Amber

In this category, you’ll discover amber in a carefully curated, evocative selection. Take your time to see which colour, shape and look suits you best. Further down this page, you can read about exactly what amber is, how to recognise genuine amber and what to look out for when buying amber.

What makes amber so special?

Amber is not a stone in the geological sense, but fossilised tree resin. Over millions of years, this resin has hardened into the material we now know as amber. As a result, amber feels different from many minerals and crystals: warmer, lighter and more organic.

It is precisely this natural character that makes amber so popular. Some pieces are clear, whilst others are milky, cloudy or rich in tiny air bubbles and inclusions. If you spot a plant fragment or an insect in amber, you are literally looking at a tiny fossil from the distant past. That is why amber is valued not only as a decorative natural product, but also as a collector’s item and as a material for jewellery. If you’re fascinated by this ancient look, then discover our Fossils.

Amber – is there a difference?

No, not usually. ‘Barnsteen’ is the Dutch name, whilst ‘amber’ is more commonly used internationally. So whether you search for ‘amber’ or ‘barnsteen’, you’ll essentially end up with the same material. Terms such as ‘amber barnsteen’ or ‘Baltic amber’ also generally refer to the same natural origin, just in a different language or with a different name.

However, it is advisable to pay close attention to the exact product details. Sometimes the term ‘amber’ is used more broadly to refer to imitations or to younger types of resin such as copal. That is why clear information about the material and its origin is always important.

The colour, shape and appearance of amber

The colour of amber can vary greatly. The best-known shades are warm yellow, honey, gold and cognac, but you can also find reddish-brown, green and sometimes even blue varieties. Furthermore, amber can be transparent, semi-transparent or, conversely, quite opaque. This variation makes every piece unique.

• Yellow and honey-coloured – classic, soft and warm

• Cognac and reddish-brown – with a deeper, more earthy appearance

• Green or blue – rarer and often prized by collectors

• With inclusions – added character and a fossil-like appearance

The finish also plays a big part in the appearance. Rough amber showcases its pure, natural character. Polished amber feels smoother and often brings out the colour and depth more beautifully. Which shape suits you best depends mainly on your personal taste and how you wish to use or display the amber.

Amber: properties and significance

If you’re looking into the properties of amber, people usually mean its traditional, symbolic or spiritual significance. Amber is often associated with warmth, light, optimism, gentleness and a sense of being grounded. Because of its sunny colours, many people choose amber as a stone that suits a friendly, natural and uplifting atmosphere. If you’re looking for support with grounding and centring, do take a look at the theme Grounding & balance.

When it comes to amber for adults, its appeal often centres on personal experience and meaning. Some wear it close to their skin as a reminder of tranquillity and simplicity, whilst others choose it primarily for its fossilised origins and distinctive appearance. Whatever your reason, amber often appeals to people who love something genuine, natural and timeless. You might want to combine amber with Citrine for an extra warm, sunny feeling.

However, it is important to remain honest. There is no convincing scientific evidence that amber treats physical ailments. You should therefore not regard amber as a substitute for medical care, but as a beautiful natural product with symbolic value and a unique appearance.

Buying amber – what to look out for

If you’re looking to buy amber, it’s worth looking beyond just the colour. Origin, authenticity, finish and any inclusions all play a part in determining whether a piece is right for you. Especially if you want to buy genuine amber, good product information is just as important as the photo. Naturally, we’ve already taken care of all these steps for you.

How can you tell if amber is genuine?

Genuine amber usually feels surprisingly light and rarely looks perfectly smooth. Small natural irregularities, cloudiness or inclusions are often part of its character. Amber also feels less cold to the touch than glass. A bead that is too heavy, a strong plastic sheen or an extremely perfect appearance may indicate that it is an imitation.

You see a lot of home testing kits advertised online, but they are by no means always reliable and are not ideal for finished jewellery. When sourcing our unique pieces, we check the authenticity of the amber for you.

Baltic amber and other sources

Many people specifically seek out Baltic amber. This makes sense, as amber from the Baltic Sea region is the best-known variety and is renowned for its warm shades ranging from yellow to cognac. In addition, there is also amber from other regions, such as the Dominican Republic or Mexico, which sometimes has a different clarity or colour.

Baltic amber is therefore not the only type, but it is the name you come across most often. If you’re looking for a classic, warm look in particular, this is the first choice for many enthusiasts.

What determines the value of amber?

The value of amber depends on several factors: size, colour, clarity, origin, rarity and finish. Large, clear pieces are often in high demand, as are unusual colours or natural inclusions. Amber containing an insect may be of greater value, but only if the inclusion is natural and can be clearly assessed.

With raw amber, you’ll sometimes see a price per gram or per kilo. For jewellery, pendants or finished pieces, this is less meaningful, as shape, finish and appearance also play a major role. If you’re buying amber primarily because you’re looking for a beautiful and meaningful piece, don’t just look at the weight, but focus above all on quality and how it feels.

Amber for adults and everyday use

Adults often choose amber as a pendant, an amber necklace, an amber bracelet or as a loose stone to keep at home. Some people like to wear amber close to their body because of its warm aura, whilst others place it on their desk, bedside table or meditation spot as a decorative and symbolic element.

Above all, choose a shape that suits the way you intend to wear it. A rough stone has a pure, earthy look, whilst a polished piece has a softer sheen and may be more comfortable to wear. Amber is particularly popular amongst adults because of its combination of natural beauty, comfort when worn and personal significance.

How to look after amber properly

Amber is an organic and relatively soft material. With a little care, it will retain its beauty for a long time. You should therefore handle amber a little more carefully than harder gemstones or crystals. Read more Cleansing and charging crystals for safe care tips.

• Clean with a soft cloth and, if necessary, a little lukewarm water.

• Avoid perfume, alcohol, harsh cleaning products and chemical cleaners.

• Do not leave amber in direct sunlight or near a heat source for long periods.

• Keep it separate from harder stones to prevent scratches.

• Handle delicate jewellery and rough pieces with care, as amber is relatively soft.

It is best not to use an ultrasonic cleaner or hot steam. Particularly in the case of an amber necklace or amber bracelet, the material will stay in the best condition if you take it off before showering, swimming or taking part in vigorous exercise.