|
What is Amber?
Amber jewelry is a treasure to own and Vessel is
one of the premier amber sources for the reputable trade.
Amber is one of the few gems not of mineral origin (others
are ivory, pearls, etc.). This highly-prized fossil resin
was exuded by coniferous trees thousands and thousands of
years ago, sometimes the dripping resin trapped insects,
leaves, bark and other things we now call inclusions. Amber
is also sometimes referred to as succinite.
Amber Comes in Many Colors
Amber is capable of being highly polished and used
in making jewelry, and other ornamental objects. It comes in
many colors such as brown (called cognac), green, a bluish
shade, red and black. Amber jewelry as been made since
before the time of Christ; and at the height of the Roman
Empire is was called "Gold of the North. We offer amber jewelry in a variety
of colors; with or without inclusions; in standard stock
pieces or one-of-a-kind treasured amber jewels.
Natural and Rare Baltic Amber
Colors
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Milky |
Citrine |
Honey |
Cherry |
Green |
Mixed |
|
| |
One of the most fascinating aspects of Baltic
amber (second to insect, flora, and fauna inclusions)
is its wide color spectrum. Most buyers are surprised
when they see a display of Baltic amber jewelry from
Poland and discover that the gem naturally occurs in
250 colors. This spectrum in amber jewelry complements
almost any color of clothing.
Descriptive terms to name the colors of amber
came from the antique trade. Picturesque names such as
"goose fat," "egg yolk," and "cherry" were based on
transparency and color. Other descriptive words
include: "banana," "ivory," "milky," "lemon," "sunny,"
"custard," "honey," "cognac," "molasses," "greenish,"
"orange," "brown," and "black."
The rarest colors of natural amber are blue, green,
white, and "kumst" (sauerkraut color). Jewelers in the Polish amber industry have
over 200 names for their national gem.
|
What determines the natural color of Baltic amber?
The two factors are:
The microscopic bubble inclusions of gas within the
gemstone and the tree source.
The gas bubbles vary in size and quantity within
each piece. In the space between these bubbles, the resin is
clear. The bubble inclusions actually interfere with the
passage of light through the amber. This interference
results in the dilution and variations in color and
turbidity (opaqueness). Studies have shown that a comparison
between the colors of fossil resin and recent resin suggests
that certain colors come from certain tree sources.
HEAT-ENHANCED COLORS OF AMBER
As far back as the first century, it was known that
cloudy amber could be clarified by boiling the gem in the
fat of a suckling pig. Later, it was discovered that other
oils could be used, the most common being rapeseed oil. The
refractive index of rapeseed oil is the closest to that of
amber. The amber is immersed in an iron pot of rapeseed oil
and slowly heated to the point of boiling. The microscopic
air bubbles then become filled with the oil. This makes the
amber transparent, as the light is able to travel through
the gem without interference. The small circular fissures in
the amber are encapsulated water droplets that flatten to
disk-like shapes when the amber is boiled. These disks are
commonly referred to as "sun spangles" or "fish scales." The
amber must then be cooled very slowly or it could fracture
easily.
BRILLIANT GREEN BALTIC AMBER ON TODAY'S
MARKET
At jewelry and gift shows throughout the country
today, you will often see brilliant green amber gems set in
sterling silver. This is Baltic amber, but it has been heat
enhanced. As with most gems, there are enhancement
techniques to enliven and brighten the stone. Remember, the
natural green amber is rare and would not be so bright with
inclusions and "sun spangles." Currently, jewelers are
applying a dark paste (almost like a paint) to the backs of
the amber gems. They then heat the amber in an autoclave to
clarify it and cause the fractured discs. The illusion of
the dark paste through the honey-colored gem causes the
beholder's perception of green amber. Another heating method
is used to create the cherry color of amber. The heated
amber is still considered gem quality. Milky, creamy, and
lemon amber are examples of natural colors which have not
been heated—obviously, you don't see the "sun spangles."
Centuries of Amber
For centuries Amber jewelry was worn only by
nobility and not affordable to the masses. Because amber was
ascribed many healing properties it came to be used
medicinally in many cultures. As centuries passed, more and
more of the masses could afford to own treasured amber
jewelry. Even today it is thought that wearing amber jewelry
(such a ring, earrings, bracelet, pin or necklace) will
instill confidence in the wearer, balance a person's mood,
and lessen depression and anxiety.
Amber's Popularity Today
This fascination and attraction to amber jewelry
was renewed in the mid-20th century and is soaring in
popularity today; especially due to the impressive pieces
from the Baltic Sea area. But caution, dear shopper - not
all amber is genuine. Technology has advanced and found ways
to fool your eye. Our amber is guaranteed to be genuine, in
the era of 40 to 60 million years old, and from Poland's
Baltic Sea area.
Baltic amber, which is sometimes also known as
"succinite" (only the latter is used in Polish goods), comes
from the Quaternary beds which are on Polish territory,
and the Tertiary beds on the Sambian Peninsula in Russia.
The resin of coniferous trees which dates back
about 40 million years, was transported by rivers from
Scandinavia and what is now the Baltic Sea, and deposited
in the so-called "blue eartH of the delta between
Chlapowo and the Sambian Peninsula. This large delta, from
Karwia near Chlapowo in Poland spread up the Sambian
Peninsula and made deposits in the northern, shallow shelf
of the epicontinental marine basin of the Eocene.
Caution: Buy Only Gem Quality
Amber
Pressed amber and "ambroid" (pieces of amber
embedded in plastic) are commonly found in flea markets,
auctions and other places where the buyer is cautioned to
beware as this fake amber can easily fool you (sometimes
they fool the seasoned buyer!). When you buy from
Our American Heritage you are guaranteed real gem quality,
Whatever color of amber is your favorite
—enjoy its special qualities because no two pieces
are
exactly alike! |
