but is often called a hardstone due to its durability. Another example is the use of hardstones in high jewellery ranges by designers such as Garrard, Dior, Pomellato, Cartier, and Veschetti, where hardstones are used as a complement to more expensive gemstones.
The term "hardstone" has been used for thousands of years, as seen in the British Museum's collections of jewellery and objects that may be 6,000 years old. However, the term "semi-precious" is unsatisfactory when referring to hardstones due to its implication of inexpensiveness often being false.
A decision on a replacement term for "hardstones" that is acceptable to the jewellery trade, decorative arts, clients, and gemmologists is yet to be made. The terms "ornamental stones" or "artisanal stones" are currently under consideration. The aim is to find a term that accurately describes these materials while avoiding any potential negative connotations or misconceptions.
In summary, "hardstones" refer to certain semiprecious stones traditionally valued for their hardness and beauty in jewellery, but the term is considered outdated and imprecise in modern gemmology because it oversimplifies the characteristics and diversity of these materials. The search for a more accurate and inclusive term continues, reflecting the evolving understanding and appreciation of these fascinating materials in the world of jewellery and decorative arts.
- In the realm of science, contemporary gemmology seeks to replace the term "hardstones" with more precise descriptors, focusing on mineral composition, hardness, durability, and gemological properties.
- The British Museum's collections showcase jewellery and objects dating back thousands of years, which have long been referred to as hardstones, but their relevance in modern gemmology is questionable.
- The imprecise nature of the term "hardstones" often leads to misunderstandings, as stones labeled as such can vary significantly in hardness, with some like malachite being less hard than diamonds or sapphires.
- Gemmologists strive to avoid the use of catch-all terms like "hardstones" in favor of terms that accurately reflect each material's characteristics, such as "ornamental stones" or "artisanal stones."
- The jewellery trade, decorative arts, and clients alike are participating in the debate to find a term that acknowledges the unique properties of these materials without giving misleading impressions of their value or hardness.
- High-end designers like Garrard, Dior, Pomellato, Cartier, and Veschetti continue to incorporate hardstones in their luxury jewellery pieces, complementing them with more expensive gemstones.
- The decision to officially replace the term "hardstones" has yet to be made, as discussions continue within the jewellery community to find the most appropriate and accurate term.
- The ongoing search for a new term reflects the evolving understanding and appreciation of these materials within the broader context of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, business, technology, education-and-self-development, sports, and weather.
