Can A Ruby Get Wet? (Here’s The Truth)

Whether rose red or sunrise pink, rubies are undoubtedly all gems – but how do we keep them clean? These precious stones aren’t cheap, so maintaining their luster, brilliance, and beauty is essential. So, can ruby get wet?

A ruby can get wet; this stone is a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it is remarkably durable and will resist water damage. Cleaning your rubies with a damp, soapy cloth is effective and practical. However, ensure that you avoid other forms of damage since these gemstones are not indestructible.

Now that we know that water won’t hurt a ruby, we can examine this topic in more detail. This post will explain how to guarantee your ruby jewelry’s long-lasting beauty and splendor.

Why Can A Ruby Get Wet?

It’s okay to let rubies get wet because of their extreme hardness. Rubies, along with sapphires, are corundum, the second hardest stone next to diamond.

They have a rank of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning that anything softer than a diamond cannot scratch them.

Not only that, but rubies also resist other forms of wear and tear – sunlight, heat, and most chemicals can’t damage this stone. That’s true for untreated rubies, while heat-treated rubies are even more resistant.

So, water won’t damage a ruby. Likewise, the impurities you’ll find in tap water can’t stain, crack, or discolor this gem, either.

How To Keep A Ruby Clean

Rubies are hard stones, and while that’s great for their durability, it also means that matter can build up on their surfaces. This dirt can cloud and fade the ruby.

Since water won’t harm rubies, cleaning your jewelry with it is okay. Often, the easiest way to keep them brilliant and lustrous is to wipe them down with a wet cloth that you’ve dipped in soapy water.

It isn’t necessary to soak your rubies in the water, though. Almost all dirt should slide off these stones if you thoroughly wipe them.

What To Avoid With A Ruby

Ensure you avoid using other chemicals on your rubies unless you know what you’re doing. Acetone, detergent, and alcohol will all damage this precious stone. There are far more effective ways of removing smudges.

Diamonds – and the metal surrounding them – can damage rubies. Similarly, rubies can also scuff or scratch softer gemstones. Knowing that, store them in a flat compartment where they can’t bump up against your other valuables.

Similarly, don’t handle your rubies too much. The oil on your skin can stain a ruby’s shine if you repeatedly let it touch the gem’s surface. So, once you’ve put the jewelry on correctly, avoid fidgeting with it.

Not only that but also make sure you put on your jewelry last of all. Perfumes, cosmetics, and skin creams can contain harmful chemicals. Because of that, it’s best to apply those first before completing your outfit with a ruby.

Avoid doing housework or cooking while wearing rubies. Many household cleaners or foods are acidic and will corrode your ruby. Likewise, if you often eat with your hands, take off your ruby rings first.

Similarly, don’t risk damaging or losing them when playing sports or gardening. Last, never let your ruby near a drain, trashcan, or shower – that’s asking for trouble.

Likewise, keep your gemstones away from sudden temperature changes.

However, if there is a dirt buildup, hope isn’t lost. Below are practical ways to clean your rubies if soap and water can’t do the trick.

Use a Jewelry Cleaning Solution

Jewelers and department stores stock unique cleaning formulas to remove persistent dirt from your jewelry. Because rubies are so durable, there’s no risk that these cleaning solutions can hurt them. So, they’re an ideal way to keep your gemstones clean.

Nevertheless, ensure you follow instructions closely. These are powerful chemicals and can be dangerous if you mishandle them.

Likewise, remember the metal in your jewelry before purchasing a cleaning solution. Gold, silver, platinum, and titanium require different solutions – don’t buy the wrong one and risk damaging your jewelry.

Purchase A Steam Or Ultrasonic Cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to scrub buildups of dirt and oil from gemstones. These sound waves work alongside water or a jewelry cleaning solution to scrub your ruby spotless.

While these tools might be on the pricy side, they’re nevertheless worth it. An ultrasonic cleaner will always be cheaper than a new set of ruby earrings.

On the other hand, steam cleaners are far more affordable, but they aren’t as thorough.

Remember not to use these cleaners on softer gems – they make rubies sparker and shine but can crack or corrode a softer stone. Likewise, keep them away from a cavity or fracture-filled rubies. Those stones are far more fragile.

The Jeweler Is Your Friend

If all else fails, do not panic. Instead, take your ruby to the jeweler. These people are trained professionals and know how to deal with faded, scratched, or otherwise damaged stones.

Doing so is vital if your jewelry is damaged. It’s far better to have prongs tightened, and stones reset than it is to buy another ruby. It’s heartbreaking to lose such a precious stone.

Even if you can’t see any loose stones, it’s still a wise idea to have them checked under magnification. Professional jewelers can spot issues before they become significant and do the necessary repairs.

Not only that, but regular checkups don’t hurt either. Corundum is valuable, so keeping it in tip-top condition is particularly important. Depending on how often you wear your rubies, have them checked at least once per year.

That’s why it’s vital to examine your rubies after you take them off for the day. The sooner you spot damage, the better. Pay special attention to the prongs – they should be uniformly long and tight. Likewise, check if your ring isn’t too loose.

Remember that not everyone is honest, though. Not everyone will return a lost ring. Likewise, it’s best to have the jeweler repair your rubies in front of you, so you can ensure that they don’t switch out your gems for fakes or inferior stones.