There are very few people, especially amongst the ladies, who are not familiar with some kind of amber. But there are a lot of mistaken notions about where it comes from.

Where Does Amber Come From?

Here’s a brief explanation:

Two of the most important and commercial amber formations are found in northern Europe especially in the region of the Baltic (boasting about 80% of the world’s reserves), the North Sea, parts of Russia, and all the way to the Urals. The next most famous amber comes from the Dominican Republic.

Let´s take a closer look at these two regions and the kinds of amber they offer:

Baltic amber is in the sand, also called blue earth, and many people collect it from the seashore. Dominican amber is in rocks and mountainous sandstone and must be mined through bell pitting, although they also have underwater amber that deep-sea divers must gather. Some Dominican amber is about 15 million years old and therefore rests in sandy clay and beds of gravel. Both Baltic and Dominican amber contain fossils.

There is amber also in Nigeria, Madagascar, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Borneo, Chiapas Mexico, a little in the US, Switzerland, Austria, France, on the east coast of England, the south of Sweden, southern Finland, in Denmark, northern Germany, Latvia, the Ukraine, and Poland has also become quite famous for it.

Many jewelers sell skillfully set silver amber rings and necklaces in the huge market in Cracow. (oooh, I love that market in the middle of the town square. It’s great in summertime.)

But if you’re looking for the most transparent and fluorescent (or glowing) amber you will find it comes from the Dominican, as does the blue type, which is painstakingly retrieved from the mountain mines near Santiago.

*Another little piece of trivia:

Blue and yellow amber emit different aromas when being cut, polished or burned.

Green Amber Jewelry – Are Black and Green Amber the real thing?

Not really. Black amber is in fact oltu stone (mostly from Turkey) formed from lignite and resin that has fossilized (somewhat like amber but not exactly), which remains soft in the ground yet becomes hard when in contact with air. It is dark in color, black mostly, but may appear grayish-green when exposed to any amount of heat. This “amber” is widely used to make famous green earring and necklaces, and in the east, exquisite prayer beads.

Since there are means to create imitation green amber, here are three little tests for you to know if it’s real oltu/jet stone or not:

1. Take a pin, heat it and then press it into the stone. If it goes in it’s not real.
2. Scrape the stone a little with a knife. If there’s a brown residue it’s real.
3. Blow on the stone. If there’s a trace of mist it’s real.
   How to Start Your Collection of Amber Jewellery

If you’re lucky (like I am) and are married to a Polish man (like I am) and have a mother-in-law (like mine) who for years was the director of an exclusive Baltic amber jewelry dealership, and have been showered with exquisite pieces of silver earrings, rings and necklaces, from yellow to red and even a few pieces of the coveted blue amber, then you won’t need my advice.

If you’re starting from zero, I hope this site will offer you some good advice on where to shop for this beautiful product online, how to select the best settings of high quality amber and some simple tips on using either silver or gold amber earrings to accent your existing wardrobe.
Come back often to see what’s new in the jewelry that only took 345 million years to make!

Where To Shop Online

There are also larger shops like Andzia’s Amber Jewelry who have a large selection of beautiful Baltic amber earrings, pendants and other pieces that are very affordable and uniquely crafted into designs that are modern and elegant. The best part is that prices start at around $20 for stud earrings and only the most elaborate multi-stone creations go up to $100 or more. All their pieces are certified Polish amber jewelry crafted from stones found in the Baltic region.

Amber Jewelry Styles

Traditionally, polish amber earrings and necklaces were crafted from beads, and these styles still exist today, but there are also many creations like gorgeous chandelier designs, drop earrings and even the popular Celtic and filigree designs that incorporate knots and intricate lacey sculpted motifs with chunks of amber at the center.

Celtic Jewelry With Amber

Although chunky and large Baltic amber earrings are the best known styles, the newest designs are often smaller, highly polished stones that resemble jade or even garnets and peridots, since their color variations can range from light green-yellow to deep reddish-brown. The polished stones set in hand sculpted earrings and other creations including rings and pendants, often resemble antique or art deco jewelry designs that are very popular with the return to retro styles. With Celtic emblems and motifs and colored stones, the old-world antique feel is easy to achieve. The best part about it is that even very ornate creations are often well within even the most limited jewelry budgets. For example some three piece sets that include a pendant necklace and delicate chandelier or drop earrings may retail for under $100.

