Repairing a Damaged Amber Pendant: Expert Advice

Question
Hi Thomas,

We have a damaged loop on top of an amber pendant surrounded by a light solid mount .It is a large piece of amber +- 30x55 mm fairly rounded, polished on front and natural at back. Mount is open at back obviously glued. Pushing hard didnt work! Is has to be done so - what is best? Silver is very thin and light i'll be happy for any info even if we have to polish it a little afterwards.
Thanks
Evelyn

Answer
Dear Evelyn, I have a few photography friends I have met only on the web who live in your country.  I have much respect for folks making things work there.  Sorry, that is not really appropriate to this answer.

Amber is often cemented into a setting. I am not surprised that is the situation with your jewelry item.  We can put hope in two things: 1. The stone is actually ancient amber.  2. The cement is a sort of epoxy.

You see, various plastics are used to fake amber and a more recent (yet still ancient) tree rosin called Kauri Gum.  Amber when truly fossilized will not react to acetone(kauri gum will soften a bit). Acetone happens to be an excellent solvent for epoxy cement. See where I am going?  It this is amber, a gentle soak in acetone will likely soften the cement enough to remove the stone, repair the silver and replace the stone with no heat damage.  Wow...Let's hope that proves to be the case. This is the best case possible.

Do you have acetone or nail polish remover containing acetone? If so, take a small swab with the solvent and hold to to a less obvious part of the amber. Allow it to be in contact for a hour and replenish solvent if needed.  Remember, if the stone shows signs of dissolving, remove and rinse right away.  If no signs of this appear, you are very likely safe to soak the piece with solvent to loosen the cement and push out the stone so the pendant may be repaired.

Amber is rather easily polished as long and it is not overheated in the process.  A prefect shine may be obtained where the stone has possible surface damage from removal.  

Try the solvent acetone first.  The next option is likely to damage both the stone and the silver.  Try this and get back with me with a follow-up if you want. Fair enough?

God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.