This guide highlights the essential steps to keep your ruby ring sparkling for a lifetime, emphasizing the importance of proper upkeep in preserving its vibrant hue. A ruby ring, with conscientious care, can remain a cherished heirloom, transcending generations. 

Understanding the Ruby's Characteristics

In daily life, the likelihood of a ruby getting scratched under normal wear conditions is relatively low due to its hardness. Rubies rank as one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale. This means they are resistant to scratches and abrasion. What can scratch ruby:

•    Diamonds: As the hardest known natural material, diamonds can scratch rubies. Storing or wearing diamonds and rubies together without proper separation can lead to scratches on the ruby's surface.
•   Other Rubies: Since rubies can only be scratched by substances of equal or greater hardness, another ruby can potentially cause scratches. This is important to consider when storing multiple ruby pieces.
•   Dust with Hard Particles: Dust might seem harmless, but it can contain hard particles like quartz (hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale). Repeated exposure to dusty environments without proper cleaning can potentially lead to micro-scratches over time.

 Taking care of natural vs lab grown ruby

 While both natural and lab-created rubies require similar levels of care in terms of cleaning and avoiding harsh conditions, natural rubies might need more cautious handling due to their natural inclusions and treatments.

 Taking Care of Natural Rubies:

•   Durability and Treatments: Natural rubies are extremely durable but often come with natural inclusions. They are commonly treated for color and clarity enhancements, typically through heat treatment.
•   Sensitivity to Chemicals and Heat: Due to these treatments and natural inclusions, natural rubies can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and extreme heat.
•   Regular Cleaning: Use mild soap and warm water for cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners if the ruby has significant inclusions or has been fracture-filled.
•   Professional Inspection: Regular professional inspections are recommended to check for any damage to the stone or loosening of the setting, which can be more common in natural stones.

 

 

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 Taking Care of Lab-Created Rubies:

•   Uniformity and Treatments: Lab-created rubies typically have fewer inclusions and more uniform color. They are less likely to have been treated than natural rubies.
•   Durability: While they share the same chemical properties as natural rubies, lab-created rubies might be slightly more durable due to the lack of natural inclusions.
•   Cleaning and Maintenance: Lab-created rubies can generally withstand more rigorous cleaning methods, including ultrasonic cleaners.
•   Care and Handling: While more durable, they should still be handled with care. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.

Daily Precautions: Avoiding Common Ruby Ring Hazards

 Your daily routine can pose hazards to your ruby ring. Exposure to chemicals, hard impacts, and extreme temperatures can risk its appearance. Protect your ruby ring from everyday hazards by avoiding the following:

•  Extreme Temperatures: avoiding situations like leaving a ruby ring near a heat source (such as a stove or radiator). It is also crucial to handle rubies carefully during jewellery repairs or modifications, as the tools and processes involved can generate high temperatures. Extreme heat and cold can affect the ruby's setting or cause cracks in the stone. Avoid exposing your ring to prolonged periods of intense heat or cold. While rubies can withstand heat relatively well, extreme or rapid changes in temperature can cause damage.
•   Remove Jewellery During Heavy Tasks: To ensure the safety of your ruby jewellery, it is essential to remove it during activities that pose a risk of hard knocks and impacts. These activities include manual labor, use of tools, gardening, DIY projects, heavy cleaning, sports, or any situation where the jewellery might be exposed to sudden impacts. Such precautions are crucial to avoid chipping, scratching, or even fracturing the ruby. Prolonged exposure to heat and water during chores like cooking or dishwashing can potentially harm the ruby or loosen its setting.
•   Physical Activities and Sports: During high-intensity physical activities or sports, there's a risk of impact, which can not only damage the ruby but also pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Continuous exposure to saltwater (like sea water) and chlorinated water (like in swimming pools) can also affect the ruby's appearance.

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 Here are examples of chemicals that can potentially harm rubies and affect the metal setting, Remove the ring before engaging in activities that involve these chemicals:

•   Chlorine and Bleach: Found in cleaning products and pools, they can discolor and weaken rubies over time.
•   Ammonia: Common in cleaning products, it dulls the ruby's surface and reduces its shine.
•   Acids and Alkalis: Can corrode or etch the surface of the ruby,
•   Cosmetics: Chemicals in sprays, perfumes, and lotions can make rubies look dull.
•   Hydrofluoric Acid: Highly corrosive, potentially found in industrial cleaning products, damaging to rubies.
•   Saltwater and Chlorinated Water: Continuous exposure to saltwater (like sea water) and chlorinated water (like in swimming pools) can also affect the ruby's appearance.

