The SPARKL Bundle

An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a specialized machine that uses ultrasound to dislodge tarnish-inducing contaminants from the surface of jewelry. These cleaners are especially valued for their ability to deeply and non-abrasively clean intricate and delicate pieces that many other methods struggle to reach.

While commonly used by jewelry makers and jewelry creators, ultrasonic cleaners are also widely adopted in many other professional fields where cleanliness is of the utmost importance - such as for use on medical and dental tools.

Ultrasound waves produce millions of nano bubbles that separate and lift surface contaminants from jewelry. In this process of cavitation, the bubbles reach deep into every crevice the medium (e.g. water) encompasses, and make fast work of cleaning soiled jewelry.

Since these bubbles are so minute (as tiny as red blood cells!), they are incredibly effective at cleaning jewelry pieces gently without damage. We recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner with a frequency of 42,000Hz for use on jewelry pieces. At this frequency, the clean is gentle on metals and gemstones, but still tough on contaminants. Any higher or any lower, and the clean will not be as effective or as gentle respectively.

Common types of contaminants ultrasonic cleaning is particularly effective for include:

• Accumulated dirt and grime
• Body oils and sweat
• Cosmetic oils, lotions and sunscreens
• Polishing compounds
• Bacteria and mold
• Soap scum and shampoo residue
• Food particles
• Mineral deposits (e.g. hard water)

There are numerous ways to clean jewelry, from more DIY versions with a toothbrush and baking powder, to more advanced methods like ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.

The best method to clean your particular piece of jewelry is largely dependent on what materials the piece is made of. Some questions to consider are:

• Is your jewelry solid metal? Or is it plated, vermeil or rolled gold?
• Does it have gemstones that are porous?
• Can it be submerged in liquid?

There are so many types of jewelry that ultrasonic cleaners can clean, that it would be easier to list the things it can’t.

In general, if a piece of jewelry fits the following criterias, it is safe to use in the ultrasonic cleaner:

• It can be submerged in water
• It does not contain organic or porous gemstones
• It does not contain gemstones that have been filled, cracked or color-treated

Here are some types of jewelry you can clean in an ultrasonic cleaner:

• Metals: solid gold, gold filled, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, silver, platinum, brass, bronze, stainless steel
• Hard natural gemstones: diamond, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, citrine, cubic zirconia, garnet
• Ceramics
• Glass
• Plastics

There are three main categories of jewelry that should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner:

1. Items that can be damaged with water
2. Items that are organic and porous
3. Items that have gems or glass that has cracks, color-treatment or fillings

Most hard, non-porous materials (metals, ceramics, plastic etc.) can still be cleaned even if damaged.

The best ultrasonic cleaner is one that will clean your jewelry thoroughly without damage and, importantly, one that you will use often.

Here are some specs you should look out for:

• Frequency should be 42,000 Hz for cleaning jewelry
• Large enough tank to fit your pieces with ample room
• Good construction for years of use
• Easy set up / stow away for frequent usage

Before choosing an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, please ensure your jewelry is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.

When considering using ultrasonic cleaners for use on your jewelry, you should answer these key questions:

• Is your jewelry made of solid gold (10K, 14K, 18K or 24K)?
• Does it have non-porous gems?
• Are the gemstones without cracks, color-treatment or fillings?
• Can the piece be submerged in liquid (e.g. no glued-on designs)?

In general, these are the steps to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner:

1. Check that your jewelry materials are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning
2. Add water to the ultrasonic cleaning tank
3. Dab some gentle cleaning solution to your jewelry (optional)
4. Slide ring into the ultrasonic cleaner
5. Start cleaning cycle
6. Repeat steps 3-5 if needed
7. After cycle, dry off with soft cloth
8. Polish if needed

For a more detailed step-by-step, check our User Guide.

Some risks you should be aware of when using ultrasonic cleaners include:

• Cracks in your organic, porous stones. These are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
• Cracks or changes in color in filled, color-treated or damaged gemstones. Please make sure your gemstones are suitable.
• Loose stones may be displaced from their setting. Ultrasonic cleaners provide gentle deep cleaning, and will very rarely dislodge a stone from its setting. This typically only happens if the setting is already loose.