Ruby jewellery has always been that perfect something to add to any collection. Whether a shimmering ruby coloured necklace, a vintage ruby jewellery set, or simple ruby stone jewellery, these bold red gems are loved for their brilliance and meaning. However, like all fine jewellery, rubies require proper care in order to retain their brilliance over the years. 

In this guide, we will explain how to clean ruby stone, how to store it properly, and how to maintain your rubies for years to come. 

Why Ruby Jewellery Needs Special Care

Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones on the Mohs scale (rated 9), in toughness, and are generally durable enough for everyday wear. But even rubies can get scratched by harder materials such as diamonds, or can become dirty over time. Further, poor storage can cause surface wear, or loosen a setting. 

If you regularly maintain a piece of ruby stone jewellery, you can keep it looking its best, and feeling safe to wear. 

How to Safely Clean Ruby Stone at Home

How to Clean Ruby Jewellery Safely?

Regardless if it’s a ruby necklace or a complete ruby jewelry set, the safest way to clean it is with some mild soap and water.

The Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Ruby Jewellery

- Prepare a mild solution: In a small bowl mix with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.

- Soak your ruby jewellery: Let your ruby pieces soak in the solution for 10-15 minutes.

- Apply gentle pressure while brushing: Take a soft bristled tooth brush and gently brush around the stone, with focus on the setting and in between crevices.

- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse using clean and lukewarm water until any soap residue is completely off.

- Pat dry: Gently pat the jewellery dry with a lint-free cloth and allow it to air dry completely before wearing or storing. 

Tip:  Do not use hot water or harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia as those can ruin any ruby stone and its respective setting.

Read more: How to Choose the Right Ruby Ring for a Special Occasion

How Often Should You Clean Your Ruby Jewellery?

Ruby ring should be cleaned regularly

If you wear your ruby necklace and rings regularly, then you do not need to clean the jewellery everyday. However, it is a good idea to properly clean these items at least once a month if you wear them regularly. If you wear the jewellery occasionally, you can just quickly wipe it with a clean, soft cloth before putting it on and after you take it off. 

Storage Tips to Keep Ruby Jewellery Safe

How Should Ruby Jewellery Be Stored?

Storing ruby jewellery in the proper manner is just as important as cleaning it. Storing ruby jewellery be it ruby necklace or ruby ring inappropriately can create scratches, dullness and can even lose the stones. 

Key Storage Tips:

Store separately: You should always store your ruby stone jewellery in a separate pouch or a soft lined box. Rubies are hard enough to scratch the softer gems, and rubies can get scratched by diamonds.

Use anti-tarnish cloths: While rubies don’t tarnish, the metal around the rubies (especially silver or gold) will tarnish. Wrap your jewelry in anti-tarnish cloth, and all your jewelry will remain sparkling.

Keep away from sunlight and moisture: Direct sunlight can affect treated rubies, and moisture can tarnish the metal and loosen the setting.

Can I Wear My Ruby Jewelry All Day?

Yes, rubies are hard enough to wear every day, particularly in rings and earrings. You may want to take your ruby jewelry off during

- Cleaning

- Using harsh cleaning products

- Working out or swimming

- Putting on any beauty products like hairspray, perfume or lotion

These activities can cause residue to build on the ruby or damage the metal it is set in.

Maintaining Your Ruby Jewellery Set for Generations

Should I Get My Ruby Jewellery Inspected Professionally?

Definitively. If you have inherited a ruby jewellery set that has been handed down through generations, or if you have an expensive ruby necklace or piece, you should inspect your jewellery with a qualified jeweller once every year or so. A jeweller can check: 

- The setting/prongs

- Any wear and tear

- How treated versus natural rubies are holding up

Professional cleaning really brings out your rubies stone's original sparkle and shine.

Read more: July Birthstone Explained: Ruby’s Meaning, Benefits, and How to Care for It

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I clean a cloudy ruby?

If your ruby looks cloudy or dull, it's likely an indication of dirt and/or oils that have accumulated. Soak your ruby in its ring in a mild soapy solution. Next, use a toothbrush to scrub off any dirt and oils. Be sure not to use an ultrasonic cleaner, and avoid it especially if the ruby is treated.

Can I use toothpaste to clean my ruby jewellery?

No, you should never use toothpaste to clean ruby jewellery. Toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can scratch your ruby and the metal. For safety, try to only use a mild soap and water solution to clean your items. 

Why did my ruby lose its shine?

Rubies can lose their shine due to the build-up of skin oils, lotion, and dirt from every day wear. Regular gentle cleaning can restore the gemstone's shine. If you have gently cleaned the stone and it remains dull, it may be that you have a damaged polish or scratched surface and will need professional assistance.

What's the best way to travel with my ruby necklace?

Use a travel jewellery case with separate sections, wrap your ruby necklace in a soft cloth or tissue, and store it in its own pouch to prevent tangling and scratching.

What are the best metals for ruby stone jewellery?

Rubies look amazing in yellow gold, white gold, silver and even rose gold. Silver does tend to tarnish somewhat more than gold, and slightly requires more care; if you want a more maintenance-free option then go for gold-plated or an excellent quality 925 sterling silver.

Let Your Rubies Shine for Years and Years

Keep these ruby earrings in a storage box

Ruby jewellery is more than just a fashion statement ! Ruby jewellery is often worn as a symbol of love, passion, and timeless beauty. Whether you have a classic ruby necklace or a regal ruby jewellery set, a little cleaning and storing can help preserve the beauty and value of your ruby jewellery for whenever you decide to wear it again.

With a little tender, loving care, perfunctory cleaning and proper storing, that ruby stone jewellery can keep shining just as much as the day you bought it for years and years to come! Now that you know to clean a ruby stone and our guidelines for storage, you can rest easy and enjoy your rubies!

TAGS

-

how to clean ruby stone , How-to Guide , ruby jewellery , ruby jewellery set , ruby necklace , ruby stone jewellery

Shwetha J

Shwetha is a content writer who brings in Shopify & off-page SEO expertise, and matches her passion for dance off-duty.