How to Care for Amber Jewelry: Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance Guide
Baltic amber is a natural gemstone formed from fossilized tree resin over millions of years. Although amber is durable enough for everyday wear, it requires gentle care to maintain its shine, color, and organic beauty. Because amber is soft and sensitive to chemicals, proper maintenance ensures your necklaces, bracelets, beads, and pendants remain beautiful for years.
This guide explains how to clean amber safely, how to store it correctly, and what to avoid to protect its natural surface.
⭐ 1. Why Amber Needs Special Care
Unlike stones such as quartz or sapphire, amber ranks low on the hardness scale. Therefore:
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It can scratch more easily
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It reacts to harsh chemicals
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It becomes dull if exposed to heat or perfume
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It needs soft cleaning methods
Understanding amber’s natural qualities helps you care for it properly and avoid accidental damage.
If you’re exploring authentic jewelry, browse our full collection:
👉 Amber Necklaces
Amber Close-Up to Show Texture
⭐ 2. How to Clean Amber Jewelry Safely
Amber needs only mild, gentle cleaning. Because chemicals can damage it, follow these simple steps.
✔ Use a soft cotton cloth
Gently wipe the surface to remove oils, dust, and fingerprints.
✔ For deeper cleaning, use lukewarm water
Mix lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap.
Then:
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Dip the cloth in the mixture
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Wipe the amber lightly
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Dry with a soft towel
✔ Polish using olive oil (optional)
You may apply a tiny drop of olive oil to restore shine.
However, remove excess oil to prevent buildup.
❌ Never use:
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Jewelry cleaners
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Alcohol
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Acetone or nail polish remover
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Ultrasonic cleaners
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Toothpaste
These products can damage amber permanently.
⭐ 3. How to Store Amber Jewelry Properly
Correct storage preserves amber’s natural shine and protects it from scratches.
✔ Store separately from other jewelry
Keep amber away from metals and gemstones that might scratch it.
✔ Use a soft pouch or jewelry box
A fabric-lined box keeps amber safe from dust and friction.
✔ Avoid heat and sunlight
Long exposure can dry or darken amber.
✔ Remove jewelry before sports or swimming
Sweat, chlorine, and salt water may dull the surface.
For more detailed care, view our children’s jewelry guide:
👉 Amber Care for Children’s Necklaces
⭐ 4. What to Avoid When Wearing Amber Jewelry
Even though amber is durable enough for daily wear, certain conditions may damage it.
❌ Perfume and lotions
Apply perfumes and creams before putting on amber jewelry.
❌ Hair products
Sprays and gels contain alcohol that harms amber.
❌ Direct heat
Hairdryers or sauna heat may cause cracks.
❌ Chemical cleaners
Household cleaners can dissolve amber’s protective surface.
By avoiding these hazards, your amber will maintain its natural glow.
⭐ 5. How to Refresh Polished and Raw Amber
Amber changes gently with time. To keep it looking vibrant:
✔ For polished amber
Wipe regularly and buff lightly with olive oil.
✔ For raw amber
Use only a dry cloth. Water may slightly change its matte texture.
If your amber becomes noticeably dull, a professional jeweler can polish it safely.
⭐ 6. Caring for Amber Beads and DIY Creations
If you create jewelry using Baltic amber beads, you should:
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Store beads in soft bags
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Keep raw beads separate from polished ones
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Avoid exposing them to glue fumes or heat
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Clean beads before stringing to remove dust
Browse supplies here:
👉 Amber Beads & Jewelry-Making Supplies
⭐ 7. When to Seek Professional Help
Seek a jeweler’s assistance if:
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Your necklace thread stretches or breaks
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A bead cracks
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A pendant loses shine
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A clasp becomes loose
Professional repairs extend the life of your amber jewelry.
⭐ Conclusion
Amber jewelry remains beautiful for decades when cared for correctly. Although it requires gentle handling, its warm glow and natural charm make it worth the effort. By cleaning it softly, storing it properly, and avoiding chemicals, you protect its organic structure and preserve its beauty for years to come.
Explore our handcrafted collection:
👉 Shop Authentic Baltic Amber Jewelry