How To Clean and Care For Ruby

Ruby jewelry can be safely cleaned at home when you know the gemstone's treatment and use the right method. For untreated and conventionally heat-treated ruby, warm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush are generally suitable for routine cleaning. Gently clean around the gemstone and setting, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. However, fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material requires more cautious care and should generally be cleaned only with a damp cloth.

Ruby is a durable gemstone, but durability does not mean that every ruby or piece of ruby jewelry should be cleaned the same way. Treatments, settings, accent gemstones, and the condition of the jewelry can all affect the safest cleaning method. This guide explains how to clean and care for ruby jewelry at home, what to avoid, how treatments affect care, and when it is better to visit a professional jeweler.

Is Ruby a Durable Gemstone?

Yes. Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum and ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This high hardness gives ruby excellent resistance to scratching and makes it one of the more durable colored gemstones used in fine jewelry.

However, hardness and overall durability are not exactly the same thing. The Mohs scale primarily describes resistance to scratching. A ruby can still be damaged by a sufficiently hard impact, and fractures, treatments, settings, and other gemstones in the jewelry can affect how a piece should be worn and cleaned.

Corundum is generally stable under normal wearing conditions, so ordinary exposure to light is not a reason to avoid wearing ruby jewelry. Special care becomes more important when a ruby has undergone certain treatments or when the jewelry setting is damaged.

For more information about ruby properties, quality, and characteristics, visit our Ruby Education Guide.

Before Cleaning: Know Whether Your Ruby Has Been Treated

Before cleaning ruby jewelry, it is helpful to know whether the gemstone is untreated or has undergone a treatment. Treatment can affect the safest cleaning method.

Heat treatment is common in the ruby market and is traditionally used to improve aspects of a gemstone's color and clarity. Other treatments may include lattice diffusion, fracture filling, cavity filling, or dyeing. These treatments should not all be treated as equivalent because their durability and care requirements can differ.

What Do You Need to Clean Ruby Jewelry at Home?

For routine cleaning of untreated or conventionally heat-treated ruby jewelry, you usually need only a few simple items:

• A small clean bowl
• Warm water
• A small amount of mild soap
• A very soft-bristled brush
• A soft, lint-free cloth

What Should You Avoid?

Unless a qualified jeweler has specifically confirmed that a cleaning product or method is appropriate for your piece, avoid experimenting with aggressive DIY cleaners.

• Bleach and harsh household chemicals
• Strong solvents
• Abrasive cleaning powders
• Toothpaste
• Hard or abrasive brushes
• Unverified homemade chemical mixtures
• Aggressive scrubbing

Remember that you are cleaning an entire piece of jewelry—not only the ruby. The metal, accent gemstones, treatments, adhesives if present, and condition of the setting may have different care requirements.

How to Clean Ruby Jewelry at Home: Step by Step

Step 1: Check the Ruby and Setting

Before cleaning, inspect the jewelry under good lighting. Look for a loose gemstone, bent or damaged prongs, cracks, or visible damage to the setting.

If the ruby moves in its setting or the jewelry appears damaged, do not continue cleaning it at home. A professional jeweler should inspect the piece first.

Step 2: Prepare Warm Soapy Water

Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap. You do not need a strong detergent or concentrated cleaning solution.

Avoid extremely hot water, particularly if you do not know the ruby's treatment history or if the jewelry contains other gemstones or materials with different care requirements.

Step 3: Clean the Ruby Gently

For untreated or conventionally heat-treated ruby jewelry in good condition, use a very soft-bristled brush to gently clean the gemstone and surrounding setting.

Do not scrub aggressively. Gentle cleaning is normally sufficient to loosen everyday oils, soap residue, lotions, and dirt.

Step 4: Clean Around and Under the Setting

Dirt can collect beneath a gemstone and around prongs, galleries, and other small areas of a setting. This is particularly common with frequently worn ruby rings.

Use the soft brush gently around accessible areas rather than forcing the bristles into delicate parts of the setting.

Step 5: Rinse Carefully

Rinse away remaining soap and loosened residue carefully. If cleaning near a sink, make sure the drain is securely closed or use a separate bowl so the jewelry cannot accidentally fall down the drain.

Step 6: Dry With a Soft Cloth

Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow hard-to-reach areas to dry thoroughly before storing the piece.

Step 7: Inspect the Jewelry Again

After cleaning, check the setting once more. If you notice a loose ruby, bent prong, damaged clasp, weakened link, or anything unusual, stop wearing the jewelry until it has been professionally inspected.

How Ruby Treatments Affect Cleaning and Care

Not every ruby should be cleaned in exactly the same way. The table below provides a practical overview of how treatment can influence care.

