Amber Jewelry: Nature becomes a jewel

Jewelry made from amber is very special, and people who purchase jewelry made from this substance are actually buying what is the fossilized sap from trees, such as pine and fir, that grew upon the earth more than 40 million years ago. Amber is very delicate and can actually melt if exposed to heat exceeding 300 degrees F or 150 degrees Celsius.

Amber is usually found in a soft yellow to intense color, but pieces can range from white translucent to orangey brown. It is a very soft material, ranging from 2 to 2.5 on the Moe's mineral harness scale, with diamonds being the hardest at level 10. Because amber is so soft, it is easy to cut and polish; but very easy to scratch or chip. Found mostly along the Baltic seas coasts of Germany, Denmark, Poland and Sweden, as remainders of once giant primeval forests, amber has been used as jewelry since prehistoric times, due to its subtle beauty and easy workability with ancient stone and metal tools. It was often prized as a religious or medicinal stone, particularly by the ancient Greeks who believed that the substance had been "rained down from Heaven as tears from the gods". Because of its rarity, amber pieces were often used as trade barter.

Amber jewelry was highly sought after during Victorian times, and pendants and broaches from that period are often found to be made of amber.

Since amber is fossilized tree sap, often entire insects have been trapped inside a piece of amber, perfectly preserved. Pieces of this nature are highly prized, especially by zoologists who study the fossilized insect remains to get a better idea of prehistoric insect life during the time of the dinosaurs. Some stores, especially those who sell offer semi-precious gemstones, offer amber pieces with these preserved insects suspended inside. These pieces are not cheap, however and well preserved fossil pieces can cost hundreds of dollars.

Amber jewelry pieces, being so beautiful and delicate, are best worn as necklaces or amulets around the neck. Due to amber's mystical qualities, pieces with astrological symbols are often made of amber, as well as other talisman symbols, including those of the sun, mankind's life –giving source of light and heat. Bright yellow pieces of amber are often found made into sun symbols, while more clear or whitish pieces are made into charms resembling the moon.

Israel fine jewelry stores as well as "New Age" stores selling stone amulets and charms often feature an attractive selection of amber jewelry. Good selections of amber jewelry are also found on on-line internet stores. Those who believe in mysticism, and desire amulets and charms for maintaining good health and protection against evil forces try to own at lest an amulet or two made of amber.