Ruby Care Tips: How to Keep Your Jewellery's Sparkle and Strength

Ruby is one of the hardest gems (9 on the Mohs scale), but its setting still needs care: clean it with mild soap and lukewarm water, store it separately from other jewellery, and take it off before chores, swimming, or sport. Here's how to keep your ruby pieces looking their best.

Why Ruby Care Matters

Ruby is famous for its rich red colour and durability, but even the toughest gem benefits from regular care to keep its brilliance — and to protect the setting that holds it. Most damage is easily preventable with a few simple habits.

Understanding Ruby's Durability

Ruby on the Mohs Scale

Ruby ranks 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones — just below diamond. This is true of both natural and created ruby. While the stone resists scratches well, the metal setting still needs looking after.

Strengths & Vulnerabilities

Although hard, rubies can still chip at the edges from a sharp knock, and can be scratched by diamonds. They also prefer to avoid sudden temperature changes and strong chemicals.

Daily Care Tips

When to Wear & Remove

Put ruby jewellery on last — after makeup, lotion, and perfume — and take it off before swimming, showering, or exercising. This keeps both the stone and setting free of residue and moisture.

Lotions, Soaps & Perfume

These can leave a film on the ruby's surface that dulls its shine. Let lotions and perfume dry fully before putting jewellery on.

Cleaning Ruby Jewellery at Home

Safe DIY Method

Use lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristle brush to gently clean your ruby jewellery. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Tools to Use & Avoid

Use a microfibre cloth, soft brush, and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners (especially for delicate or older pieces) and harsh chemicals unless a jeweller advises otherwise.

Caring for Sterling Silver Settings

Most Irosk ruby pieces are set in 925 sterling silver. Silver can naturally tarnish over time, so polish gently with a soft jewellery cloth, store with an anti-tarnish strip if you have one, and keep pieces away from humidity. This keeps both the silver and the ruby looking bright.

Storing Ruby Jewellery

Preventing Scratches

Always store ruby pieces separately — rubies can scratch softer stones and be scratched by diamonds. A fabric-lined box or individual soft pouches work well.

Best Conditions

Keep ruby jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Travelling with Ruby Jewellery

Use a compact organiser with individual slots, and wrap each piece in soft cloth to prevent movement and abrasion. It's safer to pack ruby securely than to wear it during long trips.

Care by Piece Type

Rings

Rings take the most daily wear — remove ruby rings when washing dishes, gardening, or lifting to avoid knocks and setting damage.

Necklaces & Earrings

Less exposed to impact, but they still collect oils and dust. Wipe them regularly and check clasps and posts for wear.

Caring for Created vs Natural Ruby

Created and natural ruby are equally hard and beautiful, so they need the same care routine. Created rubies often have fewer inclusions, which can help them stay clear with proper handling — but both reward gentle care.

Signs Your Ruby Needs Attention

If your ruby looks cloudy or dull even after cleaning, it may need professional polishing. Check prongs, bezels, and clasps regularly — if the stone feels loose, stop wearing the piece and see a jeweller.

FAQs About Ruby Care

How often should I clean ruby jewellery?

At home, every 2–4 weeks. For a deep clean and inspection, see a jeweller once or twice a year.

Can I wear ruby jewellery in the shower?

It's best not to. Water and soap can leave residue, dull the stone, and loosen settings over time.

Do created rubies need less care?

No — created and natural ruby have the same composition and need the same gentle care.

New to ruby? Learn more in our July birthstone meaning guide, or browse the ruby jewellery collection.

---

About Irosk Australia

Irosk is an Australian jewellery brand specialising in handcrafted 925 sterling silver birthstone and gemstone jewellery. Founded by Ish and Lovneet in 2021 and based in Brisbane, Irosk creates timeless, meaningful pieces designed for gifting and everyday wear — each one crafted with care and accurately described so you always know exactly what you're getting. Your stone. Your story.