Ultrasonic

Jewelry Discussion
1

I would like to hear what y’all put in your ultrasonics. I’ve
always used 80% water, 10% clear ammonia, and 10% Mr. Clean (the
lime green variety). That has worked great on cleaning, but
sometimes tarnishes silver. Does anyone have another recipe
that they swear by that is cheap? Something to add to the
discussion, that is probably a no-brainer… NEVER put opals,
pearls, or coral in the ultrasonic. They will destroy them.
Wendy Newman @Wendy_Newman

2 
I would like to hear what y'all put in your ultrasonics.  I've
always used 80% water, 10% clear ammonia, and 10% Mr. Clean (the
lime green variety).  That has worked great on cleaning, but
sometimes tarnishes silver.  Does anyone have another recipe
that they swear by that is cheap? 	Something to add to the
discussion, that is probably a no-brainer... NEVER put opals,
pearls, or coral in the ultrasonic.  They will destroy them.

Some years ago I was introduced to using Mr. Clean. I also

noticed a little bit of difficult to remove smudge. Upon closer
examination of the ultrasonic cleaner I found that the coating
that I thought was applied by the factory was in fact a mineral
deposit left on the inside of the cleaner by the Mr. Clean. I
have since gone bsack to Wisk and amonia or Gesswiens amonia free
BCR.

I don't know how many people I have heard speak of the damage

an ultrasonic cleaner will do to these stones. My experience has
been quite different. I don’t recomend cleaning large opal in
these machines, but I have never hurt a comercial sized opal in
the ultrasonic. Same with pearls that are not left soaking for
long periods. As for coral and shell cameo, it seems that a
little mineral oil will restore the finish.

Bruce D. Holmgrain
e-mail: @Bruce_Holmgrain
http:\www.knight-hub.com\manmtndense\bhh3.htm
snail mail: pob 7972, McLean, VA 22106-7972
phone:: 703-593-4652

3 
 I don't know how many people I have heard speak of the damage
an ultrasonic cleaner will do to these stones. My experience has
been quite different. I don't recomend cleaning large opal in
these machines, but I have never hurt a comercial sized opal in
the ultrasonic. Same with pearls that are not left soaking for
long periods. As for coral and shell cameo, it seems that a
little mineral oil will restore the finish.

Alittle mineral oil will only mask the damage that has been
done, these stones will require repolishing. The mineral oil will
disappear after a short time and the customer will be left with
a dull yucky stone. I’m using Mr. Clean and ammonia, and these do
not seem to hurt coral or cameos. I may switch to spic and span
based on a comment I read.

Jeffrey Everett