If you’re the proud owner of a stunning sapphire engagement ring or recently inherited one, you’ve probably searched the web for how to clean sapphire ring when wondering how to keep your captivating stone shining as much as possible.
The good news is that, among your other options, sapphires rank as one of the most durable gemstones available. Rather than keeping it perfectly preserved on a velvet pillow, this means you can feel confident in showing off your fine jewelry as part of your everyday wear. However, you’ll still want to give your ring some regular TLC to maintain all the qualities that make it so eye-poppingly gorgeous.
Not sure where to start? Below, we’ll give you the step-by-step guide on how to clean your sapphire ring to keep it sparkling.
How to Clean Your Sapphire Ring at Home
If you’re preparing to clean your sapphire ring yourself, you’ll be happy to know that the best method for cleaning your sapphire jewelry at home involves nothing but a few supplies you most likely already have around the house, plus a few easy cleaning techniques.
First, let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
Sapphire Cleaning Supplies
Before you set out to clean your sapphire ring, you’ll need to gather a few basic supplies. To clean your sapphire ring at home, you’ll need:
- Warm water
- A bowl
- A mild soap or detergent
- A soft brush, such as a clean paintbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush
- A toothpick
- A soft, lint-free cloth or chamois
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, be sure to set up your cleaning station in a safe place, such as on a desk or kitchen table, where your ring isn’t likely to fall to the floor or down the drain.
Now, let’s dive into the best method for cleaning your sapphire at home.
Sapphire Cleaning Steps
After your supplies are in place and your sapphire-cleaning station is all set up, you’re ready to begin your gem cleaning session. Follow these five simple steps:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and mild soap. Let your ring soak for a few minutes to loosen any accumulations of dirt or debris.
- Using your brush, gently scrub the ring to remove any buildup.
- Next, use a toothpick to carefully loosen any dirt caught beneath prongs or in crevices on other parts of your ring.
- Dip your ring in your soap-and-water solution once more and temporarily set the ring aside. Replace the water in the bowl with clean, warm soap-free water, then swish the ring around once more to remove any soap residue.
- Once all the soap is rinsed off, use your soft cloth to pat the ring dry and polish the stone.
This soap-and-water method is excellent for those who’d like to refresh and revitalize their sapphires, but would prefer not to purchase extra supplies or take their ring to a professional. The other upside of this method is that you can find these supplies virtually anywhere—thus, if your ring needs some maintenance while you’re on the road, you’re still likely to find the tools you need without bringing anything with you.
How to Clean White Sapphire Rings
If you’ve been hoping to add a little dazzle to your white sapphire ring, we’ve got you covered—there’s virtually no difference between the mineral makeup of different types of sapphire, apart from the elements that give them their color. Thus, you can safely use these suggestions without wondering whether your uniquely colored gemstone jewelry fits the bill.
Tips and Tricks for Sapphire Cleaning
Now that you’ve got the basics down, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you clean your sapphire ring including:
- Clean it regularly – Servicing your jewelry like an engagement ring often will make your cleaning sessions a breeze. If you wear the ring daily, cleaning it once a month is usually sufficient, but as long as you’re using gentle tools and soap, you can safely use this method as often as you desire.
- Stay away from the drain – If you want to enjoy your sapphire ring for many years to come, it’s important to avoid cleaning or rinsing your ring over a sink or open drain. Remember, a wet, soapy ring is likely to be more slippery and difficult to handle!
- Try a jewelry cleaning solution – Due to sapphires’ relative impenetrability, it’s usually safe to use most store-bought jewelry cleaning solutions on them. Rather than using a mild dish soap and water, simply follow the instructions that come with the product of your choice.
Cleaning Methods to Leave to the Professionals
Aside from the soap-and-water method, there also are mechanical methods to clean sapphires and other gemstones such as:
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- High-speed mechanical polishing
- Steam cleaning
Although these tools can be highly effective at removing buildup, they also come with a risk of permanently damaging your sapphire if not used correctly.
