A Little About AMBER

Here’s a question for your next trivia pursuit game – what materials used in jewellery have are made by living creatures? Perhaps after a bit of thinking someone will probably answer “pearls”. Of course that answer is correct; but pearls are not alone. There are a number of different corals used in jewellery; the gorgeous black coral of the South Pacific, Red coral known since ancient times & the exquisite crystal coral of Australia.

For a really good answer, few will think of, say Amber. Amber is the resin or pine sap of ancient plants. It is used in carvings, particularly by the Chinese, & is set in silver or occasionally gold rings, earrings, pendants & bracelets. Only a small amount of amber is considered good to excellent quality. Amber of variable colour is considered by some to be the most valuable. Some amber contains preserved insects – which apart from their scientific uses – (this blog is about jewellery, so do a ‘google’ yourself!!) can make an interesting & certainly conversation promoting addition to an item of jewellery.
Like many other gems today, amber can be heat treated to improve its colour & experiments have been done adding a little dye to its surface. Being of organic origin it is very important to avoid harsh chemicals if you are wearing amber jewellery. Ultrasonic cleaning etc is also a no-no with amber. If amber is not a ‘gemstone’ you’re aquainted with, now is the time for you to get to know it better. Amber comes in several shades from red/brown through to yellow & green & more. One very recent discovery of amber has been made in Australia. Not only is this the first time amber has been found here, but it is red in colour. We awaiting more details with batted breath. Meanwhile, check out the details of the examples above at http://www.thegemlovers.com/Gemstone_Jewellery.php click on the tigerseye, amber link.