| Amber
is one of the most unusual semi-precious gems. It is admired for its ability to preserve ancient
history and for its unique and mystical beauty. Amber is not
really a stone. It is a fossilized resin that, in
prehistoric times, exuded from various now-extinct trees.
Since antiquity it has been believed that amber has magical
and healing powers. Throughout history, amber has been
valued more highly than gold, used as a powerful medicine
and a valuable gem. Over two thousand years ago it was
obtained from the Baltic Sea for mystical ceremonies and for
the making of fine jewelry. The amber used for the making of
our contemporary jewelry has been found in the same part of
the Baltic Sea, in Poland. The oldest piece of amber jewelry
found is approximately 30,000 years old (!) and is thought
to be an amulet (good luck charm). Amber was of high value
in ancient Greece and Rome. In the Greek mythology amber
comes from the tears of a nymph as they dropped into water.
In The Odyssey, Homer describes an amber necklace belonging
to a distinguished Phoenician merchant. Amber treasures were
also found in the tomb of King Tutankhamon, 1400 B.C.
Taking care of
amber jewelry:
Amber can preserve it’s beauty and luster for generations
if you take a few precautions:
- do not put on your amber jewelry before applying hand
cream, hairspray or perfume - another words keep it away
from chemicals, especially alcohol
- keep amber away from strong sources of heat or light -
prolonged exposure can cause “clouding” of the stone
- when storing amber do not let it rub against metals or
sharp objects
- do not clean your jewelry in ultrasonic cleaners,
steamers, etc.
- if your stone is a little clouded, you may be able to
polish it by rubbing it with a soft cloth dipped in olive
oil, then wipe clean
- a jeweller will be able to polish your stone if it is
clouded or damaged
- the best way to keep the silver from tarnishing is to
wear your jewelry often; if it does tarnish, you can rub
the silver part only with a polishing cloth for silver (
never dip your jewelry in any polishing solutions - that
would damage the amber.)
- please keep in mind that
irregularities in amber are perfectly normal and add to
the uniqueness of the piece of jewelry |
