Rubies and sapphires are quite precious (literally) as these corundum cousins are among the four gemstones classified as “precious gemstones,” alongside diamonds and emeralds. Adored for their vibrant color and exceptional durability, rubies and sapphires have been beautifully adorning jewelry for thousands of years. But even the toughest, most durable of items require some tender loving care now and then. So, whether you’re looking for expert tips on how to clean rubies or wondering exactly how to clean a sapphire ring, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn what supplies you’ll need, the steps for cleaning rubies and sapphires and how often you should be doing so.
Comparing rubies and sapphires
High-quality rubies and sapphires are some of the rarest gemstones in the world. Both gemstone types are varieties of the mineral corundum and share the same high hardness level of 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds. The key difference, however, lies in the color: rubies are red due to the presence of chromium, while sapphires include all other colors of corundum (including blue, yellow, green, pink, purple, orange, etc.), with blue being the most common.
How often should I clean my rubies and sapphires?
The answer to this question can differ depending on how often you wear your jewelry, where and with what activities you do while the jewelry is worn and your lifestyle habits. Jewelry pieces that are worn regularly will require more frequent cleaning, likely every week or two. Even if you do not want to thoroughly clean your jewelry that often, a gentle cleaning with a soft, non-abrasive cloth can help restore some luster and shine until a more thorough cleaning can be done. Pieces worn less frequently, like special occasion earrings or heirloom rings , won’t require such frequent cleanings. However, these pieces should still be dusted off and cleaned every few months or so. While wearing jewelry can increase the rate at which it collects dirt or residue (due to natural skin oils, environmental factors, sweat and air pollutants), even jewelry kept tucked away in a jewelry box might need the occasional cleaning to remove dust, lint and more.
As a general rule of thumb, clean your rubies and sapphires weekly with a gentle rub down, monthly with a more thorough at-home cleaning and once or twice a year with a detailed professional cleaning.
How to clean your rubies and sapphires
Whether you’re learning to clean a sapphire ring or maintain heirloom ruby earrings, having the right tools and techniques is key. First, you’ll need to assemble your supplies. These will differ slightly depending on whether you opt for a "quick clean" rub-down of your jewelry or a more thorough soak-and-scrub. For a gentle, quick clean, all you’ll need is a soft, non-abrasive cloth. A jewelry polishing cloth works great for this purpose. If you’ll be soaking and scrubbing, you will need a small bowl of warm water, some mild dish soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- For a quick cleaning: Simply use a soft, non-abrasive polishing cloth to gently wipe down your sapphire or ruby jewelry, focusing on areas that tend to collect oils or fingerprints, like around the stone setting, the underside of rings or near clasps. Do not apply too much pressure, especially if the piece has intricate details or delicate prongs. It’s also recommended to avoid using paper towels (some brands can be abrasive) or tissues (which can leave lint behind).
- For a more thorough cleaning: Fill a small bowl or dish with warm (not hot) water and place two or three drops of mild dish soap into the bowl. Let your jewelry soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub it, focusing on the setting and hard-to-reach crevices. Rinse the jewelry with warm water and pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.
Things to avoid when cleaning rubies and sapphires
NOTE: Some sources may recommend using solutions containing ammonia, bleach or lemon juice to deep clean your ruby and sapphire jewelry. While these are typically harmless to untreated rubies and sapphires, they can be harmful to others that have undergone any heat treatments to enhance color or clarity, like lattice diffusion treatment (in which elements are diffused into the stones at high heat to intensify their color) and fracture filing, where cracks are filled with a glass-like substance to improve clarity. Using ammonia, bleach or lemon juice can negatively react with these treatments, creating an undesirable white discoloration or cloudiness, and potentially weakening the stone's structure.
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners (popular for cleaning other stones, like diamonds) are typically safe for untreated, heat-treated and lattice diffusion-treated stones. However, fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed sapphires and rubies should only be cleaned with a damp cloth to avoid permanent damage or unwanted reactions.
Lastly, avoid using toothpaste or other strong, abrasive cleaners. While rubies and sapphires are remarkably durable, abrasives can still cause microscopic scratches on the stone or damage the metal settings over time.
Ruby and sapphire care tips
In addition to cleaning, you can follow a few good ruby care and sapphire care practices to keep your gems safe and sparkling.
Separate storage. Consider storing your pieces separately in soft pouches or a lined jewelry box to prevent unnecessary wear. Despite their hardness, scratches can occur over time, especially if stored alongside harder materials, such as diamonds.
- Keep from chemicals. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, fragrances, sunscreen, bug spray and cleaning products that can dull your stone’s shine over time. Be sure to remove your jewelry before physical activity, including working out, gardening or doing housework.
- Track your gem’s treatment history. As mentioned above, some rubies and sapphires may have undergone treatment. Knowing how your gemstones have been treated can help you navigate which cleaning methods are (or aren’t!) appropriate for your specific ruby or sapphire.
- Plan a professional polish. Lastly, consider scheduling an annual (or bi-annual) cleaning and inspection with a professional to check for things like loose prongs, wearing and early signs of damage so they can be addressed sooner rather than later.
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