Amber Care Guide: Cleaning, Storage and Everyday Protection

How to care for amber

Amber brings a warm, natural character to a collection, whether you wear a pendant or treasure a polished specimen. It is fossilized resin rather than a crystalline mineral. Its relatively soft surface deserves a gentle routine: careful cleaning, separate storage and protection from heat and chemicals.

This guide covers everyday care for amber, including Dominican amber. For a treated piece, an antique or jewelry with glued settings, ask the seller or a jeweler about its specific care requirements before cleaning.

Open the full-size Amber Care Guide to read or save the illustration.

Cleaning amber gently

Use a clean, soft cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water. If needed, use a little mild soap, gently remove the residue with a damp cloth and dry with another soft cloth. Work carefully around settings; do not scrub with abrasive pads or use household cleaning products.

Amber measures about 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, according to GIA. It scratches easily, so a gentle touch matters more than vigorous polishing. If a surface remains cloudy, cracked or sticky, stop and seek advice rather than trying stronger cleaners.

Safe storage for amber jewelry

Give each piece its own soft pouch or a separate lined compartment. Keep amber away from harder gemstones, loose metal objects and other jewelry that might rub against it. Place the pouch somewhere cool and dry, away from a sunny windowsill or a heater.

When traveling, secure a pendant or specimen so that it cannot move around inside its box. A soft lining and separate compartment help prevent contact with other objects.

Perfume, cosmetics, heat and sunlight

Put on amber jewelry after applying perfume, hairspray or lotions. Avoid contact with alcohol, solvents and household cleaners. Remove the piece before cleaning the house, swimming, visiting a sauna or exercising.

GIA notes that heat can damage amber and prolonged exposure to light can darken it. Avoid hot cars, radiators and long periods in direct sunlight. Normal enjoyment of your jewelry does not require hiding it away; focus on avoiding prolonged exposure and unnecessary heat.

Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaning

Do not put amber in an ultrasonic cleaner, steam cleaner or dishwasher. GIA specifically lists amber among the organic gem materials unsuitable for ultrasonic cleaning. If a jewelry setting needs professional attention, tell the jeweler that the piece contains amber before any cleaning begins.

Everyday wear and a note about skin oils

Take off amber jewelry during sports, housework and other activities where it could be knocked or scratched. Handle a loose stone over a soft surface and check clasps and settings regularly.

The illustration mentions natural body oils. Please do not interpret that as a recommendation to oil or polish amber with skin oils. Our care recommendation is simple: wipe away residue gently after wear. Do not apply oils, lotions or polishing compounds as a home treatment.

Amber care questions

Can amber get wet?

A damp cloth and lukewarm water are useful for gentle cleaning. Remove jewelry before swimming and dry it after cleaning; take extra care with settings, stringing and any glued components.

How should I store an amber necklace?

Lay it in a soft, separate compartment or pouch so the beads and fittings are protected from other jewelry. Avoid piling harder stones or metal chains on top.

Where can I learn more about Dominican amber?

Explore our guides to Dominican blue amber and fossils preserved in amber, or browse our Dominican amber collection.