Using these methods safely also depends on a number of factors specific to your individual sapphire, including:
- Whether your sapphire has been heat treated or oil treated
- What kind of metal is used in the ring’s band
- If the ring has any inclusions, fractures or cracks
If your ring shows significant buildup, hasn’t been cleaned in a long time or if your at-home cleaning attempts don’t satisfy, these mechanical cleaning methods can still be helpful when done by a professional jeweler or gemologist. Before using such equipment, however, a knowledgeable professional will carefully examine every facet of the stone and verify what treatments have been applied to ensure no permanent damage will result.
How to Make Your Sapphire Ring Sparkle
When cleaning and caring for your sapphire ring, you might be inclined to pay the most attention to any grime you notice on the surface. But it’s important to remember that sapphires are usually multifaceted and somewhat transparent, and that cleaning all sides of the stone equally will be important to getting that sparkle.
To truly make your ring shine when cleaning it, keep these tips in mind:
- Clean all facets of the stone, not just the flattest surface on top.
- When cleaning, use a small, fine brush, like an artist’s detailing paintbrush, to reach the pavilion, or underside of the stone. If there is space beneath the stone’s setting, be sure to clean this area, too.
- Use the same small brush to clean around and under the prongs that hold the stone in place.
How to Care For Your Sapphire Ring
Cleaning your ring regularly will contribute greatly to its dazzling qualities. To ensure the longevity of your sapphire stone, however, there are additional steps you can take to prevent damage in the long term.
Protect your ring with the following steps:
- Store it well – When you’re not wearing it, keep your ring in a safe place, such as its own section in a jewelry box.
- Take it off – Remove the ring before getting your hands dirty, such as when cooking, gardening or washing dishes.
- Maintain it – Take it to your jeweler for maintenance about once a year, or sooner if you notice any signs of the stone being loose.
- Avoid harsh chemicals – While sapphires are resilient against most liquids, even the hardest gemstone could have inclusions, cracks or quirks not visible to the naked eye. These features might, in turn, make them more susceptible to damage from harmful substances. To keep your ring gleaming, avoid any contact with acids, harsh chemicals and solutions.
- Keep it out of the heat – Sapphires stand up well to heat and light, but prolonged exposure can still damage both the stone and your ring band, especially if your sapphire has already been altered with heat or oil treatments. Avoid setting your ring down where it may come into contact with high heat or steam.
- Apply your products first – If you use fragrances, skin care and hair care products, apply them and wash your hands before putting on any fine jewelry. Some of these products contain alcohol and other ingredients which will not only dirty your sapphire but also diminish its long-term brilliance.
- Insure your ring – Caring for your ring is important, but protecting your investment also means preparing for the unexpected. Many insurance providers can insure the value of your ring should it become lost or stolen, while some jewelers offer policies to cover any care, maintenance and repairs your ring might need within a certain time frame.
With Diamond Nexus, Your Sapphire Care is Covered
Whether you’re looking to preserve the quality of your sapphire engagement rings for future generations or simply want more peace of mind when purchasing a pair of sapphire earrings, finding the right source for your jewelry can make a substantial difference in its quality, brilliance and longevity.
At Diamond Nexus, you can choose from many affordable styles of sapphire jewelry—pieces from Diamond Nexus, including engagement rings and fine jewelry, comes with a free lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, including unique benefits such as Spa Days and Free Resizing. The warranty covers repairs due to manufacturing issues but excludes wear and tear, loss of gemstones, or theft. Enjoy two free Spa Days with deep cleaning, polishing, and rhodium plating within the first year. We offer one complimentary resizing within the first year for standard ring sizes. Some limitations apply, and clearance items are excluded from the warranty. For additional coverage, consider purchasing an Extend Protection plan.
Need further tune-ups after your plan ends? At Diamond Nexus, we’re always here to help. That’s how much we care.
Sources:
Gemological Institute of America. Sapphire Care and Cleaning Guide. https://www.gia.edu/sapphire-care-cleaning
The International Gem Society. How to Clean Your Gemstone Jewelry. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/clean-gemstone-jewelry/