Yes, absolutely, sapphire can go in water. In fact, water is an essential part of the safest and most common method for cleaning sapphire jewelry. Its inherent durability and chemical stability make it highly resistant to water exposure under normal circumstances.
Sapphire's Durability: Why Water is Safe
Sapphire is a form of the mineral corundum, which is renowned for its exceptional hardness and resilience. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, sapphire ranks a 9 out of 10, second only to diamond. This incredible hardness contributes significantly to its ability to withstand contact with water without damage.
Understanding Sapphire's Properties
- Hardness: Its high ranking on the Mohs scale means it's very difficult to scratch, ensuring it won't be eroded or altered by water.
- Chemical Stability: Sapphire is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most common chemicals, including water. This stability prevents any dissolution or degradation of the stone when immersed.
- Non-Porous: Unlike some organic gemstones, sapphire is non-porous and will not absorb water, which could otherwise lead to swelling, discoloration, or internal damage.
Cleaning Sapphire with Water
One of the primary ways sapphire interacts with water is through cleaning. Regular cleaning helps maintain its sparkle and beauty.
Simple Steps for Cleaning Sapphire Jewelry
The safest and easiest way to clean sapphire is a gentle wash. Here's how:
- Prepare Warm Soapy Water: Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of a mild, non-abrasive soap. Dish soap is often a good choice.
- Soak: Place your sapphire jewelry into the soapy water and let it soak for 10-20 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or grime.
- Gentle Cleaning: Gently scrub the sapphire and its setting with a soft brush, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft paintbrush. For sapphires set in jewelry, use the soft paintbrush to clean through the setting, getting into crevices where dirt might hide. A gem cleaning cloth can also be used to wipe the surface.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the jewelry under clean, warm running water to remove all soap residue. Ensure the drain is closed or use a stopper to prevent accidental loss.
- Dry: Gently pat the jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also allow it to air dry, but ensure it's completely dry before storing to prevent water spots or moisture issues with the metal.
Important Considerations When Exposing Sapphire to Water
While sapphire itself is water-friendly, there are a few factors to consider, especially when it's set in jewelry.
Type of Setting and Metal
The metal setting of your sapphire jewelry can be more susceptible to certain water conditions than the sapphire itself.
- Precious Metals (Gold, Platinum): Generally safe in water. However, prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals in water (like chlorine in pools) can potentially tarnish or weaken solder joints over time.
- Antique or Delicate Settings: If a sapphire is set in an antique piece, or has delicate prongs or an open-back setting, excessive soaking or harsh scrubbing should be avoided. Glued settings might also weaken with prolonged water exposure.
- Silver: Silver can tarnish when exposed to water, especially chlorinated water or saltwater.
Sapphire Treatments
Most sapphires on the market are heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity, and these treatments are stable in water. However, some less common treatments require caution:
- Diffusion-Treated Sapphires: These have a thin layer of color and could be affected by harsh chemicals.
- Fracture-Filled or Dyed Sapphires: These treatments are not stable and can be damaged or altered by water, especially warm or soapy water. Always verify if your sapphire has special treatments if you are unsure.
Thermal Shock
Avoid exposing your sapphire to sudden and extreme temperature changes (e.g., plunging it from boiling water into ice-cold water). While highly durable, extreme thermal shock can potentially cause internal fractures, especially in stones with existing inclusions. Stick to warm water for cleaning.
Chemical Exposure in Water
While water itself is fine, other chemicals often present in water sources or solutions can be problematic for the jewelry setting.
- Chlorine: Found in swimming pools, chlorine can corrode or discolor precious metals over time. While the sapphire won't be damaged, its setting might be.
- Saltwater: Ocean water is generally fine for brief exposure, but prolonged contact can cause a buildup of salt residue and may affect some metal settings.
- Harsh Cleaning Agents: Avoid industrial cleaners, bleach, or abrasive household products, which can damage the metal setting or compromise certain sapphire treatments.
Sapphire and Water: A Quick Reference Guide
| Action | Sapphire Stone | Jewelry Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing/Cleaning | Safe | Safe (with mild soap) | Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush; rinse thoroughly. |
| Showering | Safe | Generally safe (may dull metal) | Remove to avoid soap scum buildup on metal and stone, maintain luster. |
| Swimming (Pool) | Safe | Potential for metal damage | Remove before swimming due to chlorine's effect on metals and potential for loss. |
| Swimming (Ocean) | Safe | Potential for metal damage/loss | Remove before swimming due to saltwater residue, potential for loss, and cold shock. |
| Prolonged Soaking | Safe | May affect some settings | Generally fine for cleaning, but avoid excessively long soaks, especially for antique or glued settings. |
| Extreme Temperatures | Avoid | Avoid | Do not expose to sudden, drastic temperature changes to prevent thermal shock. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapphire and Water
Can I shower with sapphire jewelry?
While the sapphire stone itself won't be harmed by showering, it's generally recommended to remove your sapphire jewelry beforehand. Soaps, shampoos, and conditioners can leave a film on both the stone and the metal setting, dulling its sparkle over time. Hard water can also contribute to mineral buildup.
Is saltwater harmful to sapphire?
Saltwater does not harm the sapphire stone itself, as it's chemically stable. However, saltwater can be corrosive to certain metal settings, leading to tarnishing or weakening over time. It's best to remove sapphire jewelry before swimming in the ocean.
Can I swim with sapphire jewelry?
It's advisable to remove sapphire jewelry before swimming in pools or the ocean. Chlorine in pools can react with precious metals, potentially causing discoloration or damage to the setting. Saltwater, as mentioned, can also have a dulling or corrosive effect on metals. Additionally, there's always a risk of jewelry slipping off in the water and being lost.
