Baltic amber is a durable material — pieces have survived millennia underground — but as jewellery worn daily, it benefits from a little considered care. Amber is softer than most gemstones and sensitive to certain chemicals and conditions. The following guidance will help your pieces remain as beautiful as the day you received them.
Cleaning
Clean amber jewellery with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Warm water is fine; soap should be mild and used sparingly, rinsed off thoroughly. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, and any abrasive cloths or polishes — these can scratch or cloud the surface. After cleaning, dry the piece gently with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry fully before storing.
What to avoid
- Chemicals: Perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and household cleaning products can dull or damage amber's surface. Apply cosmetics and fragrances before putting on your jewellery, not after.
- Heat and direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or heat sources can cause amber to become brittle or crack over time. Avoid leaving pieces on a sunny windowsill or in a hot car.
- Abrasion: Amber sits at around 2–2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale — softer than most gemstones. Store it separately from harder jewellery to prevent scratching.
- Chlorine and saltwater: Remove amber jewellery before swimming in pools or the sea.
Storage
Store amber pieces individually in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box. Keeping pieces separated prevents surface scratches from contact with harder materials. A stable, cool, and moderately humid environment is ideal — very dry conditions can cause amber to develop fine surface cracks over time.
Polishing
If your amber has lost some of its lustre, a small amount of olive oil applied with a soft cloth and then buffed off can restore its natural sheen. This is a traditional method used by amber artisans and is gentle enough for regular use.
Wearing is good for amber
One of amber's pleasant qualities is that regular wear actually benefits it. The natural oils from skin help maintain the surface and keep the material supple. A piece worn often tends to develop a warm, rich patina that only improves with time.
Explore our Baltic Amber Jewelry collection — each piece is made to be worn and enjoyed for years.