For thousands of years, amber has been appreciated for its warm, golden glow, its beauty as a fossil, and the uniqueness that only occurs in nature. Amber jewelry, whether it's a pendant, a ring, or a bracelet, gives you a sense of history, style, and a gem that is completely natural. Amber is different from most gemstones because it comes from tree resin that has been fossilized for millions of years.  This is why amber is fragile and needs to be handled with care.

If you have amber jewelry, you should know how to clean, protect, and shine it. This care guide will show you how to take care of amber gemstones, including how to clean them step-by-step, how to store them safely, and how to keep them from getting scratched or damaged. 

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Key Characteristics of Amber Gemstones

Amber is a soft, organic gemstone that comes from fossilized resin of trees, setting it apart from mineral gemstones. Its soft nature means it needs special care.

• Organic: Amber has been discovered over the years to be fossilized content from trees that is softer than mineral gemstones.

• Hardness: Amber is only rated at 2-2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it more likely to scratch and chip.

• Lightweight: Amber is noticeably light when compared to most gemstones.

• Heat & chemicals: Too much heat will damage it, as well as excessive chemicals, such as any chemical in perfume, hairspray, or cleaning materials.

• Natural inclusions: Most pieces of amber have air bubbles, plant parts, or even insects from long ago, which makes each piece one of a kind.

• Warm Glow: Amber's glow comes from the way its organic and fossilized structures are arranged.

• Color range: Amber can range from honey gold or cognac down to deep brown, sometimes with a greenish hue.

Understanding these characteristics is vital to practicing proper amber stone care.

Want to understand your amber on a deeper level? Explore Amber: Meaning, Healing Properties, Benefits, Hardness, and Types to learn what makes this ancient gemstone so unique.

Why Do Amber Stones Need Special Care?

Due to the softness, porosity, and organic characteristics of amber, it will react with its environment in ways that most gemstones don't:

• Scratches easily: Even dust or harder gems will leave marks.

• Chemicals can damage: Things like perfume, lotions, alcohol, or hair sprays can strip the polish or dull the surface.

• Heat sensitivity: Amber can dry out, crack, or change color when it is in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces.

• Exposure to water: Being in contact with water for a long time can damage the stringing material or make the surface cloudy.

• Delicate settings: If handled roughly, amber set in pendants or rings may come loose.

Amber will last longer and retain its natural shine with proper care.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Amber Stones 

Cleaning amber stone is easy if you do it with care. It is important that you never use harsh chemicals and ultrasonic or steam cleaning devices since they may damage your jewelry.

Step 1 - Mild Solution

Prepare a mixture of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild soap, such as unscented hand soap or baby shampoo. Do not use hot water or any solutions or chemicals that may damage the amber.

Step 2 - Lightly Wipe

Sponge or dampen a cloth or sponge slightly with the soapy water and wring out all but a wee bit of water. Wipe each piece of amber carefully and thoroughly. Do not soak the amber jewelry in a soapy solution.

Step 3 - Lightly Rinse

Take a separate soft cloth dampened with clean water to remove the soap again; do not soak the fabric.

Step 4 - Dry and Polish

Pat amber with a dry soft cloth lightly and then buff with the dry microfiber cloth or shine cloth softly. You may also use a small drop of olive oil, buffing it out gently.

Step 5 - Frequency

After wearing amber jewelry, offer a gentle wipe to remove oils and soil. Deep cleaning will be necessary every few months based on use.

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Can Amber Stone Get Wet?

It is common to ask if amber is safe in water or if it should be kept totally dry. Amber is fine with brief exposure to water, but prolonged exposure is unsafe.

• Water may dull the polish.

• Prolonged contact with water can weaken both silver and gold settings.

• Hot water can crack the surface.

• Saltwater or chlorinated water can harm its surface.

So, while amber can go in the water, it should not be worn during showering, swimming in the pool, or in the ocean. If your item does get immersed in water, just a pat dry with a soft cloth will get it safely back to form. Looking to add some amber to your collection? Buy amber stone online and enjoy its beauty while keeping it in great condition."

Cleaning Methods You Should Never Use on Amber

 Certain common cleaning techniques can permanently damage amber.

When in doubt, remember this rule: If you wouldn’t use it on your skin, don’t use it on amber.

How to Store Amber Stone or Jewelry Safely

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning properly. Follow these storage tips for the best and safest storage method of amber stone:  

• Keep it separate from more durable stones such as diamonds or topaz to prevent scratches. 

• Store soft pouches or soft-lined boxes. 

• Avoid plastic bags because the moisture they trap can harm amber. 

• Avoid direct sunlight and heat. 

• Don’t store in airtight boxes, amber likes some mild airflow.

• Keep necklaces laid flat to prevent stretching the cord.

Want to pair amber with other soothing stones? Read 15 Science-Backed Crystals for Anxiety in 2025 and How to Use Them and build your own anxiety-relief crystal set.

How to Safely Wear Amber Stones

Amber is a soft material and, therefore, how you wear it is important. Follow these golden rules for how to wear amber safely: 

• Put amber on after perfume, lotion, and makeup. 

• Take it off before exercising, cleaning, or cooking. 

• Don't expose it to heat (like from a blow dryer, sauna, or hot water). 

• Remember not to knock it against hard surfaces. 

• Be sure to wipe it off after every wear to remove any oil and sweat on the amber. 

• Once you've done these things, it's safe to wear your amber daily. 

How to Keep Amber Shiny 

Shiny amber truly appears alive, warm, glowing, and vibrant. Sure enough, with time, it may appear dull due to oils, dust, or simply dryness.

Here is how not to lose that glowing amber:

• Wipe amber after each wear: This helps you to wipe away any residue before it has time to settle in.

• Buff with a soft fabric: Microfiber may be best.

• Light natural oils help add shine: Using the smallest amount of olive oil or almond oil, rub in and wipe off, this will help revive polished amber.

• Never use abrasives: Toothpaste, baking soda, and polishing powders should not be used.

• Get re-polished by a professional jeweler: They can add shine safely without removing too much material.

These simple maintenance techniques won't cause any damage to your amber stone's surface. Additionally, it won't eliminate the radiance that comes naturally.

Final Thoughts 

Amber is among the most captivating substances on Earth, infused with ancient narratives; a frozen piece of sunlight, ancient trees, and fixed periods of time residing within its luster. Yet, it needs to be taken care of with intention. Its softness, warmth, and organic quality warrant care: soft cloths, mild soap, cool temperatures, and handling with care. 

If you keep to some basic routines of care, cleaning with lukewarm water, keeping chemicals away, storing it safely, and having inherent mindfulness when wearing it, your amber will continue to glisten and be a treasure for years to come.

In return for your warm treatment, Amber will reward you with a glow that will outlast you.

FAQ 

Q: What is the best way to clean amber at home?

Use a soft cloth and moderate temperatures with lukewarm water and mild soap; do not soak, and do not use harsh cleaners. 

Q: Can amber get wet? 

Amber can tolerate quick exposure to water, but do not soak it, and do not wear amber in showers and pools. 

Q: Does amber get easily scratched? 

Yes! It is very easily scratched, even from dust, due to its low hardness. 

Q: Is amber sensitive to heat?

Yes, heat can crack it and cause the stone to cloud or warp. 

Q: How often should I clean amber jewelry?

Wipe it after each wear, and do a thorough cleaning when it actually needs to be cleaned. 

Q: Is it ok to oil polish amber? 

Yes, but only in small amounts; too much oil could make the amber sticky. 

Q: Is the durability of amber stone sufficient for daily use?

Yes! When gently used, and only if it is stored separately to help avoid scratches.