Jewellery makers often make sterling silver settings for amber stones as an aesthetic complement to the stone. Amber rates 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as ivory. When cleaning and caring for a sterling silver piece that contains a fragile amber gemstone, adhere to specific cleaning guidelines to preserve the beauty and integrity of both the setting and the stone.
Clean the silver
Fill a small container with the warm water. Add two or three drops of mild liquid soap to the water and agitate it with your fingers to form suds.
Dip a portion of a clean, soft cloth into the soapy water and gently rub the silver with the cloth. Avoid touching the amber with the soapy cloth.
Pat the sterling silver setting dry with a soft, dry cloth.
- Fill a small container with the warm water.
- Pat the sterling silver setting dry with a soft, dry cloth.
Inspect the setting for dull or darkened areas, also known as tarnish. Rub a silver polishing cloth in a circular motion over the tarnished areas of the setting, taking care not to touch the amber gemstone.
Clean the amber
Fill a small container with lukewarm water. Dip a portion of a soft flannel cloth into the water to wet it.
Wipe the amber gemstone with the moistened portion of the cloth.
- Fill a small container with lukewarm water.
- Wipe the amber gemstone with the moistened portion of the cloth.
Dry the stone with a dry section of the cloth.
Pour the olive oil into a small container and dip a section of a clean, soft cloth into the oil.
Polish the amber with the olive oil. Buff with a dry portion of the cloth, then store your jewellery.
TIP
Store amber and silver jewellery in a pouch or a separate part of your jewellery case to avoid scratching the stone.
Air and light will tarnish silver. Consider this when storing your jewellery.
WARNING
Do not spray perfume or hairspray while wearing amber jewellery. Either substance can cause a white coating to form on the gemstone.
Never use ultrasonic cleaners or commercial jewellery cleaners to clean amber.