Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners use cavitation to remove grime from hard gemstones and metal settings effectively. They are not safe for porous, soft, glued, or treated stones. Inspect items, use mild solutions and short cycles at home, and consult a professional for delicate or high-value pieces.

How ultrasonic jewelry cleaners work

Ultrasonic cleaners remove dirt and grime using high-frequency sound waves that create microscopic bubbles in a liquid. Those bubbles implode against the jewelry surface in a process called cavitation, dislodging oil, dust, and residue from settings and hard-to-reach crevices without abrasive scrubbing.

What they clean well

Ultrasonic machines work best on hard, stable gemstones and metal: diamonds, sapphires, rubies, moissanite, and most gold and platinum pieces. They are effective at restoring sparkle to prongs, pavé settings, chains, and the undersides of stones where everyday soils accumulate.

What to avoid

Not all jewelry should go into an ultrasonic cleaner. Remove or skip cleaning if the piece contains:

  • Pearls, opals, turquoise, coral, amber, or other porous/soft gems
  • Items with glued-in stones, resin, or coatings
  • Heat- or fracture-filled diamonds and some treated gemstones
  • Antique or delicate settings with loose stones
Cavitation and heat can loosen adhesives, strip delicate coatings, or damage brittle stones. When in doubt, consult a jeweler.

Best practices for home cleaning

  1. Inspect: check for loose stones and weak prongs before cleaning.
  1. Use the right solution: warm water with a drop of mild dish soap or a commercial jewelry cleaning fluid made for ultrasonics. Avoid harsh acids or household bleach.
  1. Cycle time: run short cycles (a few minutes). Repeat if needed rather than a single long cycle.
  1. Rinse and dry: rinse thoroughly in clean water and dry with a soft cloth or air dry. Make sure settings are completely dry before storage.
  1. Skip it for glued costume jewelry and pieces with unknown treatments.

When to see a professional

Take high-value, heirloom, or complicated pieces to a professional jeweler. They can assess structural integrity, identify treated stones, and use ultrasonic cleaning safely or recommend alternatives such as steam cleaning or gentle hand cleaning.

Final note

Ultrasonic cleaning remains a powerful, time-saving method to restore many pieces to near-original brightness when used properly. The key is matching the technology to the item: it excels with hard gems and solid metal settings, and it can harm soft, porous, or treated materials. Regular inspection and conservative use will protect your jewelry while keeping it clean.

FAQs about Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners

Is an ultrasonic cleaner safe for diamonds?
Yes for most natural, untreated diamonds set securely. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for fracture-filled or certain treated diamonds; have a jeweler inspect treated stones first.
Can I clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner?
No. Pearls are porous and delicate; ultrasonic cavitation and cleaning solutions can damage their nacre. Clean pearls with a soft damp cloth only.
What solution should I use in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Use warm water with a drop of mild dish soap or a commercial ultrasonic jewelry solution. Avoid harsh acids, bleach, or unknown household chemicals.
How often should I ultrasonic-clean my jewelry?
Occasional use is fine - typically a few times a year depending on wear. Inspect pieces first and use short cycles; frequent ultrasonic cleaning of treated or delicate jewelry can cause damage.
When should I take jewelry to a professional?
If the piece is high value, antique, has loose stones, or contains treated or unknown gemstones, bring it to a jeweler for assessment and cleaning.