A Complete Care Guide on How to Look After Your Amber Jewellery
Whether you own amber earrings, amber rings, amber pendants, or a whole set of amber bracelets and amber necklaces, it's essential to take good care of your amber jewellery.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about caring for your amber jewellery, so you can keep it looking the same as the day you bought it.
Understanding Amber Jewellery
It's crucial to comprehend what amber is and why it needs particular care before getting into care advice. Amber is a fossilized tree resin that is millions of years old; it is not a gemstone. Amber is softer and more delicate than other gemstones because of its organic origin. This indicates that although it is robust enough for daily use, it is more vulnerable to heat, chemicals, and scratches.
Let’s now explore the key tips for looking after your amber jewellery.
1. Keep Amber Jewellery Away from Chemicals
Amber jewellery, including necklaces, rings, and earrings, is susceptible to strong chemicals. Hairspray, lotions, perfumes, and even cleaning supplies can dull or cloud the amber's surface.
To protect your amber jewellery:
- Always apply perfumes, hairspray, and lotions before putting on your jewellery.
- Remove your amber rings and bracelets before using hand sanitiser or household cleaners.
- Wipe down your amber jewellery after wear to remove any residue that may have built up during the day.
2. Store Your Amber Jewellery Properly
Proper storage is key to maintaining the beauty of your amber jewellery. Due to its softness, amber can be easily scratched by harder stones or metals. To avoid this, always store your amber pieces separately from other jewellery.
Here are a few storage tips:
- Keep your amber necklaces and pendants in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in your jewellery box.
- For amber earrings, consider using a jewellery organiser that keeps each pair apart.
- Avoid storing amber jewellery in direct sunlight or in overly warm places, as prolonged exposure to heat can cause the resin to become brittle.
3. Cleaning Amber Jewellery
Cleaning your amber jewellery should be done with care, as harsh chemicals and abrasive materials can damage the surface. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean amber earrings, amber rings, and other amber pieces safely:
What You’ll Need:
- A soft, lint-free cloth
- Warm water
- Mild soap (optional)
Steps:
- Gently wipe the amber surface with a soft cloth to remove any dust or dirt.
- If necessary, you can dip the cloth in warm water. Avoid soaking your amber jewellery in water as it can weaken the setting over time.
- If your jewellery is particularly dirty, add a tiny drop of mild soap to the water. Avoid using any harsh or chemical-based cleaners.
- Dry the jewellery with a clean, dry cloth immediately after cleaning.
Be cautious of using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning, as these methods can damage the amber.
4. Handle Amber Jewellery with Care
As we’ve mentioned, amber is a soft material, so handling it with care will ensure its longevity. Amber rings, in particular, are prone to being knocked or scratched during everyday activities. To avoid unnecessary wear and tear:
- Remove amber rings and bracelets when doing household chores, gardening, or any manual work.
- Avoid wearing amber jewellery while exercising, as sweat can dull the amber’s lustre over time.
- Take care when putting on or removing amber necklaces and pendants to prevent the resin from being scratched by clasps or fastenings.
5. Polishing Your Amber Jewellery
Over time, you may notice that your amber jewellery loses some of its natural shine. While amber can be professionally polished, you can also restore some of its lustre at home.
To polish your amber:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth (such as a microfibre cloth).
- Gently buff the surface of the amber in small circular motions.
- Avoid using polishing agents or abrasive materials, as these can scratch the surface or cause the amber to lose its natural glow.
If your amber jewellery has significant scratches or damage, it’s best to take it to a professional jeweller for polishing or restoration.
6. Protect Amber from Heat and Sunlight
While amber is a fossilised resin, it’s still vulnerable to extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Heat can cause amber to dry out and become brittle, while direct sunlight can cause the colour to fade.
To protect your amber jewellery:
- Avoid leaving amber necklaces, pendants, or bracelets in direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Don’t store amber jewellery near heat sources, such as radiators or heaters.
- Never expose amber to open flames or hot surfaces, as the resin can melt or crack.
7. Regularly Inspect Amber Settings
Amber jewellery is often set in silver or gold, and it’s important to regularly check the settings to ensure the amber is securely held in place. This is especially important for amber rings and bracelets, as they are more prone to bumps and knocks during wear.
To check the settings:
- Gently tug on the amber to ensure it’s secure.
- Inspect for any loose prongs or damaged settings.
- If you notice any issues, take your jewellery to a professional jeweller for repairs.
8. Wear Your Amber Jewellery with Confidence
While it’s important to take care of your amber jewellery, don’t forget to enjoy it! Amber is a stunning natural material that deserves to be shown off. Whether you’re wearing amber earrings to a special event, layering amber necklaces for a casual look, or stacking amber rings for a touch of everyday elegance, wearing your amber jewellery regularly is the best way to keep it alive and connected to you.
By following these simple care tips, your amber jewellery will stay beautiful and vibrant for years to come, allowing you to enjoy its timeless beauty, warm glow, and historical charm.