subject: Amber Jewelry: Centuries Of Striking Amber Necklaces, Earrings, Pendants, Bracelets And Rings [print this page] Amber Jewellery has been very popular for centuries. Museums all over the world exhibit some of the finest amber necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings. Amber jewellery has a mysterious beauty. Amber is a form of gemstone that is valued and unique. Though its formation is different from the other gemstones and jewels like diamonds and amethyst, amber can be easily cut and made into fascinating gold or silver handcrafted jewellery.
When people think of amber, the first image that usually comes to peoples minds is that of ancient insects being trapped in a golden see-through substance. However, over the last few years, the demand for handcrafted amber jewellery has been growing rapidly.
Unlike other gemstones such as diamonds and emeralds, amber is actually formed over time from fossilized tree resin until it takes the appearance of a hard stone like substance. It is then carved and polished to make bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants or other types of accessories. Throughout history, amber was thought to possess healing qualities as well as repel evil and provide protection against poisons. Even the Romans used to call it the "Gold of the North".
The majority of amber found on earth ranges from 30 to 90 million years old and is divided into four distinct categories. By far, the most abundant of the four is the Baltic amber, also called Succinite amber. In fact, 80% the world's total supply of amber comes from the Baltic area. Burmite (Burmese amber), Semitite (Sicilian amber), and Rumanite (Romanian amber) make up the other three varieties of amber. They are increasingly becoming rare and as such, you should expect them to sell at higher prices than the Baltic type. Burmite amber can only be recovered through mining and exhibits a red to brown shade of coloring. Sicilian amber has a darker shade of red while Romanian amber has a distinctive, almost blackish shade of dark red.
Amber is one of the November and December birthstones and represents the zodiac sign Taurus, which makes it a perfect gift for anybody born during these months. Baltic amber naturally occurs in 250 colors and can therefore complement virtually any color of clothing. Earrings and necklaces made with most hues of amber are perfect for blond hair or brown eyes. Because amber conveys a sense of wisdom, it is also the perfect gift for the intellectual type.
Currently, demand for amber far exceeds its available supply. This has caused an ever increasing availability of imitation amber jewellery, sometimes passing as the real thing. It is therefore important for amber enthusiasts to be able to differentiate a real piece from a fake one as far more imitation amber is being produced than its authentic counterpart.
Amber is actually relatively light, smooth to the touch and see-through. Beware of plastic imitation pieces that are not as smooth. There are several tests available to determine the authenticity of amber jewellery but the most practical one is to simply rub the amber piece to see that it heats up and attracts nearby lint particles. This knowledge alone should help you to stay clear of imitation amber and you will be rewarded with a fabulous piece of fine handcrafted gemstone jewellery. You will join the millions of amber jewellery enthusiasts.
