Baltic Amber is the highest quality Amber in the world, with more than 250 different natural shades available on the market. Like all gemstones, Amber is valued by its color, clarity, and the size of the nugget, with a higher value placed on transparent nuggets that have insect or plant inclusions.
As we mention in our amber education section, we typically sell 5 colors of amber. those would be cognac, cherry, citrine, green, and butterscotch. Cognac– the classic orange-yellow color, is typically the most popular, but it is not necessarily more valuable than other colors.
Clear Amber of any color is generally more valued than pieces that appear cloudy or opaque. Colors like butterscotch are the exception, as cloudiness is expected, but pieces with partial clarity are still considered more desirable.
Amber sometimes contains plant matter, insects or even animals within it. Due to the one-of-a-kind nature of these inclusions, pieces that contain them are more valuable. The remains are millions of years old, meaning you may be looking at a long extinct species without even knowing it!
Each piece of amber jewelry we sell is carved from one naturally formed piece of Amber. This method yields higher quality merchandise and commands higher prices than jewelry made from reconstructed or modified materials.
To make jewelry, amber is typically carved and polished into free-form shapes, cabochons, or beads. Sometimes, very transparent Amber is faceted, though this is less common. Once shaped, almost all amber undergoes heat treatment (usually in an autoclave) to ensure clarity.
Ambroid, or pressed amber, is a material that has been consolidated or reconstructed into a composite. Small pieces of Amber are pressed and bonded together under heat and pressure to make larger pieces, and the resulting material sells for less than natural, non-consolidated Amber. Whenever in doubt, an independent laboratory report can confirm the authenticity of materials and inclusions in amber.
Amber can be tested in a number of ways listed below. Note, however, that no test for genuine amber is 100% reliable except for spectrum analysis done by a gemologist in a lab. These tests are not necessarily reliable at determining whether amber is reconstituted, resin, or pressed. Every amber stone is completely unique, and will not react the same way. Here are a few at home tests:
Amber should only be purchased from a reputable source. Large, International wholesale gem and mineral shows with credentialed exhibitors are the most reliable venue for purchasing genuine Amber jewelry and specimens. We recommend the JOGS International Exhibits Show. The Amber Pavilion features Amber dealers from Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Colombia and the top Amber importers from the USA. Always request a report or certificate of authenticity for a major Amber jewelry purchase or for a large Amber specimen.
To ensure longevity of your amber jewelry, here are some tips!
