Sapphire Care Guide

Suitable for Daily Wear

Sapphires, belonging to the corundum family (the same as rubies), are the second hardest gem material in the world, second only to diamonds. This exceptional hardness means that sapphires can only be scratched by another sapphire or a diamond. Unlike many other colored gemstones, contact with dust, which contains silica, will not scratch a sapphire.

Corundum also has excellent toughness and no cleavage, making it even tougher than diamonds. This means that sapphires are highly resistant to cracking, chipping, or breaking.

Thanks to these qualities, natural unheated sapphires are incredibly durable and perfectly suited for daily wear. Additionally, natural sapphires are stable under normal conditions, including exposure to light, heat, and common household chemicals. However, it’s important to note that fracture-filled sapphires may be damaged by mild acids such as lemon juice.

Cleaning Your Sapphire

The safest and easiest way to clean a sapphire is to use warm, soapy water and a soft gem-cleaning cloth. For jewelry pieces, a soft paintbrush can be used to clean through the settings. Cleaning the pavilion (the back of the stone) is particularly important to maintain its brilliance.

There’s no need for harsh chemicals; sapphires’ hardness allows them to retain a high-quality polish, and washing with soapy water is sufficient to keep them looking stunning.

Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners: Natural features within a gemstone can make it prone to cracking when exposed to ultrasonic vibrations or sudden temperature changes.

Storing Sapphire Jewelry

When storing sapphires, whether loose gemstones or jewelry pieces, ensure they do not come into contact with each other or with other gemstones. Store each piece separately, as sapphire’s hardness can scratch softer gemstones, other sapphires, or precious metals like gold and platinum.

Diamonds, being harder than sapphires, can scratch them, so it’s essential to keep these gems stored apart.

Preserving Vibrancy

Natural gemstones, including sapphires, display their most vibrant colors in bright, sunny conditions. When stored in darkness for extended periods, their color may appear slightly subdued. To restore their natural vibrancy, simply place the gemstone in direct sunlight for 20–30 minutes. This is a natural phenomenon unique to untreated, naturally colored gemstones.

With proper care, your Sumuduni Gems sapphire jewelry will retain its timeless beauty and brilliance for generations to come.