Sapphire Care & Cleaning Guide

Sapphire is a durable choice for jewelry, but its treatment history matters when choosing a cleaning method. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains how to care for different types of sapphire in its full guide.

Know your sapphire before cleaning

• Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and has excellent toughness. Its setting and any accompanying stones still need appropriate care.
• For untreated and heat-treated sapphire, warm, soapy water is a suitable cleaning option when the rest of the piece permits it.
• Fracture-filled, cavity-filled or dyed sapphires need gentler handling: GIA recommends cleaning these with a damp cloth.
• If you do not know whether a stone has been treated, ask before using chemicals, steam or an ultrasonic cleaner.

Read GIA’s complete Sapphire Care and Cleaning Guide

Care for your own jewelry

Contact The Classic Gem with questions about your piece, or schedule an appointment to discuss care. For other stones, explore our gemstone learning resource.