The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Sapphire Jewellery: Professional Tips from Deliqa Gems
In the velvet-lined workshops of Sydney's most prestigious jewellery houses, there's a story that master craftsmen love to share. It's about a magnificent 5-carat Ceylon sapphire ring that came in for restoration—not because it was damaged, but because forty years of improper care had hidden its true brilliance behind a veil of soap scum and everyday grime. When properly cleaned and polished, the owner wept. "I hadn't seen it sparkle like this since my wedding day", she whispered.
Your sapphire tells a story too, and with proper care, it will continue sparkling through generations of memories.
The Morning Ritual That Could Save Your Sapphire
Picture this: Margaret, a Melbourne executive, lost a $30,000 padparadscha sapphire down her bathroom drain. The culprit? She'd developed the habit of cleaning her ring whilst washing her hands, and one soapy slip changed everything.
Your sapphire jewellery should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. This simple mantra protects your precious stones from hairspray, perfume, moisturisers, and cleaning products—all silent enemies of that distinctive sapphire lustre.
The Champagne Test: Understanding Sapphire Durability
At 9 on the Moh's scale, sapphires are incredibly durable—second only to diamonds. But here's what many don't realise: durability doesn't mean indestructible.
“Many believe that because their sapphire has survived champagne toasts, travels, and daily wear, it’s indestructible. But one accidental knock against a granite countertop can leave a lasting mark.” says our head gemologist at Deliqa Gems. "You don't want to be heartbroken with a chip on your precious gem", she adds.
The truth is, whilst your sapphire can handle daily wear beautifully, it deserves respect. Remove rings when:
- Gardening or doing heavy lifting
- At the gym (metal equipment is sapphire's enemy)
- Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean
- Cleaning with harsh chemicals
The Ultrasonic Controversy: What Some Jewellers Aren't Aware
Here's where luxury care gets interesting. Many high-end jewellery stores offer complimentary ultrasonic cleaning—but should you accept?
In our experience working with fine gemstones, natural sapphires typically respond excellently to ultrasonic cleaning. However, we advise caution with sapphires that have undergone fracture-filling treatments or contain significant inclusions, as ultrasonic waves can potentially cause damage in these cases.
The safest approach? Ask about your sapphire's treatments when purchasing, and keep that documentation. If uncertain, opt for the gentle approach our grandmothers knew best.
The Professional Ritual to Cleaning at Home
Here's our little secret technique, adapted for your lifestyle:
The Weekly Ritual:
- Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water (never hot—thermal shock can crack sapphires)
- Add a drop of mild dish soap (phosphate-free is essential)
- Soak for 10-15 minutes
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes are perfect), gently brush behind the stone where oils accumulate
- Rinse under lukewarm running water (always plug the drain first!)
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth
- For extra sparkle, breathe on the sapphire and polish with a microfibre cloth
The Secret Storage System of Collectors
Walk into the private vault of any gemstone collector, and you'll notice something peculiar: each piece lives alone.
"Sapphires can scratch other gemstones, and diamonds can scratch sapphires," reveals our gemmologist, Sasha. "Your valuable collection can be damaged by careless storage", she further comments.
Invest in:
- Individual soft pouches (silk or velvet-lined)
- Compartmentalised jewellery boxes
The Travel Doctrine
When jet-setting to the Maldives or skiing in Queenstown, your sapphires need special consideration. Fashion icon Helena Christensen once lost a sapphire earring in customs because she'd tossed them carelessly in her carry-on.
The solution? A proper travel jewellery case and this insider tip: photograph your pieces before travelling for insurance claims and customs declarations.
Your Sapphire's Next Century
With proper care, the sapphire gracing your finger today will outlast buildings, out-dazzle trends, and carry your story forward through time. It asks for little—just mindful wearing, gentle cleaning, and respectful storage.
As Philippe Dubois beautifully puts it: "A well-cared-for sapphire doesn't just maintain its value; it accumulates soul."
Ready to ensure your sapphire's brilliance for generations? Book a complimentary care consultation at Deliqa Gems.