Steam Clean Vs. Ultrasonic Cleaning for Jewelry
You should take your jewelry to a professional jeweler to have it cleaned once a year, according to Zales.com. In between professional cleanings, you can take care of your jewelry at home with steam or ultrasonic cleaning machines. Both of these machines will clean your jewelry, but, each works differently, so choosing the right one is important. Does this Spark an idea?
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Jewelry Care
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Many household cleaning products can damage your gold and silver jewelry. Likewise, gemstones can be damaged by chemicals such as chlorine. The best way to clean your jewelry is by using a mild, non-detergent soap, and warm water, according to MJ Thomas, LTD Jewelers. Dry your jewelry using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Steam Cleaners
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Steam cleaners have been used for years by professional jewelers, according to Blitz.net. Steam cleaners do not use chemicals to clean, but care should be taken not to expose your jewelry to sudden or extreme temperature changes as this can crack or damage your gemstones.
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Ultrasonic Cleaners
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Ultrasonic cleaners are good for most metal jewelry, but care should be taken when cleaning jewelry that contain gemstones, according to All About Gemstones.com. An ultrasonic cleaner works by using high-frequency sound waves, which in turn shakes off the dirt. This vibration can cause serious damage to your jewelry, and if your stones have any pockets of gas or fractures (called inclusions), cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner can cause the inclusions to become bigger.
No Steam or Ultrasonic Cleaners
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You may own gemstones that should not be cleaned with either a steam or ultrasonic cleaning machine. Gemstones such as emeralds or peridots may have been treated with oil or resin and cleaning them with either machine could cause damage or dullness. Fragile gemstones such as aquamarines, emeralds, peridots, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, or zircon should not be cleaned with either a steam or ultrasonic cleaner. Porous gemstones such as amber, agates, mother-of-pearl, opals, pearls, or red coral absorb liquid, so they should not be immersed in any cleaning solution, according to All About Gemstones.com.
Caution
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Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen delicate or intricate settings, according to All About Gemstones.com, so you should be careful when using an ultrasonic machine. The best advice is to consult your jeweler before using a steam or ultrasonic machine to prevent damage to your jewelry.
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References
- Photo Credit jewelry image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
