About Honey Amber Stones

Deriving its name from Middle English "ambre," amber is a honey colored fossilized tree resin of ancient pine and now-extinct conifer trees. Used by ancient man for adornment, amber continues to draw the eye of fine jewelry lovers. Imbued for generations with healing and magical qualities, amber's value to people all over the world runs unabated. Modern uses for this treasured stone besides jewelry are mouthpieces, cigar, and cigarette holders, pipes and objects d'arte.

Sources

Yielding rich deposits, the Baltic coast of Germany continues as the most famous source of amber. England has coastal deposits as well as Sicily and Myanmar (formerly Burma). New World deposits include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and New Jersey USA. Because amber originally was a sticky tree sap, it often contains preserved insects and other materials. New Jersey amber has provided scientists over 100 previously unknown and extinct Cretaceous species of bugs dating back as far as 94 million years.

History

Particular to Paleolithic peoples, amber is perhaps the oldest source of jewelry known to mankind. Greeks and Romans used amber extensively in jewelry. Dating back to 8000 B.C.E., Northern European graves gave archaeologists treasured samples of beads and pendants made of amber.

Color

Varying in color from yellow to red, green to blue, amber is usually honey brown. Though some varieties are cloudy, the best commercial amber is transparent.

Healing and Magic

Using amber for magical purposes, ancient people wore amulets for protection primarily as a health aid. Wearing pendants of amber was believed to cure blood disease and poor circulation, and prevent heart attacks. Protecting the wearer against heat stroke and suffocation, amber mounted in a ring was also believed to combat kidney malfunction, balance endocrine and digestive systems, keep eyes healthy, allay swelling of glands and throat, and relieve ills of the lungs. Mystically, amber's powers are believed to bring the wearer good luck, longevity and enjoyment of the qualities that makes one attractive.

Care

Amber is easily scratched and caring for honey amber stone jewelry requires keeping this soft stone in cloth, away from other jewelry. Make up, hair spray, and perfume should be applied before putting on any amber jewelry to keep its porous surface from turning milky. Amber should not be put in ultrasonic or steam jewelry cleaners. It should be kept away from any household cleaner or cooking oils, margarine or butter. Amber jewelry should not be worn during strenuous activities. Cleaning with warm, not hot, water and a soft cloth and polishing with olive oil will bring out its glow. The stone must be treated with great care.

References

• Encyclopedia of Gemstones: Amber
• Amulets - Stones for healing and energy
• Amber care