Amber care and cleaningAmber is a very soft gem. It's been given a rating of 2.5 on Moh's scale - equally as dense as limestone. For this fact, amber requires a little more care than your average gem. The #1 rule: Never put on your amber jewelry before applying hairspray or perfume. Harsh chemicals such as these will cause a permanent white encrustation on the surface. Due to amber's soft composition, it can easily crack, lost its luster, melt when in contact with extreme heat or chemicals, or soften with age. Direct UV exposure over long periods may cause the amber to darken. Darkening will naturally occur over time due to oxidation, however, this can be delayed if stored in a cool, dry, or better yet, airtight environment. It is recommended that amber be cleaned with only mild soap and water. Polish amber only with a dry, clean, flannel cloth. Never use ultrasonic cleaners to clean amber. When cleaning the silver around the polish it is best to use a polishing cloth, so as to keep harsh chemicals away from the amber. never dip amber jewelry in any type of jewelry cleaner. Amber is particularly sensitive and may soften, crack, lose luster, or even melt in contact with certain chemicals or with extreme heat. Direct prolonged exposure to UV light (sunlight), and possibly also fluorescent light, can be damaging to amber. The surface of amber may darken with age due to oxidation. |