Ruby Type Warm Soapy Water Soft Brush Ultrasonic / Steam Care Consideration Untreated Ruby Generally suitable Generally suitable Generally considered safe when the jewelry is in good condition Normal ruby jewelry care Heat-Treated Ruby Generally suitable Generally suitable Generally considered safe when the jewelry is in good condition Normal ruby jewelry care Lattice-Diffusion-Treated Ruby Generally suitable Generally suitable Generally considered safe Some diffusion-treated material may require care regarding surface damage or repolishing Fracture-Filled Ruby Material Use greater caution Avoid aggressive brushing Avoid Use a damp cloth and follow treatment-specific instructions Cavity-Filled or Dyed Material Use greater caution Avoid aggressive brushing Avoid Clean gently with a damp cloth

Note: The safest method can also depend on the jewelry's overall condition and any other gemstones or materials in the piece. When treatment information is unavailable, use the gentlest practical method and consult a professional jeweler.

Can You Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner on Ruby?

Ultrasonic cleaning is generally considered safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice-diffusion-treated ruby when the gemstone and jewelry setting are in good condition. However, it should not be treated as universally appropriate for every ruby.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material. You should also avoid putting a piece into an ultrasonic cleaner when you are uncertain about its treatment, when the setting is damaged, or when other gemstones in the jewelry require gentler care.

If you do not know the treatment history of your ruby, warm soapy water and gentle manual cleaning are a more conservative starting point.

Can You Steam Clean Ruby Jewelry?

Steam cleaning can generally be used for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice-diffusion-treated ruby in suitable jewelry, but it is not appropriate for all treated material.

Do not use steam cleaning for fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material. When in doubt about treatment or the condition of the jewelry, ask a professional jeweler before using steam.

How to Clean a Ruby Ring

Ruby rings often collect more residue than jewelry worn away from the hands because they are regularly exposed to skin oils, lotions, soap, and everyday dirt.

For an untreated or conventionally heat-treated ruby ring in good condition, gently clean the top and sides of the gemstone as well as accessible areas underneath it using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Pay particular attention to the areas around prongs where residue can accumulate.

After cleaning, inspect the prongs and setting. If the ruby moves or a prong appears damaged, stop wearing the ring and have it professionally inspected.

If you are currently selecting a ring rather than cleaning one, our guide on how to choose a ruby ring for her explains ruby color, clarity, cut, carat weight, treatments, settings, and metal choices.

How to Clean Ruby Earrings

Ruby earrings can accumulate oils and residue from skin, hair products, and cosmetics. Clean untreated or conventionally heat-treated ruby gemstones gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, while also considering the care requirements of the metal and any additional gemstones.

Pay attention to earring posts, backs, clasps, and settings. Make sure everything is completely dry before wearing or storing the earrings.

How to Clean a Ruby Necklace

When cleaning a ruby necklace, consider both the gemstone and the chain or setting. Avoid pulling or twisting delicate chains during cleaning.

Before wearing the necklace again, check the clasp and gemstone settings. If the necklace contains other gemstones, pearls, enamel, or additional materials, follow the care requirements of the most sensitive component rather than assuming that ruby's durability applies to the entire necklace.

How to Clean a Ruby Bracelet

Ruby bracelets can collect residue because they frequently come into contact with skin, lotions, and surfaces throughout the day. Clean suitable ruby jewelry gently and inspect the bracelet's links, clasps, and gemstone settings afterward.

If the bracelet contains several gemstones, use a cleaning method appropriate for all of them rather than choosing a method based only on ruby.

Common Ruby Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Using Toothpaste

Toothpaste is not necessary for cleaning ruby jewelry and can contain abrasive ingredients that may affect metal surfaces or other materials in the piece. Mild soap and an appropriate gentle cleaning method are better choices.

Using Bleach or Harsh Household Chemicals

Avoid exposing fine jewelry to bleach, strong solvents, and aggressive household cleaners. Even when the ruby itself is durable, the setting, treatment, or other materials in the piece may be affected.

Assuming Every Ruby Has the Same Care Requirements

This is one of the most important mistakes to avoid. Treatment can significantly change the appropriate cleaning method. Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, and dyed material should not automatically be cleaned like untreated ruby.

Scrubbing Too Hard

Aggressive scrubbing is unnecessary. A soft brush and gentle motion are normally sufficient for appropriate ruby jewelry.

Automatically Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Ruby's hardness does not mean that every ruby can safely go into an ultrasonic cleaner. Treatment, setting condition, and other gemstones in the piece must also be considered.

Ignoring a Loose Stone

Cleaning cannot repair a loose gemstone or damaged prong. If the ruby moves in its setting, have the piece professionally inspected before wearing or cleaning it further.

How to Care for Ruby Jewelry Every Day

Good ruby care is not limited to cleaning. Everyday habits can help protect both the gemstone and its setting.

• Remove jewelry for high-impact activities: Take off ruby rings and bracelets before gardening, sports, heavy cleaning, or other activities that may subject the jewelry to hard knocks.
• Be careful with household chemicals: Remove fine jewelry before using strong cleaning products.
• Apply cosmetics first: When practical, apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and cosmetics before putting on jewelry to reduce residue buildup.
• Check the setting: Periodically inspect prongs, clasps, and settings for movement or visible damage.
• Don't rely on hardness alone: Ruby is highly scratch-resistant, but hard impacts can still damage a gemstone or its setting.

