Cleaning jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner: What works and what absolutely doesn't?
An ultrasonic cleaner for jewelry sounds like the perfect all-around cleaning device: Just dip it in, turn it on, and it's clean. But indiscriminately putting all jewelry into an ultrasonic cleaner risks real damage – to stones, settings, and even organic materials. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly what you can safely clean with ultrasound and what you should absolutely not clean.
How does an ultrasonic cleaner work?
An ultrasonic cleaner generates high-frequency sound waves (40,000–80,000 Hz) in a cleaning fluid. These waves create tiny cavitation bubbles that, when they burst, dislodge dirt, grease, and deposits from all surfaces – even from hard-to-reach areas like chain links, under stones, and in setting details. It's a very effective cleaning method for the right pieces.
What you can safely clean with ultrasound
Gold jewelry without stones ✓
Gold chains, gold rings without stones, gold bracelets – no problem. The gold itself will not be damaged. Particularly effective for chains with many small links that are difficult to clean by hand.
Diamond in a stable setting ✓
Real diamonds are the hardest natural material (Mohs 10) and are not affected by ultrasound. Prerequisite: The setting must be stable and intact. Do NOT put loose stones or damaged prongs in the ultrasonic cleaner.
Rubies and Sapphires (untreated) ✓
Untreated rubies and sapphires (corundum, hardness 9) can be cleaned in a stable ultrasonic cleaner. Exception: Oil- or resin-filled stones (a common treatment process, especially for rubies) – the ultrasound can dislodge the filling and damage the stone.
Stainless Steel 316L ✓
Very suitable. Stainless steel is robust and not sensitive to ultrasound. Ideal for stainless steel jewelry with many small details.
Platinum ✓
Completely harmless, like gold. Platinum jewelry can be put in an ultrasonic cleaner without restrictions.
What you should NOT clean with ultrasound
Pearls ✗ – Absolute No-Go!
Pearls are organic material (calcium carbonate + conchiolin). Ultrasound literally destroys the nacre structure – you can see the surface become dull and cracked. Never, under any circumstances.
Opals ✗
Opals consist of up to 20% water. Ultrasound can shake out this water and irreparably damage the stone (cracks, loss of play-of-color). Heat from the vibrations is also dangerous.
Emeralds ✗ (almost always)
Almost all commercial emeralds are oiled or resin-treated. Ultrasound will remove this treatment, leaving a duller, less valuable stone. Only if you are 100% sure your emerald is untreated (which is very rare) would ultrasonic cleaning be possible.
Turquoise ✗
Turquoise is porous and often stabilized with resin. Ultrasound damages the surface and can dislodge the stabilization.
Moonstone ✗
Moonstone (feldspar) has perfect cleavage – under ultrasonic vibration, it can break along these cleavage planes.
Coral, Amber, Ivory ✗
All organic materials – never in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Gold-plated jewelry ✗ (with caution)
Thin gold plating (electroplated) can be removed by ultrasound. PVD gold plating (physically vapor deposited) is more robust, but avoid it to be safe.
Enamel jewelry ✗
Enamel is melted glass on metal. Ultrasonic vibrations can detach the enamel from the metal backing.
Pieces with loose stones or damaged settings ✗
Always check beforehand: Are all stones secure? Are all prongs intact? A loose stone in an ultrasonic bath is a lost stone.
Checklist: Before ultrasonic cleaning
- What material is the stone? (Diamond, ruby, pearl, opal?)
- Has the stone been treated? (Oiling, resin, irradiation?)
- Are all setting prongs intact? (Check with a loupe)
- Are there organic materials? (Pearls, amber, coral?)
- Is the piece gold-plated? (If yes, avoid ultrasonic cleaning)
Ultrasonic cleaners for home use
Entry-level devices for home use cost €30–€60. They are less powerful than professional devices at a jeweler's, but perfectly sufficient for gold, diamonds, and stainless steel. Add a drop of mild dish soap to the water for better cleaning action.
When in doubt: Dish soap bath is always safe
Are you unsure whether a piece can withstand ultrasound? A dish soap bath (lukewarm water + mild dish soap + soft brush) is safe and very effective for almost all jewelry pieces.
Well-maintained jewelry at Corelune Jewellery
Jewelry worth maintaining – at Corelune Jewellery you will find high-quality jewelry with transparent material information.
👉 Discover quality jewelry now – and care for it with the right methods!
