Amber is a stone beloved by many, which was acquired not only as a component of decorative relationships, but also as a talisman for good luck. Since ancient times, people believed in the miraculous properties of amber, cared for it, carefully cleaned and looked after. We will talk about how to properly preserve a stone in perfect condition in our article.
General rules
Most often, amber is cleaned at home. People try to restore the luster of the stone, polish it, polish it. However, one should not forget that there are general rules, without which it will not be possible to give an ideal appearance. Let's talk about them in more detail.
To work, you will need an exceptionally soft cloth to protect amber from scratches. Too strong pressure is not needed, just gently hold the material on the product. A cotton swab or a small soft brush is perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach items.
The capacity in which the stone is washed must be voluminous and spacious. Amber cannot lie in several layers. In addition, we must not forget that being in water or solutions has clear time limits. You also need to consider that the gem immediately after water procedures must be carefully wiped, otherwise it will become cloudy.
Do not damage the stones and periodic washing with ordinary warm water. If amber has darkened, has dimmed, it is possible to apply special means which are in a variety presented in jewelry salons.
What can not be used?
Amber is not quite a stone. It is a mineral of organic origin, respectively, quite fragile. Therefore, the use of cleaning agents and standard care methods can be harmful.For example, ultrasonic exposure leads to cracking, and cleaning with a steam generator threatens that the resin may crack. If it was decided to dwell on the use of soap, it is necessary to take exclusively children's or household.
If the stone is exposed to alkali and acid, which are part of most cleaning products, it will darken and lose its natural luster. Contact with alcohol and alcohol-containing products leads to white plaque. Also, do not forget that hard sponges may well scratch the delicate surface of the mineral during the cleaning process.
Contamination removal
If the jewelry or stone does not look the best, this is not a reason for panic. The thing can be completely cleaned, but the way this is done depends on the complexity of the problem.
If the stone is slightly contaminated, for example, covered with dust, it must be washed. To do this, the gem is placed in a container of water for 2-3 hours. If amber is part of an expensive piece of jewelry, rub the item in a slightly warmed, weak solution of a delicate gel.
If the stone is enough, but not critically contaminated, you can use special compounds. For example, a soapy solution. Baby or household soap is shaved, a small amount or 25 milliliters of liquid soap is diluted with warm water, in which amber is placed for a couple of minutes. After the procedure, the gem must be rinsed under a stream of cold water. You can also use strong saline instead of soap, in this case, the exposure time in it increases to 15-20 minutes.
If the pollution is very strong, several additional methods may be required. A mixture of tooth powder and paraffin helps very well. It can be made in two ways. Firstly, the fabric is rubbed with paraffin, and sprinkled with powder on top, which is rubbed. Secondly, paraffin can be grated, then mixed with tooth powder to obtain a homogeneous mass. It must be borne in mind that toothpaste cannot be used, it leads to a change in the color of amber, as it clogs even the smallest cracks.
Ammonia is a great way to clean amber. It is necessary to prepare a very weak solution, literally from a few drops, and place the product there for 10 minutes. After the procedure, rinse the thing with warm water.
How to clean precious frames?
Amber frames are usually made of precious metals such as silver and gold. They also require cleaning, for which special formulations are most often used. However, you need to act carefully so as not to affect the stone itself. If this is difficult, you need to look for other options.
The decoration can be completely placed in a mild soapy solution. Also, the product is well cleaned with glycerin, which is applied using a cotton swab. If we are talking about silver, you can buy a special rag. Its plus is that it does not harm the frame and stone, it can both clean and polish the jewelry. This is very convenient, since the use of polish when working with silver is prohibited.
How to add shine?
The stones come in contact with the body, come into contact with the environment, and this leads to the gradual loss of their radiance. If polished amber, it will help restore its shine. You can remove plaque in various ways, but cleaning must always precede the procedure.
If we are talking about a slight clouding of the stone, ice will help well. It is lowered into a container of water, amber is placed there, and after a couple of hours it is removed and wiped. If the gem is too cloudy, it will need cleaning. You can use grated paraffin with tooth powder. The method is similar to the one mentioned above.
In the presence of small scratches, almond or olive oil will help. It must be applied sparingly, rubbing very gently.If fluid leaks under the frame, dirt will accumulate in these areas faster. The procedure is recommended every time after cleaning the products.
Storage
The more carefully amber is stored, the better will be its appearance. There are certain recommendations on how to prolong the life of a stone.
It is best to keep amber jewelry separate. A great option is a casket with a soft inner upholstery. In this quality, you can use a regular cardboard box. The bag, even if it is made of natural material, cannot ensure the preservation of gems, they will begin to wear out.
The stone should not be stored with other jewelry. The proximity to products made of precious metals can also harm, since due to contact with them, the stone can become cloudy. Not the best option is the location of the box near heating appliances, air conditioners or in the cold. The temperature difference affects the gem very badly, it becomes cloudy, and cracks appear on the surface. The same happens when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
Using
As for the use of amber jewelry, there are also some nuances here. They should be worn when the image is already formed, cosmetics and perfumes are applied. Touch stones with clean hands. When the product is removed, it should immediately be thoroughly wiped. This will save the gem from sweat, dust or cosmetics that have fallen on it. Also, do not do household chores when amber is worn on the hostess.
Being in the open sun, in a bath and a sauna can lead to tarnishing of amber, so in these cases it is better to refuse to use it. It is necessary to handle the jewelry carefully, as rough mechanical action can lead to chips and cracks.
It is believed that the stone is able to absorb negative energy, therefore, it is worth periodically getting rid of it. Rinsing under running water will help. It will be especially important to carry out the procedure in the final 3 days of the lunar month. A waning moon, whose light falls on amber, can also cleanse it.
You will learn about cleaning amber in the next video.
