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Ultrasonic Cleaners for Jewellers: The Complete AJS Buying & Care Guide

Date: 16-07-2026
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Ultrasonic Cleaners for Jewellers: The Complete AJS Buying & Care Guide

If you work with jewellery — whether you're polishing a customer's engagement ring, prepping stock for a display cabinet, or finishing a piece fresh off the bench — a good ultrasonic cleaner is one of the hardest-working tools in the workshop. It's fast, it's gentle on most metals and gemstones, and it gets into places a cloth or brush simply can't reach.

At Australian Jewellers Supplies, we stock one of the widest ranges of ultrasonic jewellery cleaners and accessories in the country, from compact personal units through to full workshop-grade Elma machines. Here's everything you need to know before you buy — and where to find the right model in our Ultrasonics & Accessories range.

How Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Actually Work?

An ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves (typically around 37 kHz) to agitate a cleaning solution. This creates millions of microscopic bubbles in a process called cavitation. When those bubbles collapse, they release a tiny burst of energy that lifts dirt, polishing compound, oils and grime out of tiny crevices, claw settings and chain links — without any scrubbing or abrasive contact.

This is exactly why ultrasonic cleaning has become the industry standard for jewellers: it's thorough, it's quick (often just 3–5 minutes per clean), and it's far less likely to scratch or damage a finish than manual polishing.

Is Ultrasonic Cleaning Safe for All Jewellery?

Mostly, yes — but not always. Ultrasonic cleaners are excellent for solid metal pieces such as sterling silver, gold and gold-filled chains, and for most set gemstones like diamonds, sapphires and amethyst.

However, caution is needed with:

  • Soft or porous stones – pearls, opals, turquoise and emeralds can crack, cloud or dislodge under vibration
  • Treated or fracture-filled stones – always check treatment history before cleaning
  • Antique or fragile settings – older claws and prongs may not withstand vibration well

When in doubt, a gentler ionic or steam cleaning method may be more appropriate — our team can advise on the best method for a specific piece.

Choosing the Right Ultrasonic Cleaner for Your Business

The right unit really comes down to volume and use case:

For personal or retail counter use: If you just need to freshen up a customer's ring while they wait, or you want a simple in-store cleaning option, the Ultrasonic Cleaner – Personal is a compact, easy on/off unit that's perfect for light, everyday use.

For small studios and hobbyists: The Elma Ultrasonic EASY 20H – 1.75L is a great entry point into professional-grade cleaning. It features 37 kHz high-performance transducers, a stainless steel cavitation-resistant tank, adjustable heat from 30–80°C, and both continuous and timed (up to 30 minute) operation.

For busy workshops: Step up to the Elma Ultrasonic EASY 30H – 2.75L. It shares the same reliable Elma engineering — sweep function for even sound distribution, Pulse mode for stubborn polishing compound, and safety shutoffs — but with a larger tank to handle higher volumes or bulkier pieces without sacrificing cleaning consistency.

Both Elma units are made in Germany and backed by a 2-year warranty, so you're investing in a machine built to handle daily commercial use.

Don't Forget the Accessories

An ultrasonic cleaner is only half the setup. A few accessories make a real difference to results and workflow:

  • A basket to keep jewellery suspended and away from the tank base
  • A proper ultrasonic cleaning solution (rather than plain water) to lift oils and tarnish effectively
  • A Washout Brush – Plexi & Black Bristle, 4 Rows for a final gentle brush-out of settings after the ultrasonic cycle
  • Tweezers or calipers for safely handling hot or wet pieces

Ultrasonic Cleaner Maintenance Tips

  • Replace your cleaning solution regularly — once it looks murky, it's lost most of its effectiveness
  • Never run the unit dry; always fill to the marked fill line before switching on
  • Let the machine heat the water itself rather than pouring in hot water, which can damage internal components
  • Give the tank a wipe-out between different types of jobs to avoid cross-contamination of polishing compounds

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I run an ultrasonic cleaner for jewellery? Most pieces only need 3–5 minutes. Delicate items should use shorter cycles.

What's the best frequency for jewellery cleaning? 35–45 kHz suits most jewellery; higher frequencies are gentler and better suited to delicate gems.

How often should display or workshop pieces be cleaned? Retail display jewellery benefits from a weekly clean to keep it looking its best. Personal or workshop pieces are usually fine with a monthly clean, or after heavy polishing work.

Can I use tap water instead of cleaning solution? You can, but a dedicated solution will noticeably improve results, especially for tarnish and polishing residue.

Shop Ultrasonic Cleaners at AJS

Whether you're outfitting a full workshop or just need a reliable countertop unit, browse our complete range in Ultrasonics & Accessories. With over 50 years of experience supplying Australian jewellers, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before noon, and free shipping over $200, AJS makes it easy to get the right cleaning setup for your business.

Have questions about which model suits your workload? Get in touch with our team — we're happy to help you find the right fit.

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