Green Polish Amber Earrings and Jewelry

Green polish amber earrings are the most affordable of all. Why? Because they are lesser quality amber stones that have been treated to be richer green in tone. Nevertheless, they are one of the most beautiful choices if you need something genuine that’s really affordable.

Handmade Baltic Amber Earrings

For a wide variety of styles and colors in unusual silver settings that are handmade, Baltic amber earrings are the best choice. Try shopping with small online merchants who earn their living by crafting and retailing unusual Baltic amber jewelry and not only save money but have original pieces that will be unique to you. Try places like My Amber Jewelry, Amber Workshop and Amber Paradise and start enjoying Polish amber jewelry creations that come straight from the Baltic Sea.

Bernardine Amber earrings

The problem with shops is that they carry a selection of amber earrings and rings that will easily appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes and therefore is often more generic in nature. If you want amber jewellery that is unique, one of a kind, not only due to the quality of the amber used but also the way the pieces are set, then I suggest small independent artists and artisans. Many such amber artisans are now online and ship their creations internationally, so you have a much wider choice than just what is available in a shop or amber market in one location.

Here is a list of some artists to help you find the most unique and personal pieces:

1. For colorful and dramatic handcrafted designer amber jewelry try Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry. They have a large selection of very fine silver amber earrings, gold amber earrings, amber pendants and green amber jewelry. They have mixed other stones with amber in some of their settings such as one exquisite pair of sterling silver amber earrings made from Baltic amber and black onyx for $245. Custom orders ship in 2 – 6 weeks.
2. R & L Amber Jewelry from Russia has some heavy, antique styles – amber pendants, amber earrings and large amber bracelets in sterling silver settings under $200.

   Since 1994 they have collected amber jewellery from Kiev, Moscow, and St. Petersburg and brought them to exclusive clients in the United States. They work with seasoned amber collectors as well as beginners offering a connection between the buyer and the artists. Custom order are welcome.

3. Andzia’s Amber Jewelry (Located at 1808 North Main Avenue – Scranton, PA 18508. Tel- 570-346-4568) is a certified member of the International Amber Association in Poland. They offer a broad range of Baltic amber, especially sterling silver amber earrings. They have traditional handcrafted amber bead necklaces, amber bead bracelets as well as more contemporary designs by local artists. They also have some very delicate amber stud and drop earrings like their Classic Amber Rose. Each rose for each earring is handmade and therefore varies slightly, but they are all in honey tones, made from Baltic Sea Amber in Poland
4. For original and remarkable amber designs visit Gregory Pyra, a magnificent amber jewelry artist who has exhibited many of his amber rings and pendants as museum pieces in Malbork Castle Museum and the Amber Museum in Gdansk Poland. He has also been commissioned to craft exclusive pieces for members of Sweden’s royal family. This is amber art jewelry not just amber earrings, pins or rings for a party. This is jewelry that distinguishes you for your excellent taste should you be able to purchase a piece or two.
5. Tel-Aviv designer Leetal Kalma has the most exotic, modern, tribal, classic, whild, modern, antique, eccentric fantastic pieces of green amber earrings, amber rings, silver amber earrings and amber jewellery in general. Silver, gold and every kind of precious stone is used to build masterpieces that often have stunning amber additions. It’s worth taking a look at these unusual creations.

These are but a few of the artists, artisans and amber dealers who you can choose from.

Later, I received many silver amber earrings, amber rings and some amazing designer bracelets in thick sterling silver and amber settings. I also had the opportunity to go to the Baltic Sea, with its endless seaside beaches of pure white sand, and see for myself where Baltic amber comes from.

Over the past 2 years, for birthdays, anniversaries and special events and reunions, my mother-in-law added to my collection with numerous presents – each more unique than the last. I began to investigate how amber was formed and what gave it such a wide variety of colors and hues, and how I could care for my amber and how I too could share these amber gemstones with others. (Some of these topics are presented in other posts)

While I was later in Warsaw at my husband’s family home, I came upon boxes of amber beads and large pieces of both yellow-orange formations as well as some of the rare blue amber and a few bits of green amber. I began making jewelry to give as presents and found it a very rewarding experience because I had fun making it and selecting the amber and invariably the people who received the presents were enchanted.

Giving earrings or rings or general amber jewellery as a gift is quite different than giving a diamond or ruby or amethyst for example because of the uniqueness of each piece of amber – each containing a tiny bit of prehistoric fossil makes for a talking piece.

So how do I select the right piece of amber jewelry as a gift?

