How do I care for amber jewellery?

Amber is a soft organic resin that scratches easily and reacts poorly to harsh chemicals or extreme heat. Clean pieces gently with a soft cloth and store them away from other hard items. Keep amber away from perfumes, hairsprays, and alcohol-based cleaners to preserve its surface polish over time.

How can I date gold and amber items?

Dating relies on stylistic clues such as the sweeping organic lines of Art Nouveau mounts or the geometric symmetry typical of Art Deco design. Hallmarks stamped on gold or silver components provide specific assay office and year markers where present. Construction methods, such as the bezel settings used in Victorian jewellery, also help narrow down the period of manufacture.

Were cheroot holders used daily?

Cheroot holders were common personal accessories for smokers in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They kept tobacco away from the mouth and filtered smoke through the amber mouthpiece. Wealthy owners often stored them in custom leather or engraved silver cases carried in pockets or chatelaines.