When it comes to cleaning jewelry, an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is one of the most effective tools available. It uses sound waves to clean and polish jewelry, making it sparkle like new. However, not all jewelry is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. To avoid damaging your jewelry, here are some of the things you should never put in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
1. Pearls
Pearls are particularly delicate and can be easily damaged by an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves from the machine can be strong enough to crack the surface of the pearl, as well as weaken any protective coating that may be on the pearl. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the pearl.
2. Opals
Opals are a very soft and fragile stone, so they should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves can easily damage the surface of the stone, as well as weaken any protective coating. In addition, the cleaning solution used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the opal.
3. Gold-Filled Jewelry
Gold-filled jewelry is made with a thin layer of gold that is bonded to a base metal. The thin layer of gold can easily be damaged by the sound waves from an ultrasonic cleaner. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the gold-filled jewelry and cause it to become discolored.
4. Silver
Silver is another metal that can be easily damaged by an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves from the ultrasonic cleaner can cause the silver to become tarnished, discolored, or even corroded. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the silver and cause it to become discolored.
5. Stones with Fissures
Stones with fissures, such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, malachite, and opal, should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves from the machine can be strong enough to crack the surface of the stone, as well as weaken any protective coating that may be on the stone. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the stone and cause it to become discolored.
6. Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry is made with cheap materials that can easily be damaged by an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves from the machine can be strong enough to crack the surface of the jewelry, as well as weaken any protective coating that may be on the jewelry. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the jewelry and cause it to become discolored.
7. Antique Jewelry
Antique jewelry should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves from the machine can be strong enough to crack the surface of the jewelry, as well as weaken any protective coating that may be on the jewelry. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the jewelry and cause it to become discolored.
8. Plated Jewelry
Plated jewelry is made with a thin layer of metal that is bonded to a base metal. The thin layer of metal can easily be damaged by the sound waves from an ultrasonic cleaner. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the plated jewelry and cause it to become discolored.
9. Soft Stones
Soft stones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, and malachite should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves from the machine can be strong enough to crack the surface of the stone, as well as weaken any protective coating that may be on the stone. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the stone and cause it to become discolored.
10. Stones with Soft Inclusions
Stones with soft inclusions, such as pearls, opals, and emeralds, should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner. The sound waves from the machine can be strong enough to crack the surface of the stone, as well as weaken any protective coating that may be on the stone. In addition, the cleaning solutions used in ultrasonic cleaning can damage the surface of the stone and cause it to become discolored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on my jewelry?
A: Yes, you can use an ultrasonic cleaner on most types of jewelry. However, there are some types of jewelry that should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner, such as pearls, opals, gold-filled jewelry, silver, stones with fissures, costume jewelry, antique jewelry, plated jewelry, soft stones, and stones with soft inclusions.
Q: What is the best way to clean my jewelry?
A: The best way to clean your jewelry depends on the type of jewelry you have. For most types of jewelry, you can use a mild soap and water solution and a soft cloth to gently clean the jewelry. For more delicate pieces, you may need to take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning.
Q: How often should I clean my jewelry?
A: It is recommended that you clean your jewelry at least once a month to keep it looking its best. If you wear your jewelry frequently, you may want to clean it more often.
Q: Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on my diamond jewelry?
A: Yes, you can use an ultrasonic cleaner on diamond jewelry, as long as the diamond is set in a setting that is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
Q: What type of jewelry should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner?
A: Pearls, opals, gold-filled jewelry, silver, stones with fissures, costume jewelry, antique jewelry, plated jewelry, soft stones, and stones with soft inclusions should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner.