Which ultrasonic cleaner to buy?

[sirbenson]

I did a search on the forum and found older threads talking about the Shaper Image UC but then read that its discontinued.

I also read about the Jewel Jet and an ultrasonic cleaner from Hammacher Schlemmer.

http://www.hammacher.com/Product/74177

So I'm not sure what to buy? Any tips? I don't need anything large nor anything fancy or deluxe.

So far, its just my platinum solitaire engagement ring I'd be cleaning with it most of the time. Though I'm wondering if silver can also be cleaned in an UC? What about costume jewellery?

I also noticed that most machines say to use just water but some PS'ers mention using solutions of ammonia, water and a bit of dishsoap. Does WHAT you clean influence what solution is okay to use?

Thanks.

 

[sirbenson]

Can anybody offer any advice?

 

[yssie]

Hi there,

QUic about the US - if you have a simple design that allows you to get into crevices with a baby toothbrush, the US is of little use on that piece! The US really excels at cleaning pieces with little holes, lots of melee (though this is a different discussion!), lots of nooks and crannies for dirt to get into.

Get one w/ a stainless steel tub on the inside, it can have plastic findings but you want a steel tub to hold the water/solution. stainless steel is nonreactive so you can use silver cleaner.

I have seen this list on PS, but I don't know if it's accurate or definitive:

OK
diamond
ruby (not significantly included)
sapphire
amethyst
citrine
garnet
spinel
tourmaline
tsavorite
iolite
jadeite
zircon

NOT
anything with many feather inclusions, esp. if they break the surface. Clouds, crystals, wisps, etc. okay.
lapis
turquois
malachite
onyx
pearl
opal
emerald
amber
coral
aquamarine
peridot
topaz
tanzanite

 

[Amys Bling]

My experience: I purchased a small travel Connoseuirs sonic cleaner- it actually worked great! battery operated, and it was cheap. Well, after 3 months of use, it cracked 2 days ago.

This time I just bought off of ebay (3 days ago)- CD2800 Sonic Wave Ultrasonic Cleaner- It's kind of a no name brand. This one plugs in, and although it is plastic construction- it's a lot thicker, sturdier, larger, and the tank that holds the water is steel. I have used it once- just got it last night in the mail- and it works wonderfully. Purchased for $30 off of ebay- shipping was an additional $10.


I also purchased the jewell jet for $65 off of ebay with fress shipping. I have not gotten this yet, it's due at my house in a few days.


I have a prong set 3/4 eternity band (no pave) so the ultrasonic works really well.

 

[yssie]

My experience: I purchased a small travel Connoseuirs sonic cleaner- it actually worked great! battery operated, and it was cheap. Well, after 3 months of use, it cracked 2 days ago.

This time I just bought off of ebay (3 days ago)- CD2800 Sonic Wave Ultrasonic Cleaner- It's kind of a no name brand. This one plugs in, and although it is plastic construction- it's a lot thicker, sturdier, larger, and the tank that holds the water is steel. I have used it once- just got it last night in the mail- and it works wonderfully. Purchased for $30 off of ebay- shipping was an additional $10.


I also purchased the jewell jet for $65 off of ebay with fress shipping. I have not gotten this yet, it's due at my house in a few days.


I have a prong set 3/4 eternity band (no pave) so the ultrasonic works really well.

please come back w/ a review of the jewel jet - esp. how you like it in addition to your US, I've been contemplating one but I don't feel I know enough to pull the trigger..

 

[Amys Bling]

I definitely will give a full review- I am really excited to get it and try it out on my jewels...

 

[sirbenson]

Hi there,

QUic about the US - if you have a simple design that allows you to get into crevices with a baby toothbrush, the US is of little use on that piece! The US really excels at cleaning pieces with little holes, lots of melee (though this is a different discussion!), lots of nooks and crannies for dirt to get into.

Get one w/ a stainless steel tub on the inside, it can have plastic findings but you want a steel tub to hold the water/solution. stainless steel is nonreactive so you can use silver cleaner.

I have seen this list on PS, but I don't know if it's accurate or definitive:

OK
diamond
ruby (not significantly included)
sapphire
amethyst
citrine
garnet
spinel
tourmaline
tsavorite
iolite
jadeite
zircon

NOT
anything with many feather inclusions, esp. if they break the surface. Clouds, crystals, wisps, etc. okay.
lapis
turquois
malachite
onyx
pearl
opal
emerald
amber
coral
aquamarine
peridot
topaz
tanzanite

Thanks! I do not have a compliacated setting (its the Grace by BGD). But I still find that even after FH cleans my ring wtih Palmolive and a toothbursh I can still see gunk at the junction between the diamond and the prongs.

Good tip about the stainless steel basket!

 

[yssie]

Hi there,

QUic about the US - if you have a simple design that allows you to get into crevices with a baby toothbrush, the US is of little use on that piece! The US really excels at cleaning pieces with little holes, lots of melee (though this is a different discussion!), lots of nooks and crannies for dirt to get into.

Get one w/ a stainless steel tub on the inside, it can have plastic findings but you want a steel tub to hold the water/solution. stainless steel is nonreactive so you can use silver cleaner.

I have seen this list on PS, but I don't know if it's accurate or definitive:

OK
diamond
ruby (not significantly included)
sapphire
amethyst
citrine
garnet
spinel
tourmaline
tsavorite
iolite
jadeite
zircon

NOT
anything with many feather inclusions, esp. if they break the surface. Clouds, crystals, wisps, etc. okay.
lapis
turquois
malachite
onyx
pearl
opal
emerald
amber
coral
aquamarine
peridot
topaz
tanzanite

Thanks! I do not have a compliacated setting (its the Grace by BGD). But I still find that even after FH cleans my ring wtih Palmolive and a toothbursh I can still see gunk at the junction between the diamond and the prongs.

Good tip about the stainless steel basket!

Hmm... that makes me think maybe the prongs either weren't filed down fully or the stone isn't fully seated in the notches as it should be - leaving space for lint to catch.. do you see anything w/ a loupe? I cannot think of any reason a toothbrush should not be sufficient on a simple setting like the grace.

 

[sirbenson]

My experience: I purchased a small travel Connoseuirs sonic cleaner- it actually worked great! battery operated, and it was cheap. Well, after 3 months of use, it cracked 2 days ago.

This time I just bought off of ebay (3 days ago)- CD2800 Sonic Wave Ultrasonic Cleaner- It's kind of a no name brand. This one plugs in, and although it is plastic construction- it's a lot thicker, sturdier, larger, and the tank that holds the water is steel. I have used it once- just got it last night in the mail- and it works wonderfully. Purchased for $30 off of ebay- shipping was an additional $10.


I also purchased the jewell jet for $65 off of ebay with fress shipping. I have not gotten this yet, it's due at my house in a few days.


I have a prong set 3/4 eternity band (no pave) so the ultrasonic works really well.

I was at Wally Mart today and saw that they sell an UC for 30 bux....I *think* it may have been the Connesiour (sp?). I took it our of the box to look at it. It was small, had plastic baskets inside. It had one basket for cleaning and one for rinsing. The cleaning basket was pretty small so Ididn't buy it. I would have fit my jewellery but not my eye glasses or sunglasses. The Sonic Wave sounds pretty good. I'd love to know how the Jewel Jet compares. Do tell after you use it!

 

[sirbenson]

Hmm... that makes me think the prongs either weren't filed down fully or the stone isn't fully seated in the notches as it should be - leaving space for lint to catch.. do you see anything w/ a loupe?

I don't have a loupe I only own the one diamond (my E-ring) so haven't invested in a loupe yet.

I really ohpe the stone is properly seated...yikes. Maybe I'm just remembering the gunk from the pre-cleaning phase. I'll have to get FH to clean it and see what I can see.

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

I actually have a Jewel Jet at home (no US, we use the ones that our bench uses) and I am very happy with it. I like that it literally blows dust and gunk away. We have had rings come to us with decades of filth and gunk and this system handles it beautifully.

I typically soak the pieces in warm water with a little soap for about 15 minutes. Brush it under running water with a soft toothbrush, give it the final finishing steam from the JJ, let it sit for 2 minutes or so then a quick squirt of compressed (to avoid water marks). Voila! Nice, clean, sparkling baubles!

 

[yssie]

Hmm... that makes me think the prongs either weren't filed down fully or the stone isn't fully seated in the notches as it should be - leaving space for lint to catch.. do you see anything w/ a loupe?

I don't have a loupe I only one the one diamond (my E-ring) so haven't invested in a loupe yet.

I really ohpe the stone is properly seated...yikes. Maybe I'm just remembering the gunk from the pre-cleaning phase. I'll have to get FH to clean it and see what I can see.

both of these issues are easy to fix if they are present. But yes, definitely have your FI check and make sure there *is* a problem before you worry

 

[yssie]

I actually have a Jewel Jet at home (no US, we use the ones that our bench uses) and I am very happy with it. I like that it literally blows dust and gunk away. We have had rings come to us with decades of filth and gunk and this system handles it beautifully.

