Caring for amber: the do’s and don’ts
Perfume, seawater, ultrasonic cleaners… Simple habits that lengthen the life of your amber.
Amber is a living material; it is born from the resin of a tree and, with the right care, only grows more beautiful over the years.
Do: wipe it with a soft, lightly damp cloth. Store it in its velvet pouch, apart from other jewellery, when not worn. Amber is soft, so do not keep it in the same box as hard stones.
Do not: let it touch perfume, cologne, hairspray, alcohol or detergent. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner; the vibration opens micro-cracks. Do not leave it in direct sunlight or on a radiator for long periods.
Amber is a soft material (Mohs 2–2.5). Worn daily as a ring it may pick up fine scratches over time; this is in fact a sign the amber is genuine, and it can be polished out. With use the colour may deepen and the patina change — this is usually not wear but amber gaining character with time.
