Sapphire colours: the complete shade guide
François Deprez5/8/2026
How to Clean a Sapphire: The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Jewellery
Bonnot Paris
April 29, 2026
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5 min read
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Les erreurs à éviter
Ce qu'il ne faut pas faire
Bonnot Paris · Care · Guide 2026
Cleaning and caring for a sapphire: the simple guide
The right method in five steps, the habits that cause damage, and everyday best practices to keep your ring beautiful for years to come — by our Parisian jewellers.
Good news: the sapphire is one of the most low-maintenance stones in all of fine jewellery. You simply need to avoid the three or four habits that can cause irreversible damage.
Whether your ring features a blue sapphire, a teal or a padparadscha, the method is the same. This is the one we recommend to all our clients upon delivery of a sapphire engagement ring.
01
Before you begin
The sapphire: fascinating and resilient
The sapphire scores 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale — just below the diamond. In practical terms: it has nothing to fear from water, mild soap or everyday scratches. What does accumulate is grime on the underside of the stone (the pavilion), where sebum, creams and soap build up and dull its brilliance.
Two areas do require attention, however: the setting (gold is softer than the stone) and the mount (the claws can shift after an impact). These are just as much the focus of proper care as the gemstone itself.
02
The method
Cleaning your ring in 5 steps
01
Prepare the bath
A bowl of lukewarm water — never hot — with a few drops of mild soap (Marseille soap or a non-abrasive washing-up liquid).
02
Leave to soak
10 to 15 minutes, long enough to dissolve the greasy film that has built up beneath the stone.
03
Brush gently
A soft toothbrush, paying particular attention to the underside of the stone and around the claws — without forcing the setting.
04
Rinse with clean water
Lukewarm water, held over a bowl (never over an open sink: a ring can slip away in an instant).
05
Dry without rubbing
A microfibre or soft lint-free cloth. Allow to finish drying in the air before putting the ring back on.
How often
Every two to four weeks for a ring worn daily — and a professional check-up once a year.
03
The mistakes
What you should absolutely never do
| The action | Why it is a problem |
|---|---|
| Household cleaners, bleach | Attack gold alloys and clog the setting. The stone survives; the mount does not. |
| Ultrasonic cleaning « when in doubt » | Tolerated for a natural sapphire free of fractures, risky for an included stone or an antique setting. If you are not sure, use the gentle method or consult a professional. |
| Abrasive sponge, toothpaste | Micro-scratches on the metal, a dull film on the stone. |
| Very hot water or thermal shock | Can weaken certain included stones and cause the prongs to expand. |
04
Day to day
Good habits for preserving the brilliance
Care is above all about what you avoid putting your ring through:
01
Remove it for…
Housework, sport, gardening, the swimming pool and the shower: limescale, chlorine and impacts are the true enemies of the mount.
02
Fragrance and creams first
The ring goes on last: cosmetics and fragrances leave a greasy film that dulls the stone.
03
Store it separately
Sapphire will scratch anything softer than itself — including your other jewellery. Use a separate compartment or an individual pouch.
04
Annual check
Setting and prongs inspected once a year — and immediately after any impact.
Gold or platinum
Rhodium-plated white gold may turn slightly yellow over time: a maintenance rhodium plating every two to three years restores its whiteness. Platinum, for its part, develops a patina — a simple polish is all it takes to recover its original brilliance.
05
The workshop
Professional cleaning
Once a year, entrust your ring to a jeweller: a thorough clean, an inspection of the setting, and a light polish if needed. At Bonnot, this service is complimentary for our clients, by appointment at our Parisian showroom — also an opportunity to have an antique stone re-certified or valued.
For your other gemstones, see our guide on cleaning precious stones — emeralds and pearls require an entirely different approach from sapphire. And if you have any doubt about a stone, here is how to identify a genuine sapphire.
06
Frequently asked questions
Sapphire care in questions
Can I use washing-up liquid?
Yes, provided it is mild and non-abrasive: a few drops in lukewarm water. Never use a harsh detergent or bleach.
Is ultrasonic cleaning risk-free?
Tolerated for a natural sapphire free of fractures; risky for an included stone or an antique setting. When in doubt, use the gentle method — or bring it to the workshop.
How often should I clean it?
Every two to four weeks for a ring worn daily, plus an annual professional inspection.
Shower, swimming pool: do I keep my ring on?
No: limescale, chlorine and soap dull both the stone and the mount. Remove it for housework, sport and gardening as well.
When should the setting be checked?
Once a year, and immediately after any impact. An open claw is invisible to the eye, yet it is enough to lose a stone.
A question about your ring? Come and see us.
Cleaning, setting inspection, valuation: our jewellers welcome you at our Parisian showroom, by appointment.
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