I typically soak the pieces in warm water with a little soap for about 15 minutes. Brush it under running water with a soft toothbrush, give it the final finishing steam from the JJ, let it sit for 2 minutes or so then a quick squirt of compressed (to avoid water marks). Voila! Nice, clean, sparkling baubles!

Hi Grace!

Do you need to use distilled water?

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I have this one - the GemOro US. I'm sure that's not the same seller I got mine from but I did get it from ebay, and I really like it a lot. No stainless steel basket however - just plain plastic.

 

[Amys Bling]

Just got my Jewel Jet! I read through the instructions- it said to use tap water in the manual. It also reccommends that you soak and "brush" scrub your ring first, and then follow up with the jewel jet. I feel like since my ring is cleaned in the US every few days, I will just use the ultra sonic first, then jewel jet, then dry.

Am I a complete nerd because I am so excited to get a steamcleaner? It was the highlight of my day today..

 

[Amys Bling]

Hi there,

QUic about the US - if you have a simple design that allows you to get into crevices with a baby toothbrush, the US is of little use on that piece! The US really excels at cleaning pieces with little holes, lots of melee (though this is a different discussion!), lots of nooks and crannies for dirt to get into.

Get one w/ a stainless steel tub on the inside, it can have plastic findings but you want a steel tub to hold the water/solution. stainless steel is nonreactive so you can use silver cleaner.

I have seen this list on PS, but I don't know if it's accurate or definitive:

[b]OK
diamond
ruby (not significantly included)
sapphire
amethyst
citrine
garnet
spinel
tourmaline
tsavorite
iolite
jadeite
zircon
NOT
anything with many feather inclusions, esp. if they break the surface. Clouds, crystals, wisps, etc. okay.
lapis
turquois
malachite
onyx
pearl
opal
emerald
amber
coral
aquamarine
peridot
topaz
tanzanite

[/b]


This exact list is included in the jewel jet manual....

 

[Dreamer_D]

I really want a steam cleaner myself. I have the Sharper Image plastic tub US and it is fine, had it for about 3 years and use is 2-3 times a week and it seems to hold up. But NOTHING seems to work as well as steam.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Hmm... that makes me think the prongs either weren't filed down fully or the stone isn't fully seated in the notches as it should be - leaving space for lint to catch.. do you see anything w/ a loupe?

I don't have a loupe I only one the one diamond (my E-ring) so haven't invested in a loupe yet.

I really ohpe the stone is properly seated...yikes. Maybe I'm just remembering the gunk from the pre-cleaning phase. I'll have to get FH to clean it and see what I can see.

both of these issues are easy to fix if they are present. But yes, definitely have your FI check and make sure there *is* a problem before you worry

Do you mean under the diamond like on the pavilion where the prongs gently slope away from your stone? I find water stays in there and it looks like gunk, and also sometimes it is hard to actually brush in there too. I doubt the diamond is ill seated in the prongs, honestly, since BGD are very good about quality control.

 

[yssie]

Hmm... that makes me think the prongs either weren't filed down fully or the stone isn't fully seated in the notches as it should be - leaving space for lint to catch.. do you see anything w/ a loupe?

I don't have a loupe I only one the one diamond (my E-ring) so haven't invested in a loupe yet.

I really ohpe the stone is properly seated...yikes. Maybe I'm just remembering the gunk from the pre-cleaning phase. I'll have to get FH to clean it and see what I can see.

both of these issues are easy to fix if they are present. But yes, definitely have your FI check and make sure there *is* a problem before you worry

Do you mean under the diamond like on the pavilion where the prongs gently slope away from your stone? I find water stays in there and it looks like gunk, and also sometimes it is hard to actually brush in there too. I doubt the diamond is ill seated in the prongs, honestly, since BGD are very good about quality control.

Oh I didn't think of that - I thought he meant on top of the stone, prongs catching on something

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Hi Yssie,

Tap water is probably OK, but where I live the water is hard so when I use tap water, I find a lot of mineral deposits in the tank

 

[iwannaprettyone]

I had the Sharper Image but the plastic tub finally cracked. With my delicate eternity bands a US is not the best idea. I now have the Jewel Jet, which really gets my sparklies squeaky clean. I bought it on Ebay and have no regrets.

 

[lyra]

I got an ultrasonic cleaner with a stainless tank from amazon a few years ago. It works great. I also have the Jewel Jet, and to be honest, it works way better than the ultrasonic. I don't use the Jewel Jet as often as the ultrasonic. I don't use the ultrasonic very often on my pave setting. I use GemCare solution with a baby toothbrush the most often of all (daily!). It is safe for soaking for longer periods too.

