Amber

To a great number of people, amber is merely one of the gemstones that are often seen adorned in striking jewelry pieces. However, a closer look will tell you that this particular stone shares a more colorful past that you would have never anticipated.

History

About million years ago, some forest trees in certain parts of the world began seeping some sticky globs of resin trapping along with it some debris such as insects, twigs and leaves as wells as seeds. As the geologic time advanced, the forests were long buried and the resins have hardened into a warm and golden gem, which is now known as amber. This now brings us to an astounding fact that the amber jewelry items that we enjoy today are actually about 30-50 million years old! So while you might have a thing for the striking beauty of the fine amber jewelry, geologists and some paleontologists are more keenly interested in the evidences left in the prehistoric life, or fossils. But since time immemorial, amber has been largely used as decorative pieces and ornaments usually set in necklaces, beads, and earrings. Since amber is highly capable of achieving that attractive sheen after thorough polishing, Ancient Romans and Greek often refer is as the “Gold Of the North” and among the highly coveted jewelry pieces even back then.


Classifications

Generally, ambers are categorized in four different types of gems. Among the most abundant ones are the Baltic amber jewelry, or more prevalently known as the succinite amber and were mostly derived from pine tree resins. The other type include the Burmite which can only be recovered through extensive mining, Semitite that are only available in the area around Simento River located in Sicily and the Rumanite that are largely found in Russia and Germany that has a rather unique shiny black appearance. Interestingly enough, all three are now considered to be rare gems and extinct.

Color And Clarity

The popularity of amber in the modern times can be largely attributed to the movie Jurassic Park, and the demand for the gemstone have reached meteoric proportions after the movie was shown. Aside from the fact that the Baltic amber is readily available in profusion, it can also be purchased in a myriad of colors and easily matched along with any clothing or complemented with any other accessory. However, if you are on a shopping binge for this particular gem, then translucency is the highly desired quality in any amber jewelry. Since clarity is generally rare in amber, it also comes with a rather expensive price tag.



Proper Care

Even in its hardened state, ambers are still considered fragile stones and are actually not expected to be as long lasting as all other gemstones in the market. However, with proper maintenance, one can significantly preserve and prolong the stone’s lifespan through diligent care. The important thing to remember in handling amber jewelry is to store it separately in a cotton lined case or jewelry box. It is important to keep it well away from direct sunlight and heat as well as exposure to any harsh chemicals. Amber can easily be cleaned by merely using some lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and dab a small of olive oil regularly o effectively retain its polish and shine.

The use of amber are largely favored among fashion designers all over the world mainly because it can easily fit in both formal and casual clothing pieces. There are also some individuals who believe that wearing an amber jewelry can greatly enhance one’s health and said to have an ability to balance one’s mood and alleviate depression or prevent some anxiety attacks. Whether this might have a grain of truth to it or a myth easily discounted, amber is definitely a great piece of gemstone to own.