Although there are wide variations in styles and amber settings, be they set in gold, silver or even strung together with thin strips of leather, in general amber tends to be used in heavier setting styles. Amber necklaces often utilize large (and abundant quantities) of beads to make one piece, and rings and broaches tend to be larger than other gemstone compositions.

This is partly due to the fact that most amber contains a fossil; be it the skeletal remains of a prehistoric creature, a flower petal s or a leafy fern impression. These “amber gemstone” and their imprisoned fossils are therefore not cut in accord with the size a jeweler may desire for a setting but according to the size of the fossilized remains inside each piece. This often results in a somewhat chunky amber earring setting, or a thick necklace, or a more robust amber ring setting.

Also, another consideration is the geographical region where amber has been found – Northern/Easter Europe and the Dominican Republic. Taking into account that traditional amber jewelry designs, in both Eastern Europe and the Dominica, began as strands and strands of polished beads for necklaces and large amber stud earrings, it is not surprising that these heavier settings have became the most common styles seen around the world.

Although now there are numerous designers who make delicate compositions for drop earrings and tiny amber stud earrings in more subtle broaches and necklaces, the classic elegance of the heavy settings remains a standby.

Here are a few tips to incorporate amber jewellery that will tastefully accent your wardrobe.

1. Remember that the amber itself will be the focal point of your look. Don’t overdo it with high collared, long sleeved blouses or dresses with floral prints or patterned fabrics or heavy suit textures. When choosing to wear amber, keep your blouse, skirt, suit or dress patterns simple, preferable plain and of one color.
2. Since amber reflects light and is filled with texture, the best fabrics will be lightweight silk, natural cotton, linen and fluid crepe. If selecting multiple strands of amber beads for a necklace composition consider an open décolletage, a strappy summer dress or a strapless evening gown.
3. Select only ONE piece of jewelry. Either choose a large amber stud earring or a dangling set of amber earrings as the focal point or choose an oversized broach or a multi-strand amber necklace, but not all three. If you choose a necklace, then pair it with a tiny stud earring and not a chunky or dangling earring. If you choose a prominent set of amber earrings, then forego the necklace.
4. If you have pierced ears and normally wear earrings everyday, and like me feel naked without earrings, then an alternative to a necklace would be a large bracelet or a set of bracelets.
5. You may wear a large amber broach on a winter coat, and still have another piece of amber jewelry such as a necklace or silver amber earrings that remain once you have removed your coat.
6. Should settings be in silver or gold? That depends. For a warmer feeling choose gold amber earrings and for a cool look select the silver ones. Just try to keep gold with gold and silver with silver. Green and blue amber lend themselves well to silver settings, it brings out the coolness, whereas yellow or honey colored amber blends better with gold accents.

Remember, as with all jewels, amber jewellery is meant to accentuate what you wear and not overpower it. The main tips for accenting your wardrobe with amber jewelry are:

• Select one piece of jewelry for one outfit. Keep it simple and elegant.
• Opt for plain raw silk, natural cotton, linen, or fluid crepe fabrics.

Here are some additional tips on what other jewelry to pair with amber:

1. Delicate Silver Amber Earrings – match with a simple silver choker and no other gems (no necklace)
2. Heavy Gold Amber Earrings – pair with a set of thin bangles or one matching bracelet (no necklace)
3. Large Amber Stud Earrings – combine with nothing more than your smile (a bangle if you like)
4. Green Amber Earrings – try to keep your look cool – silk dress in blue, turquoise or soft jade tones
5. Large Amber Rings – if you have expressive hands that gesture, let your rings do the talking