What jewellery should you not put in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Avoid cleaning pearls, opals, emeralds, tanzanite, turquoise and any stone that is heavily included or has surface-reaching fractures, as the vibration can crack or loosen them. Pieces with decorative patination or intentional oxidation should also stay out, since the process will strip it.

Does ultrasonic cleaning remove tarnish?

Ultrasonic cleaning removes dirt, grease and debris, but it does not chemically remove tarnish from silver or other metals. For tarnished pieces you will still need a silver dip or polishing cloth alongside the ultrasonic to restore brightness.

How often can you ultrasonically clean jewellery?

For most solid metal pieces with hard stones like diamonds, sapphires or rubies, you can use an ultrasonic cleaner as often as needed. If in doubt about a particular piece, ask your jeweller before putting it in a machine at home.

What is ultrasonic cleaning for jewellery?

By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026

Definition

Ultrasonic cleaning uses a machine that passes high-frequency sound waves through a liquid solution, usually water with a mild detergent, to create millions of tiny bubbles that implode against the surface of the jewellery and dislodge embedded dirt and debris from recesses a brush cannot reach. The process is fast and very effective on metal and hard, durable gems. Jewellers use professional-grade machines as part of routine workshop cleaning, and smaller domestic versions are widely available, though not all pieces are safe to put in one.

Frequently asked questions

What jewellery should you not put in an ultrasonic cleaner?: Avoid cleaning pearls, opals, emeralds, tanzanite, turquoise and any stone that is heavily included or has surface-reaching fractures, as the vibration can crack or loosen them. Pieces with decorative patination or intentional oxidation should also stay out, since the process will strip it.
Does ultrasonic cleaning remove tarnish?: Ultrasonic cleaning removes dirt, grease and debris, but it does not chemically remove tarnish from silver or other metals. For tarnished pieces you will still need a silver dip or polishing cloth alongside the ultrasonic to restore brightness.
How often can you ultrasonically clean jewellery?: For most solid metal pieces with hard stones like diamonds, sapphires or rubies, you can use an ultrasonic cleaner as often as needed. If in doubt about a particular piece, ask your jeweller before putting it in a machine at home.

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