I have the same one as cricket and it works great!!!

I'm going really high tech with one of those little Tupperware "shot glasses". You know, the little containers with the lid? About the size of a shot glass. I put distilled water in there, a squirt of dish soap, snap the lid on and shake.

They do work...so well in fact that you have to be careful. I've had a stone fall out of 2 separate channel set eternity rings using the ultrasonic. I would not recommend using it to clean jewelry with micro pave, melee, etc. No issues when I use it with my solitaire or bezel pendant. It cleans them better than anything else. I soak and then carefully scrub underneath with a soft baby tooth brush. Then I put in the ultrasonic using plain distilled water. After the ultrasonic cycle is complete I blot with a towel and finish with a warm hair dryer so I don't get any water spots.

Also, I only do one piece of jewelry at a time in the ultrasonic. I don't want to risk two pieces rubbing against each other and causing scratches.

I had 2 stones fall out of 2 different rings... In all honesty, i get the same clean effect by soaking in hot water and washing up liquid and a toothbrush! I usually soak for a few hours though....

That's an awesome idea!!! Plus, I already have an espresso machine! Thank you for that! =D

Brilliant idea!!! Running off to pull out my espresso machine since my Bissell Hot Shot broke months ago ...

Oh yay! Happy to have shared the fruits of my studying

Not sure how it works though! Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

bump..
how is everyone going with the cleaning?
I'm in fear of getting an ultrasonic with a pave ring that is about to arrive.
Í'm worried about steam cleaning it too as I read that the sudden temparature change from a cold asha to steam can thermal shock it and crash it..
how's everyone steaming their stones? I'd be happy to buy a steam cleaner if it'would be better than an USonic.

I wouldn't risk using an ultrasonic cleaner with pave. I've read about thermal shock, too, but I'm not sure if steam would be too hot. Maybe others can comment on that.

I've found this works best for me:

> CLEAN: A few drops of blue Dawn brand dish liquid and 1 cup of distilled water

> RINSE: A 50/50 mixture of distilled water & white vinegar

> DRY: I use a hairdryer and a lint free jewelry cloth.

> TIP: Rubbing alcohol also works well for quick touch-ups.

You may also want to read this thread. It has some very useful information, such as NEVER use ammonia to clean your jewelry. It leaves a dull film that actually attracts dirt.

Hope that helps!