How To Clean Your Ruby And Diamond Rings

If your birthday is in July, you may have some ruby and diamond rings, or other jewelry that includes both stones in the same setting, since rubies are the July birthstone. Rubies are also the gift stone for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary. Rubies are also one of the most expensive gemstones. So it’s understandable that you might be a little bit afraid to try to clean your ruby and diamond rings for fear of damaging those beautiful stones.

Fear not, however, because rubies are the rank a close second to diamonds as far as hardness goes, and diamonds are the hardest substance known to man. So it will take a lot to damage that stone but you should still take a few precautions.

Regardless of what type of product you use to clean your ruby and diamond rings, you should always clean them over or in a small bowl. Never put them directly in the sink or hold them directly over the sink. If there should happen to be any loose stones, you could lose them forever, right down the drain.

Using a commercial jewelry cleaner or solvent to clean your rubies and diamonds is fine. These products usually contain a soft bristled brush that you can use to get into all the little nooks and crannies of the setting and under the stone itself. Soaking your rings in alcohol or vodka overnight will also help loosen any dirt or oils that may be in those hard to reach places. But never use toothpaste to clean your jewelry. While it shouldn’t damage hard stones, like diamonds and rubies, the granules in the toothpaste could scratch the metal of the setting.

Be sure to rinse your ruby and diamond rings after cleaning and then thoroughly dry with a soft cloth before storing them in your jewelry box.