It's hard to imagine, but there are some
Diamonds that should NOT be put in Ultrasonic Cleaners! Even though Diamond is the hardest natural substance on the face of the Earth, they do have flaws. Those
Flaws and Imperfections, if many, can cause Diamonds to actually crack in Cleaners.
If your Diamond has a lot of Inclusions running through the stone, then I would think twice about putting them in Ultrasonic Cleaners. Plus, many Diamonds have been fracture filled (Or Laser Drilled) to improve Clarity. (Jewelers have to tell you if they are upon purchase!) But the problem is, that fracture filling can dissolve and come out in the cleaner. It can make your Diamond look really bad, and may even crack it.
Colored Diamonds are also a big No-No to put in Jewelry Cleaners. (Like Blue Diamonds for example!) Colored Diamonds usually are enhanced by heat to bring out their color and hue. Ultrasonic Cleaners can dull and fade those beautiful colors.
Costume Jewelry is also not advised! Never put Costume Jewelry in Cleaners. Most types of Costume Jewelry use Fake, Synthetic, or Imitation Gemstones that will crack under heat. And since most Costume Jewelry is glued together (Like Foil Backs are!), the paste will dissolve, erode and more than likely, ruin your Jewelry!
Tungsten is also a Metal that should avoid Chemicals and Cleaners! Read More: Tungsten!
And also let me throw in Watches! Believe it or not, I have seen Jewelers put Watches in Cleaners. As shocking as this sounds, there is a reason. Some Watches, like Rolex Watches, are Water-Proof and can be submerged into liquids. Diver's Watches are the same. As long as they are Water-Proof, and NOT Water-Resistant, (Big Difference!), you can do it! Also know, that if you have replaced the battery in your Watch, or broke the seal or gasket, then your Watch is probably no longer Water-Proof. Proceed with caution!
Personally I don't recommend putting any Watches in Cleaners, Water-Proof or not. I always cringe when I see Jewelers do it. I would think the heated water would fog up the insides of the Watch face and rust the parts. I wouldn't try it. I would leave it up to the professionals!
Do keep in mind, NEVER get the water in your Jewelry Cleaner so hot that it boils. Boiling water is a sure way to crack just about any Gemstone you put in the solution!
Also be careful about using the wrong type of Cleaning Solution in these machines. Anything with Bleach, Harsh Acids or Chlorine can harm precious Metals and Plating.
And always place your Gems and Jewelry in those little plastic hangers, holders, or trays that come with most Jewelry Cleaners. Never put your Jewelry directly on the bottom of the Cleaner. The excessive agitation can harm, scratch, and ruin your Jewelry. Plus, it may even damage the Cleaner itself!
Also keep in mind that Ultrasonic Cleaners can loosen your Gemstones and Diamonds as well! Always check your stones for tightness after each and every cleaning. If you notice any stones are loose, take it to your Jeweler to get fixed.
When the water in your Sonic Cleaner starts to look dirty, replace it. Cleaning Jewelry in a dirty cleaner is like taking a bath in mud. Your Gems won't get very clean!
And when the water level starts to diminish or evaporate, refill it. Jewelry Cleaners work best when maintained, taken care of, and cleaned.
Now if they would only make an Ultrasonic Cleaner that would turn Coal into Diamonds... That would be an awesome machine!
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