Baltic Amber: An Ancient Organic Gem
Discover our range of Baltic Amber
This totally glorious organic material that is also considered to be a natural gem is the hardened fossilized resin of pine trees from 50 million years ago.
As the resin travelled down the trunk of the tree through the bark, it would often collect small insects and tiny minutiae of forest life. It often contains large numbers of microscopic air bubbles which means it is incredibly light. It often was and still is found washed up in the Baltic Sea.
Amber has a thick crust on it which needs to be removed by the carver to show the exquisite amber inside.
This totally glorious organic material that is also considered to be a natural gem is the hardened fossilized resin of pine trees from 50 million years ago.
As the resin travelled down the trunk of the tree through the bark, it would often collect small insects and tiny minutiae of forest life. It often contains large numbers of microscopic air bubbles which means it is incredibly light. It often was and still is found washed up in the Baltic Sea.
Amber has a thick crust on it which needs to be removed by the carver to show the exquisite amber inside.
One of the most interesting historical amber stories is about the amber room which was in the Catherine Palace of Tsarskoye Selo near Saint Petersburg. This room began to be built in 1701 and before it was looted during the second world war it was considered the "Eighth Wonder of the World" The room has now been reconstructed but the original panels have not been found.
Because Amber is so light, it is perfect for jewellery. earrings which look heavy are light as a feather and when sunlight hits them it has an amazing glow.
Ngā mihi,
Explore the range of Baltic Amber pendants, necklaces, earrings and rings here
