Amber Gemstones Through the Ages
Golden gemstones have long been used to create various accessories thanks to their malleability and ease of processing. One of the oldest amber artifacts, dated to 10,000 BC, is a pendant decorated with geometric patterns found in Jutland, Denmark. There, other similar items were also discovered—sculpted figures of birds, horses, elk, and bears made from solid pieces of amber. However, these artifacts are relatively younger, as archaeological research suggests they were crafted around the 7th century BC.
Amber in Roman History
Amber was also cherished by Roman rulers. Nero, for instance, ordered the gladiatorial arena to be adorned with amber gemstones. To collect the needed quantity of amber, special cavalry units were dispatched across the Roman Empire. They brought back so many amber cabochons that they were even used to decorate the fencing around the amphitheater.
Baltic Amber and the Teutonic Order
In the 15th century, Baltic amber gained great popularity, but the Teutonic Order had a monopoly on it, significantly limiting the trade of this sunstone. Under the knights’ patronage, many exquisite pieces were created, including Catholic rosaries. These shimmering golden rosaries can be seen in paintings by various artists of the era—from Jan van Eyck to Joos van Cleve.
Amber and the Discovery of Electricity
The unusual properties of amber were known to the ancient Greeks as well. Thales of Miletus (7th century BC) discovered that rubbing an amber cabochon with wool caused it to attract small bits of straw. These were some of the earliest experiments with electricity, which later paved the way for the work of Luigi Galvani, André-Marie Ampère, Michael Faraday, Nikola Tesla, and many others.
Medicinal Properties of Amber
Amber’s value goes far beyond its physical properties. In 400 BC, Hippocrates noted that amber could help with mental disorders, boost immunity, treat sore throats, laryngitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments, and even clear the skin. Some of the methods described by the “father of medicine” are still used today! Amber is known for its natural healing properties, making it a sought-after gemstone for holistic and therapeutic uses.
Amber’s Role in Archaeology
Amber is also of great interest to archaeologists. Thanks to the insects that were trapped in the resin—such as butterflies, beetles, and dragonflies—scientists have gained insight into the creatures that lived during the Triassic and Eocene epochs. Sometimes, larger finds occur; recently, a piece of Burmese amber was discovered containing a 99-million-year-old enantiornithine hatchling. This bird had a unique skeletal structure, allowing it to fly from birth without parental care. However, the story told in the famous book “Jurassic Park” is, unfortunately, implausible. At the current level of scientific knowledge, extracting DNA from creatures trapped in amber is impossible since the half-life of nucleic acids is only about 521 years. Still, researchers remain hopeful—perhaps someday, their efforts will succeed!
Ancient Amber Specimens
Most amber gemstones are from the Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene periods, meaning they are less than 90 million years old. But there are older specimens as well. In 2009, a piece of amber over 320 million years old was discovered in Illinois! This find changed our understanding of plant evolution and added to the historical value of amber as a window into Earth’s distant past.
The Largest Amber Find
The largest intact piece of amber weighs 47.5 kg. It was discovered by miners on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, in 2014. Currently, it is housed in the Copenhagen museum. The amber is brownish with an almost opaque structure, but when exposed to ultraviolet or sunlight, it glows with an unusual bluish hue.
Amber Mining in the Baltic Sea
Another famous source of amber is the southeastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Over a three-thousand-year history of mining, more than 125 million kg of amber washed ashore have been collected there. Especially plentiful finds occur after storms, with the most productive being called “amber storms.” For example, in 1878 near Palmnicken (now Yantarny), so many amber cabochons were left on the sand that locals collected them for two years.
Wholeamber: Handcrafted Amber Products
Wholeamber, a supplier of handcrafted amber products, offers a variety of unique items made from natural Baltic amber. These gems are distinguished by their durability and diverse shades, ensuring that jewelry, home accessories, and souvenirs created from them are both exclusive and long-lasting! Our collection highlights the natural beauty of amber while offering products that cater to the needs of those who value quality and authenticity.
Why Choose Amber?
- Unique Colors and Inclusions: Amber gemstones colors range from golden yellows to deep reds, and some pieces contain natural inclusions of ancient plant matter or insects, making each stone one-of-a-kind.
- Ancient Heritage: With a history that spans millions of years, owning amber is like owning a piece of Earth’s ancient story.
- Healing Properties: Many people believe in amber’s natural healing properties, using it for stress relief, immune support, and general well-being.
- Eco-Friendly Gemstone: Amber is a natural, organic gemstone, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer eco-conscious and sustainable jewelry.
Discover the timeless appeal of amber with Wholeamber’s exclusive collection, where history, beauty, and craftsmanship meet!
