What Gemstone Should I Choose for Drop Earrings?
Choosing a gemstone for a pair of drop earrings sounds simple until you are staring at 19 options and second-guessing every one. This guide walks you through all 19 natural gemstones available in the Eleanor custom drop earring — what each looks like, how durable it is, whether it works as a birthstone, and what occasion or style it suits best.
Why the Gemstone Choice Matters
Three things determine whether a gemstone works for daily wear in a drop earring:
- Hardness — measured on the Mohs scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Anything below 6 can scratch or chip with regular wear. Above 7 is excellent for earrings.
- Color in different lights — some stones shift dramatically between sunlight and indoor lighting. Labradorite is the standout example: grey in shade, flashing blue-green in direct light.
- Your skin tone and metal — warm stones (garnet, citrine, tiger's eye) flatter warm and olive skin tones. Cool stones (aquamarine, blue topaz, amethyst) work well with fair and cool undertones.
All 19 Gemstones at a Glance
Mohs hardness of 7 or above is recommended for everyday earring wear.
| Gemstone | Mohs | Color | Birthstone | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | 5-6 | Sky to teal blue | December | Everyday, boho, Southwest style |
| Labradorite | 6-6.5 | Grey with blue-green flash | — | Everyday, subtle statement |
| Moonstone | 6-6.5 | White with blue sheen | June | Soft, romantic, layered looks |
| Amethyst | 7 | Light lilac to deep purple | February | Everyday, gifts, birthstone |
| Garnet | 6.5-7.5 | Deep red to rose | January | Gifts, winter, bold color |
| Citrine | 7 | Pale yellow to amber | November | Warm-toned, everyday |
| Blue Topaz | 8 | Sky to Swiss blue | December | Everyday, pairs with silver |
| Aquamarine | 7.5-8 | Pale to medium blue-green | March | Spring, gift, delicate looks |
| Rose Quartz | 7 | Soft blush pink | — | Romantic, gifting, pastel styles |
| White Opal | 5.5-6.5 | White with color play | October | Statement, unique, iridescent |
| Black Opal | 5.5-6.5 | Dark with color play | October | Bold statement, dramatic |
| Malachite | 3.5-4 | Banded green | — | Bold color, occasional wear |
| Lapis Lazuli | 5-6 | Royal blue with gold flecks | September (alt) | Classic, rich, art-inspired |
| Tiger's Eye | 6.5-7 | Golden brown with sheen | — | Earthy, warm, everyday |
| Black Onyx | 6.5-7 | Solid black | — | Classic, neutral, versatile |
| Green Onyx | 6.5-7 | Deep forest green | — | Bold, earthy, pairs with gold |
| Carnelian | 6.5-7 | Warm orange to red-brown | — | Earthy, autumnal, energetic |
| Prehnite | 6-6.5 | Pale mint to apple green | — | Soft, fresh, spring looks |
| Rutilated Quartz | 7 | Clear with gold needle inclusions | — | Unique, conversation piece |
Choosing by Category
Best for Everyday Wear
For earrings you can wear all week without thinking about it, look for Mohs 7 or above with a neutral or versatile color. Black Onyx (Mohs 6.5-7) is the easiest everyday choice — pairs with any outfit and any metal. Amethyst (Mohs 7) is one of the most popular picks for the same reason. Labradorite reads neutral in shade and flashes color in direct light, making it a go-to for those who want one earring that works in every setting.
Best as a Birthstone Gift
Birthstone matches among the 19 available stones:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- June: Moonstone
- October: Opal (white or black)
- November: Citrine
- December: Turquoise or Blue Topaz
For months not listed, many customers pick a stone by color that represents the person rather than a strict birthstone. It works beautifully.
Best for Making a Statement
Black Opal is the most dramatic stone in the lineup — dark base with shifting color play. Lapis Lazuli is royal blue with natural gold flecks from pyrite inclusions. Rutilated Quartz is clear quartz threaded with golden needle-like inclusions — completely unique, no two the same.
How to Use the GemBar
The Eleanor earring is designed through the GemBar — pick your stone and metal in real time and watch the earring change on screen before you buy. Each pair is handmade in our Colorado studio. Orders placed before 12 PM MST ship same day. Production takes 2 to 3 business days. The Eleanor earring is $155 and ships free with orders over $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the gemstones natural or lab-created?
All gemstones are natural, not lab-created. They are ethically sourced by Erin Gallagher personally from Responsible Jewelry Council-certified suppliers.
Which gemstone is most durable for daily wear?
Blue Topaz (Mohs 8) and Aquamarine (Mohs 7.5-8) are the hardest in the lineup. Amethyst, Citrine, and both Onyx varieties (Mohs 7) are also excellent for everyday wear.
Can I mix two different stones — one per ear?
Yes. Use the GemBar to preview combinations. Many customers pair their own birthstone with a child's or partner's.
How hard is turquoise?
Turquoise rates 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it better suited for occasional wear than daily use. Worth it for the color.
Ready to Design Yours?
Head to the GemBar and design your Eleanor drop earrings in real time. Or browse the full Birthstone Earrings collection or Dangle Earrings collection for more options.