Ultrasonic cleaners are often used to clean diamond jewelry because they are very effective at removing dirt, grease, and grime.
But before you drop your diamond ring into one of these machines, you might be wondering: Can ultrasonic cleaner damage diamonds?
The short answer is that yes, ultrasonic cleaners can damage diamonds. However, the risk of damage is relatively low, especially if you’re careful about how you use the machine.
That said, it’s still important to exercise caution when cleaning diamonds with ultrasound. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how ultrasonic cleaners work and how they can damage diamonds.
We’ll also offer some tips on how to safely clean your diamond jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner.
How Ultrasonic Cleaners Work
The cleaning process of an ultrasonic cleaner is based on the use of high-frequency ultrasonic waves. These high-frequency sound waves are used to clean jewelry by creating cavitation bubbles.
The cavitation bubbles are created when the ultrasonic vibrations come into contact with the surface of the object being cleaned.
The bubbles then collapse and create a force that is strong enough to remove dirt and other contaminants from the surface of the object.
Why Use an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner?
There are many reasons to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaners work by using high frequency sound waves to agitate the cleaning solution.
This process creates millions of tiny bubbles that gently lift away dirt and grime. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for all types of jewelry items, including delicate pieces.
In addition, ultrasonic cleaners are much faster and more effective than traditional cleaning methods.
Can Ultrasonic Cleaner Damage Diamonds?
While ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe for most types of jewelry, there is a risk that they can damage some stones, including diamonds.
The reason for this is that when the cavitation bubbles collapse, they create a mini sonic boom.
This sonic boom can cause cracks or fissures in diamonds that are already damaged or have weak spots.
In addition, some diamond treatments, such as laser drilling or fracture filling, can make diamonds more susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaners.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using an ultrasonic cleaner on any diamond that has been treated in any way.
While the risk of damage is relatively low, it’s still important to be careful when using an ultrasonic cleaner to clean diamond jewelry.
Follow the tips below to ensure that your diamonds come out of the machine sparkly and unscathed.
Tips and “dos and Don’ts” to Consider to Safely Clean With an Ultrasonic Cleaner
1) Choose a Lower-powered Machine
If you’re worried about damaging your diamonds, opt for a lower-powered ultrasonic cleaner. These machines have less powerful sound waves and are less likely to cause damage.
2) Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can break down the surface of diamonds over time, making them more susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaners. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions made specifically for diamond jewelry.
3) Don’t Overclean Your Diamonds
Overcleaning can actually do more harm than good! Diamonds should only be cleaned when they are visibly dirty, usually every few weeks or so.
If you clean them too often, you could end up stripping away vital oils/adhesives and causing premature wear and tear.
4) Inspect Your Diamonds Before Cleaning
Take a close look at your diamonds before cleaning them in an ultrasonic machine.
If they have any cracks, chips, or other surface imperfections, they may be more susceptible to damage during the cleaning process.
5) Remove All Filigree
Detailed metalwork, such as filigree can trap dirt and debris deep inside its crevices. As a result, it’s important to remove all filigree before cleaning your diamond jewelry in an ultrasonic machine.
6) Don’t Leave Your Diamonds in the Machine for Too Long
If you leave your diamond jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner for too long, there’s a greater chance that it could be damaged by the sound waves.
Most experts recommend keeping diamond jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner for no more than 3 minutes at a time, just long enough to remove dirt and grime without causing any harm.
What Gemstones Can Be Cleaned in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Ultrasonic cleaning works by creating high frequency sound waves in a water solution. The sound waves create cavitation bubbles that agitate the water and break apart dirt and grime.
This method is gentle yet effective, making it ideal for cleaning delicate items like jewelry.
However, not all gemstones can withstand the power of ultrasonic cleaners. In general, the more brittle the stone, the more likely it is to be damaged in an ultrasonic cleaner.
This is because the heat and vibrations from the machine can cause cracks or chips on the surface of the stone.
Some examples of stones that should not be cleaned with ultrasonic devices include emeralds, onyx, opals, tanzanites, lapis lazuli, and turquoise.
These gemstones are particularly susceptible to damage from the heat or vibrations of the ultrasonic cleaner.
Additionally, many of these stones have been treated with heat or other methods to enhance their color.
This makes them even more vulnerable to damage during cleaning.
Other stones that should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine are those with cracks that have been filled with oil or other materials.
Additionally, stones whose surface has been coated with a polymer or other substances should also not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner as the chemicals could react with each other and cause damage.
Cleaning Alternative for Delicate Stones
If you have gems and jewelry that are too delicate to be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine, there are other methods you can use.
One alternative is hand-cleaning your gemstone using only warm water and a mild soap.
Avoid using any type of chemical cleanser as this could damage the surface of your stone. Gently scrub your stone with a soft brush then rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
Another option is taking your stone to a professional jeweler who can clean your jewelry safely without damaging it.
Types of Jewelry That Should Not Be Used in an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
You can use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean most types of jewelry, but there are a few exceptions. One type of jewelry that should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine is tungsten.
This metal is susceptible to damage from the heat and vibrations of the ultrasonic cleaner.
Conclusion
While there is a small chance that ultrasonic cleaners could damage diamonds, the risk is relatively low, especially if you’re using a lower-powered machine.
That said, it’s Still important to exercise caution when cleaning diamonds with ultrasound .
In this blog post we discussed how ultrasonic cleaners work and how they can damage diamonds along with some tips on how to safely clean your diamond jewelry with an ultrasonic cleaner .
Following these tips will help ensure that your diamonds come out of the machine looking sparkly and new!
