Can I clean amber resin with alcohol?

No. Isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and most strong solvents cloud the polished surface of polyester resin. Use warm water with a drop of mild dish soap on a soft microfibre cloth. Wipe gently in one direction, not in circles.

Will amber resin yellow over time?

Premium UV-stable resin (used by quality manufacturers) holds its colour for decades. Lower-grade resin yellows in 12-18 months of direct sun. Look for 'UV-stable' or 'archival' in the product description. If you're unsure, keep the piece in indirect light.

Can it survive direct sunlight?

Quality UV-stable amber resin can sit in a sunny window for years. The amber colour is part of the resin formulation and isn't affected by UV. Lower-quality resin yellows or cracks under prolonged UV, keep cheaper pieces away from direct afternoon sun.

What happens if it gets scratched?

Small scratches can be buffed out with a polishing cloth and a tiny amount of jeweller's polish. Deep scratches require professional resin restoration. For everyday safety, keep amber pieces away from coins, keys, and other hard objects.

How do I store one I'm not displaying?

In a soft cloth pouch, padded with bubble wrap or foam, in a stable-temperature environment. Avoid attics (heat) and basements (humidity). Resin doesn't degrade in storage but can scuff against hard surfaces.

Caring for amber resin: cleaning, display, longevity