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How to Clean Ruby Ring at Home

Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining the brilliance of ruby jewelry. Over time, rubies can accumulate dust, dirt, and oils from the skin, which can dull their natural luster and clarity. Here's a simple and safe method for cleaning your ruby ring at home:

•   Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water in a bowl. avoid harsh chemicals and extreme heat during cleaning.
•   Soak the Ring: Place the ring in the cleaning solution and soak for 15-20 minutes.
•   Gently Clean: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the ruby and the setting, paying attention to areas where dirt or grime tends to accumulate.
•   Rinse and Dry: Rinse the ring thoroughly under warm running water to remove any soap residue. It is important to thoroughly dry the ring with a soft lint-free cloth to avoid water mark.

Professional Ruby Ring Care: When and Why to Seek Experts

For more thorough care, professional cleaning and inspection are recommended every 6-12 months, depending on how frequently the jewellery is worn. Daily-worn items, such as engagement rings, should ideally be inspected every six months, while pieces worn less often may only need an annual check.

During professional sessions, jewelers clean the ruby thoroughly and conduct a detailed inspection of its setting, checking for any issues like loose settings, weakened prongs, or chips in the gemstone.

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The benefits of professional cleaning go beyond simple maintenance; it restores the original brilliance and luster of the ruby, which is especially beneficial for older or heavily worn pieces. Such care is crucial for preserving the value of investment pieces or heirlooms.

 Professional cleaning before special events can give your ruby jewellery an extra touch of elegance and shine. Jewelers use specialised techniques and equipment, such as ultrasonic and steam cleaners, to achieve a level of cleanliness that home methods cannot match.

Recognising when your ruby jewellery needs a jeweler's attention is vital,

•   Loose Ruby or Setting: If the ruby feels loose in its setting, or if you notice any movement, it is crucial to have it checked by a jeweler. Continued wear of a ring with a loose stone can lead to the ruby falling out and being lost.
•   Worn or Bent Prongs: Check the prongs holding the ruby in place. If they appear worn down, bent, or misshapen, they might not secure the ruby properly. A jeweler can repair or replace these prongs to prevent the ruby from becoming loose or falling out.
•   Scratches or Abrasions: While rubies are hard and resistant to scratches, they can still be damaged under certain conditions. If you notice any scratches, chips, or abrasions on the surface of the ruby, a jeweler can assess the extent of the damage and suggest appropriate remedies.
•   Cloudiness or Change in Color: If the ruby appears cloudy, lacks its usual brilliance, or has experienced a noticeable change in color, this can be a sign that it needs professional cleaning or possibly treatment to restore its appearance.
•   Damaged Band or Metalwork: Inspect the ring's band and any metalwork for signs of damage, such as cracks, thinning, or bending. A jeweler can repair or reinforce the metal to ensure the ring's structural integrity.

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Safe Storage: Keeping Your Ruby Ring Protected

 Storing ruby rings properly is crucial for maintaining their beauty and preventing damage. Here are the ideal conditions for storing ruby rings:

•   Individual Storage: Each ruby jewellery should be stored separately to prevent them from scratching each other or other pieces of jewelry. Rubies are hard and can scratch softer gemstones. They can also be scratched by harder gems like diamonds.
•   Soft Lining: Use a jewelry box with a soft lining, such as velvet or satin, to protect the ruby from scratches. The soft material acts as a cushion, reducing the risk of damage.
•   Controlled Environment: Avoid exposing the ruby to extreme temperatures or humidity, as these can cause damage over time. A cool, dry place is ideal for storage.
•   Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can potentially affect the ruby.
•   Away from Chemicals: Keep the jewellery box or storage area away from chemicals, including perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning agents, as these can cause damage to both the ruby and the metal setting.
•   Security Considerations: If the ruby ring is particularly valuable, consider storing it in a safe or another secure location to protect it from theft.

The Role of Proper Setting in Preserving Your Ruby

The setting of your ruby ring plays a dual role in both aesthetics and protection. It's essential to find a balance between visibility, protection, and style when selecting the ideal setting. Regular maintenance of prongs and mountings is crucial for your ring's longevity and the ruby's security.

Protection Provided by the Setting:

•   Prong Setting: A common setting for rubies, where metal prongs hold the stone in place. The number and strength of the prongs are key; more prongs generally provide better security. However, high prongs can be more prone to snagging, which can loosen the stone over time.
•   Bezel Setting: This setting encircles the ruby with a thin metal rim or collar, holding it securely in place. It offers excellent protection against impacts and reduces the likelihood of scratches. However, it can also obscure more of the stone, affecting its visual appeal.
•   Channel Setting: Rubies are set into a channel and held by the tension of the metal on either side. This provides good protection and is less likely to snag on clothing. However, it’s more suitable for smaller rubies or as an accent to the main stone.
•   Pavé Setting: Small rubies are set close together and held with small prongs or beads of metal. While this creates a dazzling effect, the stones are less protected and more prone to coming loose. 