 

[sparkie]

I just got myself an ultrasonic cleaner. Does anybody know whether there is any risk in cleaning an SI1 diamond with feathers reaching the girdle in the ultrasonic cleaner?

Thanks.

 

[motownmama]

MIne is from brookstone.

 

[Bosie]

1st the US cleaner.......... I am not sure which brand I have but it does have a SS tub, I think people on the forum say that is preferred. I also use Distilled Water, not tap water, because tap water has minerals and other things that can stick to the diamond. Now, it is probably not a big deal if you use tap water, but I think from my experience the distilled water leaves the rock cleaner. Bottom line, I think all the "personal" US cleaners do the same job.

Now onto the jewelry steamer. I owned the Jewelry Jet (JJ) for many years, it was kind of pooping out, but I never thought the intensity of the steam was that great. That latter thought was 100% confirmed when I just happen to be at TJ Maxx and picked up the Sharper Image jewelry cleaner. It was $29.99, they had 2 in stock, and I can kick myself for not buying both,hey, give one as a gift. I thouight that SI was out of business, but I have seen some of their branded items, probably someone bought the name and is bringing stuff back in their name, name recognition. OK, so I took the SI cleaner home, put in distilled water, and off I went. It takes about 3 minutes to get the steam strength to clean the diamond. Well, it almost blew me away because the steam was so strong, it made the JJ look like a piece of junk! It is so strong, you of course have to hold the jewelry with the tweezers, but you have to really keep your fingers far away, because I burnt myself the first time due to the intensity of the steam. I challenge anyone to try the SI vs. the JJ, and you will see, night and day! The downside, I hear they are hard to find.

 

[mynattk]

CD2800 Sonic Wave Ultrasonic Cleaner- It's kind of a no name brand. This one plugs in, and although it is plastic construction- it's a lot thicker, sturdier, larger, and the tank that holds the water is steel.

I purchased this same model from Amazon about 3 months ago and have used it at least 3 times every week since then. It's big enough for glasses or a few rings at a time and works great. I'm somewhat picky about my ring being sparkly because it has Lots of tiny melee. I did buy a recommended bottle of pink cleaning solution. Squirt a little in there with some warm water and, voila.

Nice size, easy to clean, won't break the bank. Hope that makes your final decision a little easier.

 

[Amys Bling]

CD2800 Sonic Wave Ultrasonic Cleaner- It's kind of a no name brand. This one plugs in, and although it is plastic construction- it's a lot thicker, sturdier, larger, and the tank that holds the water is steel.

I purchased this same model from Amazon about 3 months ago and have used it at least 3 times every week since then. It's big enough for glasses or a few rings at a time and works great. I'm somewhat picky about my ring being sparkly because it has Lots of tiny melee. I did buy a recommended bottle of pink cleaning solution. Squirt a little in there with some warm water and, voila.

Nice size, easy to clean, won't break the bank. Hope that makes your final decision a little easier.

ditto- i use the connoseuirs pink liquid---one drop or two into the tanke and fill with warm/hot water. It has been working wonderfully.

As for the jewel jet- I dont see a difference between using the jewel jet vs. US. I have only used it once, and I think it is more complicated to use than the US- the tweezers, pump the steam, don't get your hand in the way... haha, i like the ease of the US and my ring comes out beautifully. I will give the jewel jet a try again soon, maybe I need to get used to using it!

 

[MoonRiver]

Hi there, i wanted to get ultra sonic cleaner to clean some of my pieces... but i worry if there will be a chance if the diamond can fall out, especially those on micropave settings...

i had a bad experience once when a jeweler ultraclean my micropave and 2 stones came off!!! luckily the ring was from the same shop and he mend it for me.

please advice on cleaning such delicate pieces. how about those diamond of commercial grades (i.e. with feathers clouds etc???)


THANKS THANKS IN ADVANCE

 

[looking4d]

looking for a cleaner also, but just had a thought...my girlfriend has a coffee maker with a "steamer" which produces stream to heat up milk.

I wonder if that streamer is strong enough to clean the ring.

 

[Bosie]

looking for a cleaner also, but just had a thought...my girlfriend has a coffee maker with a "steamer" which produces stream to heat up milk.

I wonder if that streamer is strong enough to clean the ring.

Don't think the intensity and force of the steam from the coffee maker is enough. See if you can find the Sharper Image steam cleaner, I have seen them on Exxy.