Your engagement ring isn’t just jewellery — it’s a daily reminder of love and commitment. Whether you’re wearing a fiery ruby engagement ring, a classic sapphire engagement ring, or a lush emerald engagement ring, keeping it clean will help it sparkle just as beautifully as the day you received it.
Here’s how to safely and effectively clean your gemstone ring at home, plus tips to protect it for years to come.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Everyday wear exposes your ring to oils, lotions, soap residue, and dust.
Build-up can dull the shine and hide the gemstone’s true colour.
A clean ring is less prone to damage, as dirt can sometimes cause scratches over time.
How to Clean a Ruby Engagement Ring
Rubies are durable, ranking high on the Mohs scale, but still need gentle care.
What you’ll need:
Warm water
Mild washing-up liquid
A soft toothbrush
A lint-free cloth
Steps:
Mix a few drops of mild soap in a small bowl of warm water.
Soak your ruby engagement ring for 15–20 minutes.
Gently scrub around the gemstone and setting with the toothbrush.
Rinse under warm running water.
Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Extra tip: Avoid harsh cleaners or ultrasonic machines if your ruby has fractures or treatments.
How to Clean a Sapphire Engagement Ring
Sapphires are also very durable, but safe cleaning keeps their deep blue shine intact.
What you’ll need:
Warm water
Mild soap
Soft brush
Polishing cloth
Steps:
Fill a bowl with warm soapy water.
Place your sapphire engagement ring in the bowl for 15 minutes.
Use a soft brush to remove any dirt, especially under the stone.
Rinse and dry with a polishing cloth.
Extra tip: Sapphires can usually handle ultrasonic cleaners, but always check with your jeweller first.
How to Clean an Emerald Engagement Ring
Emeralds are stunning but softer than rubies or sapphires, meaning they need special care.
What you’ll need:
Lukewarm water
Mild soap
Soft microfibre cloth (avoid brushes for delicate stones)
Steps:
Create a gentle soap and water mix.
Dip the cloth in the solution and wipe your emerald engagement ring carefully.
Avoid soaking emeralds for long periods — they’re more porous and can absorb water.
Pat dry and store safely.
Extra tip: Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners for emeralds, as they can damage the stone.
General Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Gemstone Rings
Do:
Clean your ring regularly (every 2–3 weeks).
Store it separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
Have it professionally checked once a year.
Don’t:
Wear your ring while swimming, gardening, or doing heavy cleaning.
Use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.
Expose the gemstone to sudden extreme temperatures.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your ruby engagement ring, sapphire engagement ring, or emerald engagement ring isn’t complicated — it just requires consistency and a gentle touch. With the right cleaning routine, your gemstone will keep shining bright, telling your love story for years to come.