Your guide to Amber
Click here to see some Amber Jewellery.
Amethyst
Amber is loved by many for unique colouring and individual appearance. Although technically it is not a mineral, as it is actually the fossilized resin from ancient conifer trees. Most of the world amber is 20-90 million years old and is famous for catching preserving insects and other objects as it sets.
The price of amber can vary greatly; smaller pieces may only be a few dollars, while some large pieces with many insect inclusions will set you back many hundreds. Amber is one of the few gems in which inclusions can actually raise the price of the stone, rather then devalue it.
As each piece is individual, the best piece to buy is simply down to personal preference. Amber is frequently made into ornaments etc as well. The most famous piece being the Amber Room in Prussia. The amber was made into decorative panels and set with gold leaf and mirrors all around the room.
In the Middle Ages, peasants in Poland would be hanged without trial for carrying amber. Before then, amber was thought to be lucky. Luckily things today are a little different.
