Amber, a captivating gemstone with a rich history, is a treasure trove of beauty and intrigue. Its healing properties and unique characteristics, derived from fossilised tree resin, make it a sought-after material for crafting exquisite pieces of jewellery. However, understanding the basics of amber is crucial to appreciate its true value and to distinguish genuine amber from counterfeits.
What is Amber?
Amber is essentially fossilised tree resin. Yes, you read that right. It's not a stone or a gem, but a natural resin (called an organic gemstone) that has undergone a fascinating transformation over millions of years.
This transformation process, known as polymerisation, involves the hardening and fossilisation of the resin. It's a slow and gradual process that takes place over a span of millions of years. The result? A beautiful, often translucent piece of amber.
The colour of amber can vary greatly. It can range from a pale yellow to a deep, rich orange, and even to a dark, almost black hue. This variation in colour is due to the different types of trees the resin originates from, as well as the conditions it was exposed to during its fossilisation.
Amber is often used in jewellery and crafts, thanks to its unique characteristics and natural beauty. Whether it's a loose amber piece for crafting or a stunning piece of amber jewellery, the allure of this natural resin is undeniable.
The Characteristics of Genuine Amber
- Colour Variety: Genuine amber comes in a wide range of colours, from shades of yellow and orange to brown, and even rare green or blue. The colour of amber is a key characteristic to look out for.
- Natural Inclusions: Authentic amber often contains small fragments of plants or insects trapped inside. These natural inclusions are not only beautiful but also serve as a tell-tale sign of authenticity.
- Surface Imperfections: Real amber is not perfect. It often has tiny surface cracks or irregularities. If your amber piece appears too flawless, it might be a counterfeit.
- Distinctive Scent: When heated, real amber emits a faint, pine-like resinous smell. This unique aroma is a hallmark of genuine amber.
- Lightweight: Amber is a lightweight material. If your amber jewellery feels surprisingly heavy, it may not be genuine.
- Softness: Authentic amber is quite soft compared to many other gemstones and should show minor scratches if you apply slight pressure.
These characteristics should be used in conjunction to accurately identify genuine amber. When in doubt, always consult an expert.
Genuine Visual Inspection of Amber
When it comes to identifying genuine Baltic amber, a thorough visual inspection is a crucial first step. This process involves closely examining the visual qualities of the amber piece, such as its colour, shape, and any inclusions or imperfections it may have.
Visual Quality of Genuine Amber
Authentic amber exhibits a diversity in colour is a characteristic feature of real amber, making each piece unique.
Inclusions are another tell-tale sign of authentic amber. These are small fragments of plant or insect life that got trapped in the resin millions of years ago and are now preserved within the amber. They add to the beauty and uniqueness of each amber bead, serving as a window into the past.
The surface of real amber is also worth examining. Authentic amber often has tiny surface cracks or irregularities, which are a result of the natural ageing process. These imperfections, while they may seem undesirable, are actually a sign of authenticity and a perfectly smooth amber may be a sign that it has been heated or treated in some way.
Lastly, the bead description of amber can provide valuable clues. Genuine amber beads often have a warm, tactile quality to them. They should feel relatively light and warm to the touch, unlike plastic imitations which may feel cold and heavy.
Tests to Identify Genuine Baltic Amber
In the quest to identify genuine Baltic amber, several tests have been devised to help distinguish the real deal from the fakes. These tests, ranging from weight to hot needle tests, are designed to exploit the unique properties of amber, providing a reliable way to verify its authenticity.
Weight Test for Amber
The weight test is a simple yet effective way to identify genuine Baltic amber jewellery. Amber, being a lightweight material, should feel relatively light when held. If your amber piece feels surprisingly heavy, it could be a sign that it's not genuine.
To perform this test, hold the amber piece in your hand and gauge its weight. Compare it to other known lightweight materials like plastic. Real amber should feel lighter and its warmth should be noticeable when you touch it.
Scratch Test for Amber
The Scratch Test is a popular method to identify genuine Baltic amber jewellery. This test is based on the fact that amber, being a soft gemstone, is susceptible to minor scratches when slight pressure is applied. To perform this test, you need a sharp object like a needle or a pin. Gently try to scratch the surface of the amber. If it's authentic, you should see minor scratches appearing on the surface.
