How Do I Care for Ruby Jewellery

Rubies are a UK favourite for their red aesthetics as well as profound meaning. They have become cherished heirlooms and a popular contender for engagement rings. They are called the “King of Gems” and are a very durable gemstone. However, they do need your attention.

Without care, even the brightest ruby can dull, and you don’t want that! Thanks to our tips and tricks, you can easily learn how to clean a ruby stone!

How Strong Are Rubies?

Ever heard of the Mohs scale? It ranks gemstone hardness, and diamonds top it at 10. Rubies are right up there with a 9, making them a fantastic choice for everyday pieces like rings, earrings, and necklaces that need to stay stunning!

However, even strong gems have vulnerabilities:

● Rough surfaces like concrete can still scratch a ruby.

● Impact damage can chip the edges or weaken the setting.

● Improper storage can cause rubies to scratch softer gems or even other rubies.

If you want to wear your gold ring with ruby every day, you are good to go. But it is also your responsibility to treat it with care so the red gemstone can shine bright for years to come.

Curious about how your ruby’s quality is determined? Explore the article Understanding the Four C’s of Coloured Gemstones to become a more informed jewellery owner.

Daily Habits to Keep Your Ruby Jewellery Sparkling

Protecting your ruby doesn’t require huge effort, it just needs smart daily habits:

1. Remove during chores and exercise: When cleaning, cooking, gardening, working out, or swimming, your ruby rings and bracelets might encounter dirt, sweat, or rough knocks. It’s best to skip wearing them for those activities!
2. Avoid direct chemical exposure: Before you put on your ruby jewellery, get done applying perfumes, lotions, hairsprays and make-up. Such products can have chemicals or abrasive substances that, over time, react with your ruby to dull its shine. It can also disturb the gold setting.
3. Wipe after wearing: At the end of the day, take a moment to wipe your ruby jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth. It’s an easy habit that keeps grime at bay.

Small, consistent care makes a massive difference!

How to Clean a Ruby Stone at Home: Step-by-Step 

Don’t worry about how to clean a ruby stone! Here’s a safe and easy way to do it.

You’ll need:

● Mild dish soap

● Lukewarm water

● A soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes are ideal)

● Lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth

Steps:

1. Mix a few drops of mild soap into a bowl of lukewarm water. 

2. Let your ruby jewellery soak for 10–15 minutes.

3. Gently brush around the stone and under the setting using the soft toothbrush.

4. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water.

5. Dry immediately and completely with a soft, clean cloth.

For vintage or delicate pieces, especially those with glued stones, limit soaking time and avoid water pressure. Love caring for your treasures? Learn more with Lapis Jewellery Care 101: Keeping Your Gemstone Gleaming.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Ruby Jewellery

Certain cleaning methods can seriously damage your ruby jewellery. Always avoid:

● Harsh chemicals: Bleach, acetone, chlorine, and even some commercial cleaners are far too aggressive.

● Ultrasonic cleaners: While tempting, these machines can loosen ruby settings, especially if your ruby has been treated.

● Rough cloths: Always use ultra-soft cloths, not paper towels or tissues.

Despite regular cleaning, if your gold ring with ruby looks dirty, cloudy or damaged, you should seek professional cleaning. This is a much safer option than attempting a harsh DIY fix.

Do you want to become a true expert in gold and gemstone care? Our Complete Gold Jewellery Handbook is packed with styling, buying, and maintenance tips you’ll love.

How to Store Ruby Jewellery to Prevent Damage

Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning. Here’s how to keep your ruby pieces safe:

Store separately: 

Hard rubies can scratch softer gems like emeralds and opals. Keep your ruby in its own soft pouch or padded compartment.

Use lined jewellery boxes:

A velvet-lined or silk-lined box cushions your ruby against knocks and scratches.

Organise necklaces:

Lay chains flat or hang them individually to prevent tangling and damage. 

Smart travel storage:

Use a dedicated travel case with padded slots. Avoid tossing your ruby jewellery into general luggage where it might get crushed or tangled. Building a smart storage system protects not only your ruby but your entire jewellery collection.

When to Seek Professional Care for Your Ruby Jewellery

Sometimes a soft cloth and soap aren’t enough. Here’s when to visit a trusted jeweller:

● Every 6–12 months:

A regular professional cleaning maintains your jewellery's brilliance and detects small issues early.

● If you notice damage:

 Loose prongs, moving stones, or cracks inside the ruby should be addressed immediately.

● For heirloom or vintage pieces:

Antique settings require special expertise. Avoid DIY cleaning unless advised. 

● After major events:

If you dropped your ruby jewellery or exposed it to chemicals, a checkup can prevent hidden problems from getting worse.

Read More: Price of a Ruby Stone: What to Know Before Buying

Caring for Ruby Jewellery in Rainbow and Multicoloured Designs

If you love multicoloured or rainbow jewellery, special attention is necessary:

Prioritise the softest stone:

Ruby may be tough, but if your piece includes delicate stones like opal, turquoise, or pearls, clean and store them with the softest gem in mind.

Gentle cleaning: 

Use minimal brushing and limited soaking time. Clean mixed-stone jewellery separately if possible.

Watch for mixed reactions:

Chemicals or cleaners safe for ruby might damage other stones in the piece. Always double-check or consult a professional before cleaning rainbow jewellery.

Ruby Jewellery Care FAQs

Can I use jewellery wipes?

Only if they're labelled safe for gold and gemstones. Always avoid wipes containing alcohol or ammonia.

What if my ruby looks cloudy? 

Cloudiness could signal dirt build-up, internal flaws, or surface damage. If cleaning doesn’t restore shine, see a jeweller.

How often should I clean my ruby?

Once a month or two is enough, especially if you are following the smart habits we mentioned!

Can I wear my ruby jewellery in the shower?

Not recommended at all!

Do lab-created rubies need different care?

The physical composition of lab-created rubies is the same as mined rubies, so they require the same care!

Conclusion

Wearing a ruby makes you part of a story that’s teeming with legacy and aesthetics. Just as it elevates your outfits, it deserves the same love back with mindful care.

Follow our expert tips and you won’t have to worry about your ruby stone losing its sparkle. Clean it from time to time, safely store it, and understand when to seek professional care, then you are good to go!

If you are looking to add new ruby pieces to your jewellery collection, Argent & Asher is the perfect place to find handcrafted jewellery that lasts a lifetime!