Blue sapphires are one of the most cherished gemstones, celebrated for their striking beauty and mystical allure. However, like all precious stones, they require proper care to maintain their brilliance and longevity. Understanding what not to do while wearing blue sapphire can help you preserve its beauty and ensure it remains a cherished piece for years to come.
Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
One of the foremost rules in maintaining the luster of your blue sapphire is to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals. Chemicals found in household cleaners, chlorine in swimming pools, and even some personal care products can damage the stone.
Household Cleaners: Avoid wearing blue sapphire jewelry while cleaning. Common cleaning agents contain ammonia and bleach, which can erode the gemstone’s surface and diminish its brilliance over time.
Swimming Pools: Chlorine in swimming pools is another chemical enemy of blue sapphires. The prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can cause discoloration and weaken the stone’s structure.
Personal Care Products: Lotions, perfumes, and hair sprays often contain chemicals that can build up on the sapphire, dulling its shine. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry to minimize exposure.
Steer Clear of Physical Damage
Blue sapphires are relatively hard, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but they are not impervious to damage. Certain physical activities can pose a risk to the gemstone.
Sports and Physical Activities: Activities like weightlifting, gardening, or any high-impact sport can cause the stone to chip or crack. Always remove your sapphire jewelry before engaging in these activities to prevent accidental damage.
Heavy Lifting: Even everyday tasks like lifting heavy objects can inadvertently damage your sapphire. Rings, in particular, are vulnerable during such activities, as they can knock against hard surfaces.
Sleeping: Wearing blue sapphire jewelry to bed might seem harmless, but it increases the risk of the stone getting scratched or the setting getting bent. It’s best to remove your jewelry before sleeping to avoid accidental damage.
Prevent Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Blue sapphires can withstand high temperatures, but sudden changes in temperature can cause them to crack or fracture.
Hot and Cold Environments: Rapid temperature changes can be detrimental to sapphires. For instance, moving from a hot environment to a very cold one, or vice versa, can cause thermal shock, leading to fractures.
Jewelry Repair: If your sapphire jewelry needs repair, ensure the jeweler is experienced in handling gemstones. Excessive heat during soldering or other repair processes can damage the stone if not done correctly.
Regular Cleaning and Proper Storage
Maintaining the cleanliness and storage of your blue sapphire is crucial in preserving its brilliance.
Cleaning: While professional cleaning is recommended periodically, you can clean your sapphire jewelry at home using mild soap and warm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations can loosen the stone or damage the setting.
Storage: Store your blue sapphire jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches. Use a soft cloth or padded jewelry box to keep the stone protected. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the gemstone.
Be Cautious with Heat and Light
While sapphires are resilient, they can still be affected by prolonged exposure to heat and light.
Heat: Extended exposure to high temperatures can cause the color of the sapphire to fade or change. This is particularly important if your sapphire has undergone heat treatment, a common practice to enhance its color.
Light: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial lights. Over time, the constant exposure can cause the gemstone to lose its vibrant hue.
Be Mindful of Activities Involving Water
Water can pose certain risks to blue sapphire jewelry, especially in certain activities.
Showering: It’s advisable to remove your sapphire jewelry before showering. Soap and shampoo can leave residues on the stone, dulling its sparkle.
Washing Dishes: Similar to household cleaners, dishwashing liquids can contain harsh chemicals. Removing rings before washing dishes can prevent exposure to these substances.
Swimming: As mentioned earlier, chlorine in swimming pools is harmful to sapphires. Additionally, saltwater can also be abrasive and cause damage. Always remove your jewelry before swimming in either pools or the ocean.
Regular Maintenance and Professional Check-Ups
To ensure the longevity and beauty of your blue sapphire, regular maintenance and professional check-ups are essential.
Routine Check-Ups: Visit a professional jeweler at least once a year to check the setting and overall condition of the sapphire. This can prevent any unnoticed damage from worsening over time.
Re-Tightening the Setting: Over time, the setting holding the sapphire can become loose, increasing the risk of the stone falling out. Regular checks and maintenance can ensure the setting remains secure.
Re-Polishing: If your sapphire appears dull or scratched, a professional re-polishing can restore its original brilliance. This should only be done by a professional to avoid any potential damage to the stone.
Understand the Unique Care Needs of Your Sapphire
Not all blue sapphires are the same; their care can vary depending on specific treatments they may have undergone.
Treated Sapphires: Many blue sapphires are heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity. While this is a common practice, it’s important to understand the specific care needs of treated sapphires, as they can be more sensitive to certain conditions compared to untreated ones.
Synthetic Sapphires: Synthetic sapphires, created in a lab, are chemically identical to natural ones but can have different care requirements. Always follow the jeweler’s recommendations for caring for synthetic stones.
See Also: 5 Reasons Why You Might Feel Sleepy After Wearing Sapphire
Avoid Wearing During High-Risk Activities
Certain activities pose a high risk to your blue sapphire, necessitating extra caution.
Cooking: Hot oil and steam can damage the sapphire or the setting. Remove your jewelry before cooking to avoid accidental exposure.
Crafting and DIY Projects: Activities involving tools, heavy machinery, or harsh materials can easily damage the gemstone. Always remove your sapphire jewelry before engaging in such projects.
Household Repairs: From fixing a leaky faucet to painting a room, household repairs often involve activities that can harm your sapphire. It’s best to store your jewelry safely away during these times.
Conclusion
Blue sapphires are stunning gemstones that can last a lifetime with proper care. By avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, preventing physical damage, and being mindful of extreme temperatures, you can preserve the beauty and brilliance of your sapphire. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and understanding the unique needs of your sapphire are key to its longevity. With these precautions, your blue sapphire will continue to be a source of beauty and joy for many years.