The goal is not to damage your precious amber piece but to ensure its authenticity. So, approach this test with caution. If in doubt, always seek expert opinion. Experts can conduct professional tests and provide accurate results.
It's crucial to approach this test with caution. Amber is a valuable gemstone, and aggressive testing could potentially damage your piece if it's genuine. Therefore, the scratch test should be performed gently and only as a last resort if other identification methods are inconclusive.
It's also worth noting that this test isn't fool proof. Some counterfeit materials may also show scratches. Therefore, it's always a good idea to use this test in conjunction with other methods, such as the weight test, scent test, or float test.
Scent Test for Amber
The scent test is a popular search among amber enthusiasts and collectors, and it's a simple yet effective way to identify genuine Baltic amber jewellery. This test is based on the unique, resinous aroma that real amber emits when heated. To perform this test, you need to rub the amber piece vigorously between your hands until it warms up. Then, bring it close to your nose and take a deep breath.
If you detect a faint, pine-like scent, it's a good sign that your amber is genuine. This distinctive smell is a hallmark of real amber, and it's something that counterfeiters find hard to replicate. However, if the piece doesn't emit this aroma, it could be a sign that it's not authentic.
It's important to note that this test should be approached with caution. While it's a useful way to identify genuine Baltic amber, it's not fool proof. Some fake ambers may also emit a scent when heated, although it's usually different from the resinous smell of real amber.
The goal is not just to identify genuine Baltic amber, but also to appreciate its beauty and historical significance. So, pay attention to the details, perform the tests, and enjoy the journey of discovering the authenticity of your amber.
Float Test for Amber
The Float Test is a popular search to identify genuine Baltic amber jewellery. This test is simple and can be performed at home. You'll need to prepare a saltwater solution, using about one part salt to two parts water. Once the salt is fully dissolved, drop your amber piece into the solution.
Real amber is buoyant in saltwater, so if your piece floats, there's a good chance it's genuine. However, it's important to pay attention to the fact that some plastic imitations can also float. Therefore, this test should not be used as the sole determinant of authenticity.
It's also worth noting that this method may not be suitable for testing jewellery that has metal or other components in it. The weight of these additional elements may cause the piece to sink, regardless of whether the amber is real or not.
Hot Needle Test for Amber
The Hot Needle Test is a popular method used to identify genuine Baltic amber jewellery. This test involves heating a needle and gently pressing it against the amber. If the needle only slightly penetrates the surface or leaves minor cracks, it's likely that the amber is genuine. Additionally, real amber emits a distinctive smell similar to an old pungent tree when subjected to this test.
The hot needle could potentially leave a small mark on the amber, which is caused by burning. Therefore, it's recommended to conduct this test in a discreet spot on the amber, such as the drilled hole of a bead, to avoid damaging the piece completely.
When the same test is performed on fake amber, the needle tends to penetrate the material easily, and the smell is often reminiscent of plastic or fresh pine, indicating the presence of copal or other synthetic materials.
If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always pay attention to the price and request certificates of authenticity when purchasing amber jewellery.
Seeking Expert Opinion
When it comes to identifying genuine Baltic amber, seeking an expert opinion can be a game-changer. Why? Well, the answer is simple. Amber, especially Baltic amber, is a precious and unique material. Its value is not only monetary but also historical and scientific.
An expert in amber can provide a detailed bead description, including the amber colour, which is crucial in determining its authenticity. They can also help you distinguish between a polished amber bead and a fake one.
Experts can guide you on how to sell real genuine amber. They can provide insights into the market, helping you understand the value of your specific amber jewellery.
Another reason to seek expert opinion is the complexity of amber identification. For instance, the smell of burn plastic is a common indicator of fake amber. However, not everyone can accurately identify this smell.
Final Thoughts on Identifying Genuine Baltic Amber
Identifying genuine Baltic amber is a skill that requires a keen eye, a good understanding of the characteristics of real amber, and a few simple tests. The hot needle test, the scent test, and the visual inspection are all effective ways to distinguish between real and fake amber.
However, it's important to remember that these methods are not fool proof. If you're unsure about the authenticity of an amber piece, it's always best to seek expert opinion…or to purchase from a reputable jeweller like Atlas Accessories. All of our Baltic amber pieces are certified as genuine, for your peace of mind.
Visit our webshop to choose your next Baltic amber treasure.
