Cleaning Amber
Amber needs to be cleaned frequently so that it continues to shine. You will receive a lot of compliments when wearing it, but only if it is cleaned properly.
Amber jewelry in a vintage wooden box
You never want to use an ultrasonic jewelry machine or a steam cleaner. They can damage the polish around the amber and cause significant damage to the stone.
Use slightly warm water and mild soap to form a solution. Place the amber jewelry inside and use your fingers to wash off any debris. Dry the stone with a flannel cloth.
To polish and shine the amber, use a drop of olive oil and a soft cloth.
Before ever storing your amber jewelry, make sure it is cleaned and polished before placing it into a jewelry box.
If you have yellow gold, sterling silver or even platinum, the instructions are the same. The setting itself can be cleaned separately, using the best cleaning methods for that metal (e.g., a jewelry polish or a silver wipe).
What Not to Do When Wearing Amber Jewelry
Amber is very sensitive, so there are a few things you never want to do when you’re donning your favorite amber earrings, necklace or even ring.
1. Don’t leave the amber in direct sunlight. If you take your ring off for whatever reason, place it in a soft bag to avoid direct rays.
2. Avoid extreme temperatures – too hot or too cold can cause damage to the stone
3. Perfume and hairspray should be applied before wearing your jewelry. If these get onto the surface of the amber, it can lose its shine forever.
4. Avoid cooking or cleaning while wearing an amber ring or bracelet. The household chemicals and heat can destroy the amber.
Amber is not your average stone. It’s been developed inside the earth and is not as stable as some of the other stones that you may be used to wearing.
Even though it’s solid, amber might not always be that way because it once was a liquid form.
If you’re in a situation where you think your amber stone might get easily damaged, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not wear the jewelry.
Storing Your Amber Jewelry
Amber is very delicate and can be scratched easily. To ensure it doesn’t scratch when you’re not wearing it, you need to store it separately from other pieces. This way it won’t touch other materials in your jewelry box. Wrap it in a soft cloth or store it in its own jewelry box.
