Perhaps the most infamous piece of Amber jewelry in modern times has to be the cabochon featured on the top of the walking stick in Jurassic Park. This is thanks to the inclusion of the mosquito! Amber has been utilised by humans for thousands of years, perhaps longer than any other gemstone. It is a fairly common gemstone and is easy to work with. It is a polymer or natural plastic. Amber has always been popular in the manufacture of jewellery.

Amber was known to the Greeks as elektron. This is because when it is heated and rubbed it readily produces static electricity. It comes in a range of colours, with the best known being the yellow, orange red and brown colours. Amber jewelry more rarely can be found in white, black, blue or green colours. The best type of amber of buy should be clear
and translucent, however, inclusions can enhance its beauty and value. As well as inclusions some types of amber have small bubbles which are naturally occurring gas bubbles.


Amber is a soft material and so may not be suitable for all types of jewellery, however, there is a distinct difference between hardness and durability. Amber in relation to other “gems” isn’t too expensive as it is lightweight. It is most popular in the form of beads and beaded necklaces. It is also often used in pendants, rings and earrings with cabochons. Amber is at its most stunning when set into silver or white gold as these materials enhance the colour of the amber. However, it can also be set with gold which itself is a warm colour like amber. As amber jewelry is lightweight it makes great chunky type jewelry without weighing the wearer down!