August 27, 2026 · by Anne
Caring for your amber jewellery
Amber is fossilized tree resin, and it is much softer than gemstones like quartz or sapphire. It sits at about 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, roughly as hard as a fingernail. That softness is part of what makes it feel so warm and alive, and it also means it likes a little care.
Put it on last
Perfume, hairspray, lotion and household cleaners can dull amber’s polish. Put your amber on after everything else, and take it off before washing up or swimming.
Clean it gently
Wipe your amber with a soft cloth dampened in lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then dry it right away. Never use jewellery cleaner, alcohol or an ultrasonic cleaner. To bring back the shine, I rub a tiny drop of olive oil over the stone and buff it off with a soft cloth.
Store it on its own
Keep amber in a soft pouch or its own compartment so harder gems and metal clasps can’t scratch it. Long hours in strong, direct sunlight can slowly darken amber over the years, so a jewellery box is the best place for it.
Mind the temperature
Avoid sudden changes in temperature, like leaving a pendant on a sunny dashboard. With these few habits, your amber will look just as lovely for whoever inherits it.