How to Store Ruby Jewelry Safely

Ruby's high hardness means it can scratch softer gemstones and jewelry materials if pieces repeatedly rub against each other. At the same time, ruby itself should be protected from contact with harder materials and from unnecessary impact.

Store ruby jewelry individually in a soft pouch, lined jewelry box, or separate compartment. Avoid piling several pieces together where gemstones and metal surfaces can rub against one another.

After cleaning, make sure the jewelry is dry before putting it away. Store it in a clean, dry environment rather than leaving it damp or exposed to household chemicals.

If you also own diamond jewelry, storing pieces separately can help prevent gemstones and metal settings from scratching one another.

How Often Should You Clean Ruby Jewelry?

There is no single cleaning schedule that applies to every ruby piece. Clean jewelry when oils, lotions, soap residue, or everyday dirt begin to dull its appearance.

A ruby ring worn every day may need attention more frequently than earrings or a necklace worn only occasionally. The appropriate frequency also depends on treatment, setting, lifestyle, and how the jewelry is worn.

Avoid unnecessary repeated cleaning simply to follow a calendar. Gentle cleaning when needed, combined with regular visual inspection, is a more practical approach.

When Should You Take Ruby Jewelry to a Professional?

Home cleaning is useful for routine maintenance, but some situations require professional attention.

Consider visiting a qualified jeweler if:

• the ruby feels loose or moves in its setting;
• a prong appears bent, worn, or damaged;
• the jewelry has suffered a hard impact;
• the gemstone appears cracked or damaged;
• you do not know whether or how the ruby was treated;
• the piece is antique, particularly valuable, or structurally delicate;
• the clasp, chain, or setting is damaged; or
• gentle home cleaning does not restore the jewelry's appearance.

A professional inspection can assess not only the ruby but also the security and condition of the entire piece.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning and Caring for Ruby

How do you clean ruby jewelry at home?

For untreated or conventionally heat-treated ruby jewelry in good condition, use warm water, a small amount of mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush. Clean gently, rinse carefully, and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Different instructions apply to fracture-filled, cavity-filled, and dyed material.

Can ruby get wet?

Untreated and conventionally heat-treated ruby can generally come into contact with water and can be cleaned with warm soapy water. However, certain treatments and other materials within a piece of jewelry may require more cautious care.

Can you clean ruby with soap and water?

Yes. Warm water with a small amount of mild soap is generally suitable for untreated and conventionally heat-treated ruby jewelry. Use a soft brush and avoid aggressive scrubbing. Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material requires different care.

Can you clean ruby with toothpaste?

Toothpaste is not recommended for routine ruby jewelry cleaning. It may contain abrasive ingredients that can affect metal surfaces or other materials in the jewelry. Mild soap and an appropriate gentle cleaning method are preferable.

Can ruby go in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Untreated, heat-treated, and lattice-diffusion-treated ruby can generally be cleaned ultrasonically when the jewelry is in good condition. Do not use ultrasonic cleaning for fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material. If treatment status is unknown, use a conservative manual method and ask a jeweler first.

Can ruby jewelry be steam cleaned?

Steam cleaning is generally considered suitable for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice-diffusion-treated ruby in appropriate jewelry. It should be avoided for fracture-filled, cavity-filled, and dyed material. The condition of the setting and other gemstones must also be considered.

How do you clean a treated ruby?

The correct method depends on the treatment. Conventionally heat-treated ruby generally tolerates warm soapy water and gentle brushing, while fracture-filled, cavity-filled, and dyed material requires greater caution and is generally best cleaned with a damp cloth. Ask the seller or jeweler if you do not know the treatment.

How often should you clean a ruby ring?

Clean a ruby ring when everyday oils, lotions, soap residue, and dirt begin to dull its appearance rather than following an arbitrary schedule. A frequently worn ring may need cleaning more often than jewelry worn occasionally.

Can you wear ruby jewelry every day?

Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale and is one of the more durable colored gemstones for frequently worn jewelry. However, the gemstone can still be damaged by hard impacts, and the setting or certain treatments may require additional care.

How should ruby jewelry be stored?

Store ruby jewelry individually in a soft pouch, lined jewelry box, or separate compartment. Keeping pieces separated reduces the risk of ruby scratching softer materials or other jewelry scratching the metal and gemstone surfaces.

Final Thoughts on Ruby Cleaning and Care

Ruby is a durable gemstone, but proper care begins with understanding the particular piece you own. For untreated and conventionally heat-treated ruby, gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is usually sufficient for routine maintenance. More heavily treated material, particularly fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material, can require significantly gentler care.

Protect ruby jewelry from hard impacts and harsh household chemicals, inspect settings periodically, store pieces separately, and seek professional advice whenever the treatment or condition of the jewelry is uncertain.

With an appropriate cleaning routine and thoughtful everyday care, you can help preserve the beauty of your ruby jewelry for years to come.

Gemological References

For independent information about ruby durability, treatment, cleaning, and care, see the GIA Ruby Care & Cleaning Guide. For information about disclosure of gemstone treatments and laboratory-created gemstones, see the FTC Jewelry Guidance.