Baltic amber has survived forty million years — but it survived them buried in the earth and cradled by the sea, not in a jewelry box next to perfume bottles. Amber is organic, warm, and alive in a way no mineral gemstone is. That is its magic, and also the reason it asks for a little tenderness. Here is how to keep your amber glowing for generations.
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.
How to clean amber at home
All you need is lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft flannel cloth. Wipe the piece gently, rinse with clean water, and dry immediately. For extra glow, polish with a drop of pure olive oil on a soft cloth, then buff away every trace of oil.
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.
Wear it often
Here is the loveliest part: the best care for amber is simply wearing it. The natural oils of your skin keep the surface lustrous — amber that is worn glows brighter than amber that sits in a drawer. 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, keep away from direct sunlight and heating vents, and handle with dry hands. Treated well, a KIZIMA® piece handcrafted in Brooklyn today will be an heirloom in fifty years.
Questions about a specific piece? Write to us anytime — every item we make at kizima.us comes with a maker who answers personally.
