Rubies, the captivating gems of the corundum family, have enchanted humanity for millennia. Their fiery red hue, associated with passion, courage, and prosperity, makes them a coveted addition to any jewelry collection. However, owning a ruby comes with the responsibility of proper care to maintain its brilliance and prevent damage. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of preserving your red ruby’s beauty for generations to come.
Understanding Your Ruby
Before diving into care techniques, it’s crucial to understand the characteristics of your ruby. Rubies are primarily composed of aluminum oxide, with trace amounts of chromium responsible for their signature red color. The intensity of the red can vary greatly, ranging from a light pinkish-red to a deep, saturated red known as “pigeon’s blood.” This color intensity, along with clarity, cut, and carat weight, significantly influences a ruby’s value.
Natural vs. Treated Rubies
It’s important to know whether your ruby is natural or has undergone treatments to enhance its color or clarity. Heat treatment is a common practice, and generally accepted, to improve the color and dissolve inclusions. Other treatments, such as lattice diffusion or fracture filling, are also employed, but they can affect the ruby’s durability and require specialized care. Understanding the type of treatment your ruby has undergone will help you choose the appropriate cleaning and maintenance methods. Always ask your jeweler for complete transparency about any treatments applied to the stone.
Ruby Hardness and Durability
Rubies boast a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the most durable gemstones second only to diamonds. This hardness makes them resistant to scratching. However, despite their hardness, rubies are not indestructible. They can still be chipped, fractured, or damaged by harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Proper handling and storage are essential to prevent such damage.
Cleaning Your Ruby Jewelry
Regular cleaning is paramount to maintaining the luster of your ruby. Dirt, oils, and everyday grime can accumulate on the surface of the stone, dulling its brilliance.
Gentle Cleaning Methods
The safest and most effective method for cleaning a ruby involves using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush.
- Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water.
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap (avoid detergents with harsh chemicals).
- Soak your ruby jewelry for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently scrub the ruby and its setting with a soft brush, such as a baby toothbrush. Pay attention to areas where dirt may accumulate, such as under the prongs.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners on rubies with fracture fillings, as these methods can damage the filling material.
Professional Cleaning
For valuable or intricate ruby jewelry, consider professional cleaning by a reputable jeweler. Jewelers have specialized equipment and expertise to clean your ruby safely and effectively. They can also inspect the setting for any loose prongs or damage. Professional cleaning is particularly recommended for rubies with significant inclusions or those that have undergone fracture filling.
Storing Your Ruby Jewelry
Proper storage is equally important as cleaning when it comes to preserving your ruby’s beauty.
Individual Storage
The most important rule of thumb is to store your ruby jewelry separately from other jewelry pieces. This prevents scratches and damage from harder gemstones like diamonds. Store each piece in its own soft pouch or jewelry box compartment. Fabric-lined jewelry boxes or pouches are ideal for protecting your ruby.
Away from Light and Heat
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat can fade the color of some treated rubies. Store your ruby jewelry in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing them in bathrooms or other humid environments.
Protecting Your Ruby from Damage
Prevention is key to keeping your ruby in pristine condition.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the surface of your ruby or the metal setting. Remove your ruby jewelry before engaging in activities that involve exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning, gardening, or swimming in chlorinated pools. Chemicals found in cosmetics, hairspray, and perfumes can also dull the brilliance of your ruby. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry.
Mindful Wear
While rubies are durable, they are not indestructible. Remove your ruby jewelry before engaging in activities that could subject it to impact or abrasion, such as sports, heavy lifting, or housework. Even everyday activities like typing on a keyboard can gradually wear down the surface of your ruby over time.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Take your ruby jewelry to a professional jeweler for regular inspection and maintenance. A jeweler can check the setting for loose prongs, signs of wear, or damage. They can also clean the ruby thoroughly and advise you on any necessary repairs. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent more significant damage in the future.
Dealing with Specific Ruby Treatments
As mentioned earlier, understanding any treatments your ruby has undergone is crucial for proper care.
Heat-Treated Rubies
Heat treatment is a stable and generally accepted treatment for rubies. Heat-treated rubies are usually quite durable and can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. However, avoid exposing them to extreme temperature changes.
Lattice Diffusion Rubies
Lattice diffusion involves introducing coloring elements into the surface of the ruby at high temperatures. This treatment can create a shallow layer of enhanced color. Be cautious when polishing or repairing lattice diffusion rubies, as aggressive polishing can remove the colored layer.
Fracture-Filled Rubies
Fracture filling involves filling surface-reaching fractures with a glass-like substance to improve the ruby’s clarity. These fillings can be more vulnerable to damage from harsh chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners. Clean fracture-filled rubies with a soft cloth and avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Consult a jeweler for specific cleaning recommendations.
Recognizing Signs of Damage
Regularly inspect your ruby jewelry for any signs of damage.
Scratches and Abrasions
While rubies are scratch-resistant, they can still be scratched by harder materials like diamonds. Examine your ruby for any visible scratches or abrasions.
