It is formed from the fossilised tree resin of now extinct conifer and ancient pine trees and must be several million years old to be called amber. Amber is a treasured gemstone that has been used in jewellery and decoration since the Stone Age and is perhaps the oldest substance ever used for human adornment.
Amber has been sort after by collectors for many years; steadily growing in popularity it is now readily available on the high street and is a very popular choice for jewellery designers. As amber is created from fossilised tree resin no one piece is ever the same; each one is unique and this is one of the most appealing characteristics. It can be produced in a variety of sizes and shapes and is available in a range of colours with the most popular being the fiery bronze cognac amber. The green colour is growing in popularity and is created when moss and plant material are captured inside it creating a variegated mottled effect, other colours include yellow, white and even black.
Although amber can be facetted and given edges, it is more widely seen as a cabochon creating a soft smooth finish which allows the natural inclusions of plant life and insects captured inside to be seen easily. These inclusions are highly desirable and have been a source of fascination for years. We all remember the scene from Jurassic Park with the fly in the amber on the professors stick, it is a memorable image.
As amber is relatively inexpensive and light weight is it often used as large stones set into eye catching pendants and necklets. Most commonly mounted into silver jewellery the soft warm colour also lends itself to gold settings.
The MOH scale measures the gemstones relative hardness on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the stones scratchability. Diamond is the hardest at 10 followed by sapphire and rubies at 9. Amber measures 2.5 so it is not as hard as some gemstones.
As with all gemstones it is important to properly care and clean the stone to ensure it retains its appeal. It is best that amber does not come in to contact with solutions such as hair spray and perfumes. I would also advise that all jewellery is removed when using household soaps, detergents, cooking oils and butters. All of these can leave amber with a dull white coating that become permanent.
Avoid exposing any items to sudden changes in temperature and remove it when doing physical activities. Amber jewellery should be used with a soft cloth where it cannot rub against metal or other jewellery which may cause the stone to chip. Some jewellery stores offer ultrasonic or steam cleaners to thoroughly clean items of jewellery; these should not be used to clean amber jewellery. I would suggest using lukewarm water and a soft cloth to restore it to its natural lustre.
Now that you know the properties and characteristics of amber as well as how to look after and clean the stones, I thought I would introduce you to a bit of legend and lore surrounding the stone. It has been said that amber's variation in colour reflects the four seasons and the wearer's mood. Many healing and magical powers have been associated with it; the ancient Greeks believed that it could be worn as protection against disease. It has also been used to treat asthma, rheumatism and internal problems throughout the ages. It is believed that amber brings good luck and has long been associated with healing energy and mental stimulation; it is also said to balance aggressive traits.
So now you have all the information you need to enjoy your amber jewellery; I hope that this article goes some way to help you understand the characteristics and best way to care for this striking and sought after stone.
After working in the jewellery industry for a number of years it became apparent that the characteristics of each gemstone are not always fully understood. Here at Chapelle Jewellery we try to explain every aspect of the jewellery so our customers leave knowing how to care for the item and understanding any limitations it may have. Please contact us for more information about any of the gemstones you see on our website.
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