Amber

Amber is an organic gemstone , it is made from the fossilised resin of pine trees which lived millions of years ago.  It can be carved or polished so that it has a smooth polished surface and in this form it is popular in jewellery.  Occasionally an insect, small leaves or a pine needle  can be found embedded in the amber this is quite rare.

How to tell amber from its imitations:

Amber has several characteristic which enable it to be told apart from plastic and glass imitations, it is light weight, warm when touched and easily produces static electricity when rubbed . Also when viewed under a black light amber glows a strange greenish yellow colour. It has a characteristic smell when heated and will float in strong brine where plastics will sink.

Amber in Jewellery:

Here is a nice antique piece of amber jewellery( a Lavalier) available from antiquesavenue.co.uk. It is a superb Edwardian pendant made of amber with gilt overlay. This is in art nouveau style and dates from the early 1900s. On one side there is a faux lock. The amber measures 3.7 cms. A genuine antique piece of jewellery in lovely condition