How to Clean and Store Ruby Jewelry: A Practical Care Guide
A fine ruby is one of the hardest natural substances on earth — rated 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond. This makes rubies highly durable for everyday wear. However, durability doesn't mean indestructible, and the way you clean, store, and handle your ruby jewelry directly affects how it looks and lasts over time.
Understanding Your Ruby's Vulnerabilities
Before diving into care routines, it's important to understand that not all rubies are identical in their resilience:
- Fracture-filled rubies: Stones treated with glass or lead-glass filling are significantly more vulnerable to heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaning. If your ruby has this treatment (check its certificate), standard cleaning methods can cause permanent damage.
- Heavily included stones: Rubies with significant surface-reaching fractures can be more sensitive to thermal shock.
- The setting matters too: The metal setting (gold, platinum, silver) and any secondary stones (diamonds, emeralds) affect which cleaning methods are safe.
Safe Home Cleaning Methods
Method 1: Warm Soapy Water (Best for Most Rubies)
This is the safest and most effective method for untreated or heat-treated rubies:
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the jewelry for 10–20 minutes to loosen oils and debris.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to the back of the stone and beneath the setting where dirt accumulates.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean, warm running water. Use a strainer over the drain.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing.
Method 2: Ultrasonic Cleaner
Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for most heat-treated rubies set in solid gold or platinum, but never use one on:
- Glass-filled or fracture-filled rubies
- Rubies with prominent surface fractures
- Pieces with other stones that may not be ultrasonic-safe (emeralds, opals, pearls)
Method 3: Steam Cleaning
Professional steam cleaning is effective for untreated and conventionally heat-treated rubies. The same exclusions as ultrasonic cleaning apply. It's best left to a professional jeweler who can assess your specific piece.
What to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine, acetone) | Can damage settings and surface treatments |
| Boiling water or steam on filled rubies | Can dissolve or displace glass fillings |
| Abrasive cloths or polishing compounds | Can scratch the stone's surface or metal setting |
| Ultrasonic cleaners on filled stones | Vibrations can shatter glass fillings |
| Prolonged exposure to sunlight | Can affect certain surface coatings |
Proper Storage
Because rubies score 9 on the Mohs scale, they can scratch softer gems — and be scratched by diamonds (10). Follow these storage principles:
- Store separately: Keep each piece of jewelry in its own compartment, soft pouch, or wrapped in a lint-free cloth to prevent scratching.
- Avoid humidity extremes: Store in a cool, dry environment. A jewelry box with a fabric lining is ideal.
- Use anti-tarnish strips: Especially for silver settings — these absorb sulfur compounds that cause tarnishing.
- Safe deposit boxes: For high-value pieces, consider a bank safe deposit box or a home safe for long-term storage.
When to See a Professional
Have your ruby jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. A qualified jeweler will check:
- Prong integrity — worn prongs are the most common cause of stone loss
- Setting security for any side stones
- The condition of any surface treatments
With proper care, a quality ruby should remain brilliant and beautiful for generations. The small investment of time and care is entirely proportional to the value of the stone you're protecting.