Chips and Fractures
Chips and fractures can occur if your ruby is subjected to impact or stress. Look for any cracks or chips on the surface of the stone.
Loose Prongs or Settings
Check the prongs or setting that holds the ruby in place. Loose prongs can cause the ruby to become loose or even fall out.
Dullness or Loss of Brilliance
If your ruby appears dull or lacks its usual brilliance, it may be due to a build-up of dirt and grime. Cleaning the ruby thoroughly may restore its luster. If the dullness persists, it could indicate damage to the surface of the stone.
Repairing Damaged Rubies
If your ruby is damaged, it’s essential to seek professional repair as soon as possible.
Professional Repair
A skilled jeweler can repair chipped or fractured rubies, tighten loose prongs, or replace damaged settings. Attempting to repair a ruby yourself can cause further damage.
Polishing and Refaceting
In some cases, a scratched or abraded ruby can be polished to restore its brilliance. Severely damaged rubies may require refaceting, which involves recutting the stone to remove the damaged areas. Refaceting can alter the size and shape of the ruby.
Caring for your red ruby is an investment in its enduring beauty. By following these guidelines for cleaning, storage, protection, and maintenance, you can ensure that your ruby continues to sparkle and captivate for years to come. Remember to consult with a reputable jeweler for any questions or concerns regarding the care of your ruby jewelry. Their expertise can help you maintain the beauty and value of your cherished gemstone.
What cleaning solutions are safe to use on a red ruby gemstone?
The safest way to clean a red ruby is with warm water, mild dish soap (like Dawn), and a soft brush, such as a toothbrush. Gently scrub the ruby to remove dirt and grime, then rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or ultrasonic cleaners, especially if your ruby has undergone any treatments or enhancements, as these could potentially damage the stone or its finish.
Remember to always pat your ruby dry with a soft, lint-free cloth after cleaning. Avoid air-drying, as this can leave water spots. For particularly stubborn dirt or grime, you can soak the ruby in the warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing gently. This will help loosen the debris without resorting to harsh chemicals.
How often should I clean my red ruby jewelry?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear your ruby jewelry. For pieces worn daily, a quick wipe down with a soft cloth after each wear can help remove oils and dirt buildup. A more thorough cleaning with warm, soapy water should be done every 2-4 weeks to maintain its brilliance.
For ruby jewelry worn only occasionally, a cleaning every few months is generally sufficient. However, always inspect your jewelry before and after wearing it. If you notice any significant dirt or dullness, it’s time for a cleaning, regardless of how recently you last cleaned it.
Can I wear my red ruby jewelry while swimming or showering?
It’s generally not recommended to wear your red ruby jewelry while swimming or showering. Chlorine in swimming pools and harsh chemicals in some soaps and shampoos can potentially damage the ruby or its mounting. While rubies are durable, prolonged exposure to these substances can dull their luster over time.
Furthermore, wearing jewelry in the shower increases the risk of it slipping off and being lost or damaged. Soaps and shampoos can also leave a film on the ruby, diminishing its sparkle. To be on the safe side, it’s best to remove your ruby jewelry before engaging in these activities.
How should I store my red ruby jewelry to prevent damage?
Proper storage is crucial for preserving the beauty of your red ruby. Store your ruby jewelry in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from other gemstones or materials. Keep each piece separate to avoid them rubbing against each other and causing damage.
Avoid storing your ruby jewelry in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures. These conditions can affect the mounting metals and potentially impact the ruby’s appearance. Consider storing your valuable ruby pieces in a safe deposit box when not in use for extended periods.
What are the signs that my red ruby needs professional cleaning or repair?
If your red ruby appears significantly dull despite regular cleaning, or if you notice any chips, cracks, or loose settings, it’s time to seek professional help. A jeweler specializing in gemstones can assess the condition of your ruby and recommend appropriate cleaning or repair methods.
Additionally, if you suspect your ruby has been treated or enhanced, a professional jeweler can help determine the best way to care for it without causing damage. Trying to repair or clean a damaged ruby yourself could potentially worsen the problem, so it’s always best to consult an expert.
Are there any specific treatments or enhancements commonly applied to rubies that I should be aware of?
Yes, many rubies undergo treatments to enhance their color and clarity. Heat treatment is a common practice that improves color saturation. Lead-glass filling is another treatment used to fill surface fractures and improve the ruby’s apparent clarity.
It’s important to be aware of any treatments your ruby has undergone, as this can affect how you care for it. For example, rubies treated with lead-glass filling should be cleaned very gently and should not be exposed to ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the filling. Always ask your jeweler about any treatments applied to your ruby so you can maintain it properly.
How can I protect my red ruby jewelry from scratches and abrasions?
While rubies are relatively hard gemstones, they can still be scratched by harder materials. Avoid wearing your ruby jewelry during activities that could expose it to rough surfaces or impacts, such as gardening, cleaning, or playing sports.
When not wearing your ruby jewelry, store it separately from other jewelry, especially those with harder gemstones like diamonds. Consider having your ruby jewelry appraised and insured to protect against loss or damage. Regular inspections by a jeweler can also help identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems.