If there is one variety of gemstones that is as gorgeous as diamonds and matches their toughness to an extent, then it has to be sapphire. Although sapphire gemstones rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness and have a great durability, there is still a lot to consider when it comes to taking care of precious gemstones like sapphires. So, if you own sapphires, then here’s what you must do to clean these beauties and take good care of them.
To clean the grime and dirt accumulated on the sapphires, just put them in warm soapy water for about 10-20 minutes. Use a mild and non-abrasive cleaner that is not harsh and which cleans the sapphire gently. You can even use a soft brush to scrub the spots that are difficult to reach. Once cleaned, rinse the sapphire with warm water and pat it dry using a clean, soft cotton cloth.
In case the sapphire looks cloudy, then you can perform the process again, using a bit of ammonia or vodka instead of the soap cleanser. For cleaning untreated stones, ultrasonic and steam cleaners may give great results. Stones that are filled with fractures or cracks should be cleaned using a damp cloth only.
Before you clean your sapphire, take a look at the metal it is adorning and use the right method to clean the sapphire jewelry.
You can use warm soapy water to clean gold and platinum Don’t use ammonia often to clean gold jewelry To clean silver jewelry, rather than soaking it in soapy water, rub it with a special polishing cloth meant for the purpose. You can even clean silver with baking soda if you want to give it a thorough cleaning and remove tarnish.
Sapphires that are of exceptionally high quality must be cleaned professionally once in a year. Take them to a renowned jeweler and get them examined carefully to make them last longer than what otherwise possible.
Always make sure to store your sapphire jewelry in a separate box or bag to avoid scratches. This will also help you organize your jewelry well and find it easily when needed. Storing your gems and jewelry in separate boxes or pouches is a sure shot way to extend their lives and to keep them in good condition for a long time to come.