Ruby is relatively hard—9 on the Mohs scale. It has excellent toughness and no cleavage, which means that it has a tendency to break when struck. Its durability makes it very resistant to scratching as well. These characteristics alone prove it a great choice for rings and other pieces for daily wear. Thus, ruby jewelry must be taken care of properly. Here are the do’s and don'ts:

Do’s:

1. Use a tightly woven microfiber or a soft clean cloth and mix mild liquid soap and warm water to clean your rubies. You can also use a soft toothbrush to scrub your rubies and jewelry mounting.
2. Dry ruby with a lint-free cloth for sparkling results.
3. Purchase the proper solution based on the type of metal used in your ruby jewelry. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
4. Use ultrasonic and steam cleaners only for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion treated stones. 
5. Store jewelry separately (especially from diamonds since they are the only other stone that can scratch ruby) in envelopes and pouches.
6. Get your ruby jewelry checked every 6-12 months, depending on the amount of wear and tear on the jewelry.
7. Go to a professional jeweler to tighten loose rubies.
8. Apply your lotions, perfumes and sprays before putting on your jewelry.

Don’ts:

1. Wear jewelry while you are doing housework, extreme sports, or showering, or washing hands.
2. Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on fractured or filled gemstones.
3. Subject your jewelry to abrupt extreme changes in temperature.
4. Soak in soapy water or any type of strong solvents such as alcohol, acetone, or paint thinner.
5. Use harsh detergents.

Despite its toughness and durability, just like any other gemstone, a ruby may chip or crack due to blunt impact. This is why in order to guarantee the longevity and lasting beauty of your ruby, you must know the basic ways to properly care for it. Following the list above can assure you that the beauty, luster, and brilliance of your ruby stone can last for generations to come.