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Exposure Due to the Setting:

•   Raised Settings: Settings that elevate the ruby high above the band, such as a cathedral or solitaire setting, can expose the stone to more knocks and bumps.
•   Intricate Designs: While visually appealing, intricate designs with delicate metalwork can be more prone to damage and may offer less protection to the ruby.

Material of the Setting:

•   The durability of the setting also depends on the metal used. Platinum and gold are popular choices; platinum is more durable but also more expensive.

Periodic inspections prevent the stone from loosening and falling out and detect early signs of wear, like the metal wearing down or bending. These checks are essential to keep the ring beautiful and the ruby secure for long-term wear.

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 Remedies for Common Wear-and-Tear Issues of Ruby Ring

Addressing wear-and-tear issues promptly is crucial in preserving the beauty of your ruby ring. Thanks to the ruby's inherent durability, many problems are resolvable with the right approach. While simple measures can often rectify minor issues, more significant concerns necessitate the expertise of professional jewelers. 

•   Professional Cleaning for Cloudiness: Cloudiness caused by the accumulation of dirt or grime on the ruby's surface can usually be cleared with professional cleaning, restoring the ruby's natural brilliance.
•   Professional Polishing for Minor Scratches: For superficial scratches on the ruby, a professional jeweler can employ specialised techniques and equipment to polish the stone, effectively removing these scratches and reviving the stone's shine.
•   Buffing the Metal: If the metal part of the ring, particularly in gold or platinum settings, shows scratches, a jeweler can buff and polish the metal to reduce or eliminate these imperfections.

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Larger Issues: Remedies and Steps

•   Re-Cutting or Re-Polishing: For more significant scratches or blemishes, a professional gem cutter can re-cut or re-polish the ruby. This process might slightly reduce the size of the stone but is a valuable option for severe damage.
•   Gold Plating for All Gold Types: If your ruby ring set in any type of gold (white, yellow, or rose) has minor scratches or wear, gold plating can be an effective remedy. For white gold, rhodium plating is used to enhance luster and cover imperfections, while yellow or rose gold can be refreshed with a layer of their respective gold alloys. This not only improves the appearance but also adds a protective layer against future wear
•   Setting Adjustments: If the ring's setting contributes to wear or is prone to snagging, causing scratches, a jeweler can adjust or change the setting to better protect the ruby and extend the ring's lifespan.

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Recognising and Addressing Damage: Next Steps

Understanding the nature and severity of damage to your ruby jewellery is essential for determining the appropriate care. Surface scratches, often cosmetic, can usually be addressed with professional polishing. However, deeper issues like cracks or chips are more serious and may require extensive repairs. It's crucial to consult a professional jeweler immediately if you notice signs of significant damage.

Differentiating between these types of damage ensures that each is treated correctly. Here are some key points to help distinguish the differences:

 Surface Scratches:

•   Appearance: Surface scratches are usually minor and only affect the outermost layer of the ruby or the metal setting. They are often visible as fine lines under direct light.
•   Feel: Running a fingernail over a surface scratch, you typically won't feel a significant groove or indentation.
•   Impact on Shine and Clarity: While they can affect the luster and clarity of the ruby, surface scratches generally don't cause structural damage and can often be polished out.
•   Home Care: Minor scratches can sometimes be minimised with regular cleaning, which helps restore some shine and makes the scratches less noticeable.

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Deeper Issues:

•   Appearance: Deeper issues such as chips, cracks, or significant abrasions are more severe. These can appear as noticeable pits, deep lines, or areas where the stone is visibly damaged.
•   Feel: When you run a fingernail over a deeper issue, you may feel a distinct groove, edge, or rough area.
•   Impact on Integrity: Deeper damage can compromise the structural integrity of the ruby, potentially leading to further breakage or loss of the stone.
•   Professional Assessment Needed: These issues generally require assessment and treatment by a professional jeweler or gemologist. They may need re-polishing, re-cutting, or other specialised treatments.

Besides the ruby itself, inspect the setting, deeper issues with the metal (like cracks or severe bending) can also signify a need for professional repair.

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Conclusion

A ruby ring is a precious possession that deserves the utmost care and attention. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your ruby ring retains its brilliance and beauty for a lifetime. Remember, regular cleaning, safe storage, and professional care are essential for preserving the timeless elegance of your ruby ring.