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Availability :
Amber availability is currently at a much higher level than in previous years, and
supply is adequate even for the increased demand that has occurred over the last
ten years or so. Dramatic increases in demand have been experienced for Amber that
contains insect inclusions.
Sources :
Today there are two main sources of Amber, these being the Baltic States (Estonia,
Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Denmark, Norway), and the Dominican Republic.
There are also known deposits in Canada, Columbia, England, Germany, Lebanon, Mexico,
Myanmar (Burma), Romania, Sicily and the United States.
Evaluation :
Amber is rated at 1.5 – 2.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, making Amber a very
soft gemstone that may not immediately bw deemed suitable for jewelry purposes.
However Amber is often used in all kinds of jewelry applications and providing that
you take the correct precautions and wear your Amber with care, there is no reason
why it should not form part of your jewelry collection.
Amber is found in a number of colors including, Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange,
Red, White and Yellow, with rich golden Yellow being the color that most people
associate with the gemstone Amber. The most valuable Amber is translucent and unlike
other gemstones, inclusions actually enhance its rarity and beauty. These inlcusions
are usually entrapped insects from thousands and thousands of years ago. The more
complete the specimen of trapped insect / inclusion is, the more the value of the
Amber increases.Amber is generally speaking a very affordable gemstone, but the
very best examples can reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat.
Common Cuts :
Whilst Amber is occasionally cut or faceted, it is most commonly used cut or polished
as a cabochon, fashioned as beads, or simply polished in whatever shape it was found
in.
Routine Enhancements :
Amber is someties heat-treated or surface dyed. Heat treatments deepen the color
and surface dying is used to add or even change color. Both of these forms of treatment are considered permanent.
Care & Cleaning :
Being that Amber is a very soft gemstone, care must be taken to avoid storing it
with harder gemstones
that will scratch its surface. When cleaning avoid harsh chemicals
/ treatments which will damage the stone. Use only water and a soft cloth to clean your Amber jewelry.
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