Sunday, August 31, 2014

A Beginners Guide To Amber Jewelry

By Mattie MacDonald


Fashion has always played a major part in the type of jewelry people wear and the types of accessories they buy. For those individuals who are searching for unique stones that never go out of style, then amber jewelry may be a good option to consider. Each stone is one of a kind, and much like your fingerprint, no two will every be identical. This quality is something no lab made synthetic can mimic, which is part of the reason why this rock has remains popular despite shifting trends.

Imagine wearing a necklace, bracelet, or ring that is thousands of years old. That is what happens when you don amber. Each piece was slowly formed over many generations from the resin of ancient trees - plants that were around when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Lab made synthetics cannot compete with that quality.

The stone is found in certain parts of the world. Each location develops a distinct type of rock that can vary in color, translucence, and texture. Some locations produce stones that are more sought after then others. Baltic amber is one such example. It is sought after by artisans, and usually comes with a higher price tag.

Amber comes in a rainbow of colors. There are the traditional shades of honey brown to burnt orange, however more uncommon blues, greens, and black rocks have been found. The former are somewhat rare and hard to find. One thing common to this stone, regardless of color, is translucence. The higher the clarity, the more the piece is worth. While a cloudy texture may not detract from the beauty of stone, its value will not be as high. Occasionally, you may come across a specimen that contains a petrified bug.

Over the years, this stone has created a following. It is relatively easy to understand why. Each piece is original and never goes out of style. No two are every exactly alike.

Jewelry artisans enjoy working with this stone and offer a large variety of styles and colors. For this reason, amber goes with every type of fashion be it conserve, vintage, bohemian, or classical. It enhances every outfit and looks equally elegant with every day wear and formal clothing.

One thing to keep in mind is amber has low tolerance for harsh chemicals. Your standard polish for other jewelry may be too rough for this stone. Using inappropriate materials can lead to a scratched or cloudy surface, and can ruin the jewelry. The same goes for long exposure to direct sun and heat.

Proper care of the stone is very simple. All it requires is a soft cloth made of a gentle material. Microfiber is ideal, but eye glass cleaning cloth is also sufficient. Use this in a slow, gentle circular pattern to remove any dust or debris. In cases of stubborn tarnish, tepid water or olive oil can be used to polish the rock.

With proper care this stone will last through the decades. Occasionally, you may find antique pieces that date back several hundred years. While it may be tempting to buy a synthetic stone, it lacks the unique qualities of real amber.

Regardless of current fashion trends, this type of jewelry is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. Each piece is truly unique and irreplaceable. There is a distinct stone available for everyone whether their tastes run to the bohemian, conservative, or modern.




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