Amber Jewelry: Information and Price Guide

Amber jewelry is a stunning and unique accessory that has been valued since ancient times. This ancient gemstone contains beautiful and unique inclusions that make each piece of jewelry unique. 

Amber jewelry is known for its warm orange and yellow hues and has been used throughout history as an adornment, talisman, and even as a medicine. Its beauty and metaphysical properties make it a valuable piece of jewelry for anyone looking to add a touch of color and style to their wardrobe.

Looking for the next beautiful piece that will complete your next look? Check out LaCkore’s best-selling artisan jewelry.

What is Amber?

Amber is a fossilized tree resin that is millions of years old and is known for its beautiful golden-brown color. It is often used in jewelry, art, and decorative pieces. Its origins date back to the Neolithic period, and researchers believe that it has been used in jewelry since then. 

Amber is formed when tree sap oozes out of trees and eventually solidifies over time. It is thought to be an excellent material for preserving fossils and other organic materials, which is why it has been used in jewelry for so long.

Amber is found in many different shapes and sizes and can often be found in natural deposits or mining operations. It is also a popular material in the jewelry market, as it is often cut and polished to create a variety of shapes and sizes.

Amber is believed to have protective and healing powers and is often used in spiritual practices and rituals. It is said to bring good fortune and can be used to ward off negative energy. It is also believed to promote good health and to help in the healing process.

Related: How to Tell if You’re Allergic to Your Jewelry 

Amber vs. Copal

Amber and copal are two types of fossilized tree resin, often found as small, yellow-brown stones. Amber is the hardened resin of ancient trees that have been preserved over millions of years, while copal is a much younger form of fossilized resin, typically found in the tropics and often used in jewelry and decorative items. 

Amber is typically older than copal, with the oldest amber estimated to be up to 240 million years old. It is usually yellow-orange in color and can be transparent or opaque. It is also characterized by its hardness and lightweight and is often used to make jewelry and other decorative items. In addition, amber is often used in the production of essential oils and perfumes.

Copal, on the other hand, is a much younger form of fossilized resin, usually less than 10 million years old. It is usually found in a semi-solid form and is usually white or light yellow in color. Copal is softer than amber and is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. It is also used in some forms of traditional medicine.

What Are the Factors That Make Amber More Valuable?

The value of amber can range from $20 to over $40,000 apiece. Here are the factors that determine the value of amber.

Color

Color is one of the factors that make amber more valuable. Amber is a fossilized tree resin that is prized for its unique beauty and rarity. The most valuable amber is a deep, golden-brown color, as this is the rarest type.

The color of amber is formed due to a process called oxidation. This occurs when oxygen interacts with the surface of the amber and causes it to darken. Oxidation is a natural process that can take thousands of years and is the main factor that contributes to the deep, golden-brown color of the most desirable amber.

Related: Which Jewelry Can Be Worn for Any Occasion? 

Clarity

Clarity is important because it allows the light to pass through the stone and reveal its natural beauty. High-quality amber has a deep, rich color and a glossy finish which is only visible when the amber is free from any impurities or inclusions. Clarity also helps to reveal the interesting features of the amber, such as its bubbling and intricate patterns.

The clarity of an amber stone affects its price significantly. A piece of amber with a high clarity rating can be worth much more than one with a lower clarity rating. Highly transparent and clean pieces of amber can even be worth several times more than lesser-quality pieces.

 

a heart-shaped amber pendant with inclusions

 

 

Inclusions

Since amber is a piece of fossilized tree resin that is millions of years old, it is also valued for the inclusions it contains. These inclusions may range from small insects and other creatures to plant matter, to air bubbles, and more.

Insects are the most common inclusions found in amber. These small creatures may have been trapped and preserved in the resin as it flowed from a tree millions of years ago. Some of these inclusions are beautifully preserved and can be seen in incredible detail. These fossils are highly prized by collectors, as they offer a unique glimpse into the past.

Related: Baroque Pearls: Everything You Need to Know 

Plant matter can also be found in amber. These inclusions may be pieces of leaves, bark, or even twigs. These plant inclusions often show incredible detail and can provide valuable insight into the plants that existed during that time.

Other common inclusions in amber are air bubbles and gas bubbles. These bubbles can be seen in the amber, often in various shapes and sizes, and may be filled with air or gas. These bubbles are often used to help identify the age of the amber.

 

a round piece of amber

 

Final Thoughts

Amber is a fascinating and beautiful material that has been used for centuries to make decorative and functional items. Its unique properties and history make it a valuable and desirable material, and it is still popular today. 

Looking to expand your jewelry collection? Check out our selection at LaCkore Couture today!

The history of amber is a fascinating one, and its many uses continue to make it a desirable material. Its beauty and versatility make it a great choice for jewelry, decorations, and crafts. Amber will always be a treasured material that is prized for its beauty and versatility.