Diamonds are Earth’s hardest natural material, rated 10 on the Mohs scale.
But hardness is not the same as toughness.
Their crystal structure is strong yet brittle—sharp impacts can cause tiny fractures.
Chemically, diamonds resist acids and alkalis, but oils, cosmetics, and dust can coat their surfaces and dim their brilliance.
Thus, the first rule of scientific care is:
“Avoid chemical and physical damage.”
This protects both the metal plating and the diamond’s reflective facets.