Amber is fossilized tree resin, not mineral — which means it behaves differently from the gems most care guides are written for. Treat it like a diamond and you'll damage it. Treat it right, and a piece can easily outlive the person who bought it.
The golden rules
- Keep it away from chemicals. Perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, and household cleaners are amber's worst enemies — they dull the surface and can leave a whitish film. Put your amber on last, after perfume has dried.
- No ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Ever. Jewelers' machines that are safe for diamonds will craze and crack fossil resin.
- Avoid extreme heat and long direct sun. Amber softens at relatively low temperatures. Don't leave it on a sunny windowsill, near a radiator, or in a hot car.
- Protect it from scratches. On the Mohs scale amber is only 2–2.5 — softer than a copper coin. Store it separately from metal chains and harder stones, ideally in a soft pouch or a lined box.
What to avoid
Amber is soft (2–2.5 on the Mohs scale) and sensitive to heat and solvents. Skip ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, perfume, hairspray, and household chemicals — all of them can dull the surface or cause micro-cracking. Avoid leaving amber in direct sun or a hot car; prolonged heat can darken and craze it over time.
What actually works
A soft cloth and lukewarm water is really all amber needs. For a deeper clean, a drop of mild soap in water, a gentle wipe, then dry immediately. For extra glow, polish with a drop of pure olive oil on a soft cloth, then buff away every trace of oil. Store pieces separately from harder gems and metals that could scratch the surface — a soft pouch or lined box is enough.
What about silver settings?
Many KIZIMA® pieces pair amber with sterling silver. Clean the silver with a dedicated silver cloth only — never dip the whole piece in liquid silver cleaner, which will damage the amber.
Wearing it well
Amber is meant to be worn, not shelved: the natural oils from skin actually help keep it supple. Put it on last, after perfume and lotion, and take it off first before swimming, showering, or exercise. Small habits, not special treatment. The old Baltic saying holds true: amber loves its owner.
A note on our figurines and chess sets
Amber sculptures, chess pieces, and keepsake boxes follow the same rules: dust with a soft dry cloth, and keep them out of direct sunlight, which can darken and dry the resin over many years.
A piece that ages with you
Cared for this way, an amber pendant or ring should still be glowing on a granddaughter's hand in fifty years — that longevity is the whole point of buying something handmade rather than mass-produced.
Questions about a specific piece? Write to us anytime — every item we make comes with a maker who answers personally. Every KIZIMA® piece ships with care instructions: shop amber jewelry or shop amber home décor, handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY.
