What is Amber?
Amber is often classified as a gemstone in the same class as turquoise and jade,However, it is actually is fossil of tree resin. Amber is available in a number of different colors: yellow, brown, green among others. The most highly priced amber is transparent. The main producer of Amber is Russia; in fact about 90% of amber comes from the Kaliningrad region in Russia. As you walk along the beach in countries like Lithuania, Estonia, which are by the Baltic Sea, Amber washes up on the shores.
Amber and Magic
In days gone by, amber was acclaimed to possess the power of healing. Worn as a necklace or charm, or carried around in small bags, amber was believed to be a remedy against such ailments as gout, rheumatism, sore throats, toothache and stomach-ache. It was also believed that amber accelerated birth and was a good remedy against snake bites. To guard against the swapping of a new born baby, the infant was often given an amber necklace to wear. Amber was supposed to contain magical powers, which is why heart shaped amber charms were carried to offer protection against evil forces and help against witchcraft.Amber is often used to make jewelry, fashion and home accessories. It would therefore be good to know whether you have a genuine piece or a fake. This is especially important if you are buying a large piece by weight.
Tips to determine whether you have the real thing or a fake.
If you put a few drops of alcohol on a stone and it evaporates easily and the surface does not become sticky, the amber is genuine. If the surface becomes sticky, you have a fake.Once you have purchased genuine amber jewelry, which could be expensive, you want to care of or your investment. Here are a few tips
- Don’t leave your amber jewelry in direct sunlight.
- Use your perfume before you wear your amber jewelry.
- Avoid contact with any household cleaners.
- Clean with a solution of mild soap and warm water.
You can polish you amber jewelry and give it a nice shine with olive oil