I offer a few suggestions:

1. Know the preferred color scheme of who you plan to give it to. This is especially true for giving amber because of the varied colors it comes in
2. Know if the amber earrings you have selected are for pierced ears and if the person receiving the present has pierced ears. Unlike other earrings, amber earring styles are often made with clips, in part because of the weight of the amber itself and also because many antique pieces are traditionally made using screws or clips and not posts.
3. Select the most luminous, translucent pieces you can afford. The best amber is totally transparent.
4. Select gold amber earrings if you know the rest of the jewelry your friend uses is gold or vice versa if it is silver. That is one big mistake is jewelry giving in general. Most women have a dominant metal they like more than another. Very seldom do silver ladies wear gold.
5. When we give gifts, it is human nature to select an item we most would like for ourselves. But, for a change, think about the receiver and forget about your own personal taste. Ask yourself, does my friend usually wear delicate drop earrings or diamond studs or does she wear heavy, chunky, exotic ,even tribal looking, jewelry? Does she wear mostly warm tones and natural fibers or blues, greens, teal or turquoise? All women have a dominant tone they prefer even if they have a little of both warm and cool in their closet. So find out, don’t ask her! Just think back to the last 5 times you’ve been together and what she’s worn and chances are you’ll know immediately if you should select some green/ blue amber jewelry or stick with the honey-orange tones.

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

The Origins of Amber – and the Difference between Resin and Sap

Amber, although often thought to be precious “amber gemstones”, is not of the same nature as say rubies, sapphires or diamonds. Long before becoming an amber ring or a pair of silver amber earrings, it was fossilized resin from trees (don´t confuse this with sap which is like plant blood whereas resin is an essence within plant cells).

What makes amber perhaps more unique than gemstones is that while the prehistoric resin was yet fresh –viscous like honey – little insects, spiders, frogs and crustaceans, not to forget hairs, feathers, wood, leaves and flowers, all got stuck in the goo. When these drops of gunk were yet undeveloped chunks, after just a little initial heat and pressure, what they became were Copal, not true amber.

Copal becomes amber only after certain chemicals have evaporated, and that takes a very, very long time. And when I say a LONG TIME I’m not joking. Some pieces date back 345 million years; although the amber that contains insects appears to have formed ONLY about 146 million years ago and the pieces with beautiful bacteria and amoebae are still babies at 100 million years of age!

*Here is a little trivia about the word “amber” and heat. Since amber is relatively soft and can burn, in German it is berstein which means to burn stone and in Dutch barnsteen with the same meaning.

The Color of Amber Earrings – and What is the Best

Most people think of shades of auburn, golden- yellow, ginger- orange, or perhaps even russet or brown tones when they think of amber. Although these may be the most common colors available in amber jewellery shops that carry what is known as “amber gemstones”, in fact amber can be almost white, light yellow, cherry red, green (please read about that in another article) or even blue, which is coveted and rare. I have seen some blue amber that is navy and other pieces that are violet or deep purple.

The best amber, no matter its color, is transparent and does not contain bubbles.

Amber Jewellery – Handle with Care

It’s natural to handle precious gems and jewels with care, even if they are diamonds and can’t be scratched no matter what you do. But handling amber is totally different. Amber should be touched as little as possible because the more it’s handled the darker it becomes. Yes, amber changes color permanently if exposed to the air, or touched by skin, mostly your hands because of the natural oils we all have.

If you want to keep your amber earrings in your jewelry box that is okay. But I recommend the following extra precautions if you want to keep the transparency and original color of your amber gemstones.

1. When not being worn, wrap your amber pieces in cloth and then in cellophane or plastic wrap
2. Grasp amber earrings and bracelets by the silver or gold settings to avoid touching the amber
3. Don’t wear your amber jewelry day and night even if it’s a pair of amber stud earrings you can sleep in
4. Don’t shower, swim do exercise or cook while wearing your amber rings or earrings
5. Don’t leave amber in the sun because heat and light change its color
6. Don’t let the amber get too warm or too cold
7. Don’t allow cologne, perfume, hairspray, or body lotions to come in contact with amber
8. Wipe amber with a soft cloth after wearing and before storing
9. Wash when necessary with mild soap/room temperature water and dry with clean cloth
10. Polish from time to time to bring out the shine some recommend using oil but I don’t

*Remember: exposure to oxygen, temperature changes and the natural oils on your skin will dramatically change the color and transparency of any (high or low quality) amber