The Ultimate Guide to Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners

Jewelry can lose its sparkle over time, even when you take good care of it. Everyday products such as lotions and makeup, along with dirt, can collect around gemstones and inside settings, leaving your favorite pieces looking dull.

Ultrasonic cleaners can remove oil, sweat, grime, and stubborn buildup from certain pieces. But before you put your jewelry inside one, it helps to understand how these devices work and whether they’re safe for every gemstone or setting. So, what are ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, and what should you know before using one at home?

How Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners Work

Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are electrical machines that use sound waves to loosen dirt, oil, and other buildup on jewelry. Most home models have a small tank where you add water or a suitable cleaning solution, along with a basket.

When you switch the machine on, the sound waves create millions of tiny bubbles in the liquid. These bubbles form and collapse rapidly, a process known as cavitation. As they move around your jewelry, they loosen dirt and grime from small crevices, including spots around gemstone settings that are hard to reach with a cloth or soft brush.

Instead of scrubbing your jewelry directly, the machine uses the movement of the liquid to do much of the cleaning.

You’ll often find ultrasonic cleaners in jewelry shops because they can clean suitable pieces quickly and reach areas that are easy to miss during regular cleaning. Smaller models are also available for home use. Just keep in mind that the results depend on the machine, the cleaning solution, and the type of jewelry you’re cleaning.

What Are Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners Good For?

Ultrasonic cleaners work well for certain types of jewelry, especially pieces that have small crevices where dirt can collect. When the materials and settings are suitable, a cleaning cycle can remove stubborn grime and bring back some of the jewelry’s original sparkle.

Here are a few types of jewelry that may be suitable for ultrasonic cleaning:

• Plain gold jewelry: Solid gold chains, bands, and other simple pieces may be safe to clean this way, provided they don’t have delicate components.

• Some diamond jewelry: Untreated diamonds in secure settings can often tolerate ultrasonic cleaning, as long as the surrounding materials are suitable too.

• Certain platinum pieces: Plain platinum jewelry and some platinum settings may be suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.

• Some sapphire and ruby jewelry: These durable gemstones may tolerate ultrasonic cleaning if they haven’t undergone treatments that make them vulnerable and don’t have fractures or other features that could lead to damage.

Keep in mind that the material alone doesn’t tell you if a piece is safe for the machine. Even a durable diamond can become loose if its prongs are worn or the setting is already damaged.

If you’re thinking about cleaning an engagement ring, take a look at our guide to cleaning a diamond ring for more advice on caring for your ring without putting the stone or setting at unnecessary risk.

Which Jewelry Should Never Go in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

Not every piece of jewelry can handle ultrasonic cleaning. Some gemstones are too delicate, while certain treatments, adhesives, and settings can be damaged by the process. Here are the main types to keep out of the machine.

Pearls and Other Organic Gems

Pearls, amber, and coral need gentler care than an ultrasonic cleaner can provide. The cleaning process can damage their surfaces, dull their luster, or cause cracks. Stick to gentler methods instead, and see our guide to cleaning pearls for advice on caring for these delicate gems.

Porous or Delicate Gemstones

Opals, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and malachite are generally poor candidates for ultrasonic cleaning. Some can absorb liquids, while others have internal features that make them vulnerable to vibration.

Treated Gemstones

Some gemstones need special care because of the treatments used to improve their appearance. For example, emeralds may contain oil or resin in surface-reaching fractures. Ultrasonic cleaning can disturb these fillers and affect the stone’s appearance. Certain treated diamonds and other gemstones can also be damaged, so check their care requirements before cleaning them.

Loose Stones or Delicate Settings

If a stone already feels loose or the prongs look worn, keep the piece out of the machine. Antique jewelry and intricate designs may also need a closer inspection before you decide how to clean them.

Costume Jewelry and Glued Settings

Some fashion jewelry relies on glue to hold stones or decorative details in place. Ultrasonic cleaning can weaken the adhesive, leaving you with loose or missing pieces. If you’re unsure how a piece is assembled, don’t take the risk.

If you can’t identify a gemstone or aren’t sure how it was treated, ask a jeweler to assess it before using an ultrasonic cleaner.

How to Use an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Safely

If your pieces are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning, follow these steps to reduce the risk of damage.

1. Inspect everything: Check for loose stones, worn prongs, or cracks before cleaning.

2. Choose a suitable cleaning solution: Use one approved for your machine and materials.

3. Fill the tank as directed: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t exceed the fill line.

4. Position your jewelry: Place pieces in the basket, keeping them apart to prevent scratches or contact.

5. Run the recommended cycle: Avoid unnecessary repeat cycles or longer cleaning times.

6. Rinse and dry: Follow the solution’s rinsing instructions, then dry your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Inspect each piece before cleaning, even if you’ve used the machine before. If you notice loose stones or damage, choose another cleaning method.

What Are the Alternatives to Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaning?

You don’t need a machine to keep most everyday jewelry clean. A few simple alternatives can work well for suitable pieces.

Mild soap and water can remove everyday grime from many types of jewelry. Mix a little mild dish soap with warm water, gently clean with a soft brush, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Check your jewelry’s care requirements first.

Jewelry cleaning solutions are another option. Choose one that’s compatible with your jewelry’s materials and follow its instructions. Happy Jewelers’ jewelry cleaner is one option for suitable pieces.

A soft polishing cloth works well for removing fingerprints and light residue from many metal pieces. Avoid rubbing delicate gemstones or special finishes unless their care instructions allow it. For silver jewelry, see our guide to cleaning silver jewelry for advice on removing tarnish without damaging delicate components.

When Should You Take Your Jewelry to a Professional?

If a gemstone looks cloudy, a stone feels loose, or the prongs on your ring appear worn, consult a jeweler instead of running another cleaning cycle.

Professional advice is especially useful for antique jewelry, heirloom pieces, treated gemstones, and intricate settings. A jeweler can assess the piece and recommend an appropriate cleaning method.

Keep Your Fine Jewelry Looking Its Best

Ultrasonic cleaners can be useful, but they’re not suitable for every piece. Check your jewelry’s materials and condition before choosing a cleaning method, and consult a professional if you’re unsure.

Regular inspections can also catch loose stones and worn settings before they become bigger problems. Explore our jewelry services to learn more about professional care and repair options.