How to Buy an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

Clean your jewelry at home with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.

Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are so named because they use sound waves to break apart tiny dirt and grease particles. It's the same machine that's used by jewelers when you take in your ring for a free cleaning. Purchase this type of machine at retail stores like Sears, Brookstone or Sharper Image or find one online. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners range widely in price and features, so you'll need to determine what you'll use your machine for before buying.

Instructions

1. Determine what you're going to clean with your ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Softer stones such as pearl, emerald and opal, may be harmed by an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Be sure that your jewelry or other items are able to be cleaned with an ultrasonic machine. If you're unsure, ask a professional jeweler before purchasing a machine.

2. Choose the machine size. Smaller machines are the ones used at jewelry stores and can be found for as little as $20 to $30. However, if you want to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner for cleaning relics that you find when metal detecting, for instance, you may want a larger machine. This will cost significantly more but may be necessary, depending on your plans.

3. Choose either water or cleaner. Some machines require detergent or jewelry cleaning solution to get items thoroughly cleaned. Some machines, however, use only water. Water-only machines may be better for someone who intends to clean delicate items, such as old coins, with the machine.

4. Purchase an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with a timer. This feature is necessary, as leaving jewelry in for longer than prescribed can cause damage. A timer will make sure the jewel stays in the machine only for the specific amount of time intended.

5. Buy an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with a drain dish at the bottom. This feature acts as a buffer between the ultrasonic wave source and the jewels themselves, thus "padding" the jewelry and protecting it from corrosion that may otherwise occur without the dish.

References

• Jewelry Secrets: Do Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners Work?
• How to Clean Stuff: How to Choose an Electronic Jewelry Cleaner
• International Gem and Jewelry Show: How to Choose the Best Ultrasonic Cleaner

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish