Amber Jewelry Blog...

Saturday 19th May 2012 07:04:41 PM •

Business: Consumer Goods and Services

What is amber?

A common misconception with Amber is that it is tree sap; it is actually fossilised resin from ancient forests. The tree resin is exuded for a number of reasons such as protection for an injury to the tree, protection against biological or insect attack etc. The resin has then hardened and been preserved in the earths crust. Although Amber is regarded as a gem it is actually an organic substance that does not have the organic matter replaced by minerals. Pieces of amber are not cold and hard like most other gems. I have seen it described as 'organic plastic' to try and describe its weight and texture. Whilst I understand this description I think it takes away from the mystery and romance of this gem. Amber is also sometimes known as Succinite.

What are the different colours?

The huge variety of colours and the uniqueness of every piece is partly what makes this gem so popular. There are over 250 identified shades. The differing shades are due to the kind of tree the resin came from, the inclusions, the age of the amber and also the area in the world it comes from. Although amber deposits can be found all over the world there are only approximately 20 where it can be commercially mined.

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What are Inclusions in Amber

Inclusions are small objects which become embedded in the resin prior to it hardening and are part of what makes this gem truly fascinating. It was the very inclusion of a mosquito in a piece of amber that started the fictional theme park 'Jurassic Park' and it was at this point that Amber became more popular and fascinating to a wider audience in modern day. Because of this tree resin it means that anyone can own something that is millions of years old. This is part of its charm and romance.

A variety of small animals have been caught in these resin 'traps' such as fleas, ticks, millipedes and mosquitoes as well as items like seeds, roots, spores and Lichen. What I personally find the most fascinating are the ones that got away! Pieces of amber have been found with animal paw prints and have, on rare occasions, contained a few hairs or feathers from animals that have fled from its sticky clutches. All of these inclusions have enabled scientists to build an accurate picture of some of the plants and animals these forest contained and build more accurate pictures of earth in those times.

Amber From the Baltic.

The class of organic gemstones is quite small, but includes some unusual varieties which are important in the gem trade, including pearl, coral, ivory and amber. All the organic gems are rather unusual, but none more than amber. Amber is the fossilized hardened resin of the pine tree, Pinus succinifera, formed mainly in the Eocene epoch of the Tertiary period, about 50 million years ago. Amber has been used since prehistoric times for jewelry, amulets and religious objects. The most prized pieces contain inclusions of insects or plants or pyrites.

Yellow, orange and brown are the most common colors for amber, though rare blue amber is found in the Dominican Republic. The term "amber" has entered the English language as the color that is halfway between yellow and orange. The clarity of natural amber ranges from transparent to opaque. Most pieces have bubbles or inclusions. When polished amber has a resinous luster.

Unlike most gemstones, amber is amorphous rather than crystalline. It is fairly soft, with a rating of 2-2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. While it is durable enough to have survived for millions of years, it is sensitive to acids, caustic solutions, gasoline, alcohol and perfume. It will burn if ignited by a match, releasing an incense-like odor.

One of the most unique characteristics of amber is that it is exceptionally light. It has a density or specific gravity of only 1.05 to 1.09. Amber is so light that it will float in salt water. Amber's low density makes it difficult to imitate with glass or plastic, which have much higher densities. By way of comparison, the total volume of a 5 carat piece of amber is 2.5 times the volume of a 5 carat piece of zircon (one of the denser gem materials).
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, specializing in amber, sapphire, spinel and tourmaline.
Visit our website: http://www.gemselect.com/

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What has Amber been used for?

Currently Amber is enjoying a resurgence in its popularity as a gem that can make truly unique and beautiful jewelry, but has had many varied uses in the past.

The Romans used it in coins amongst other things.
A variety of religious objects including rosaries.
Amber attracts lint with static electricity when rubbed.
In the past it is thought to protect the wearer from kidnapping and aging and keep evil spirits away.
Cure for a variety of conditions such as headaches and rheumatic pain and enhance fertility.
Amber brings the wearer good luck in a variety of situations from going to war to getting married.
Often used as grave goods for a variety of reasons.
Thrown into fires to release aromatic fragrances.

Amber has always been popular and its use can be traced back to Neolithic times. The uniqueness of the gem has inspired different cultures throughout history to marvel, wonder and sometimes kill for it. We have always loved Amber and so it was only fitting that the first web site we set-up was to sell Amber Jewelry. The article is drawn from many years of reading about amber to satisfy our curiosity. My sister and I hope this will be the first of many articles on this fascinating topic. Please visit our site http://newamberjewelry.com/home to see if you agree with us regarding the diversity of this gem.

2020 Plastics, Ltd - UK. Manufacturers of bespoke stationary in PVC and polypropylene.
3d Product Sourcing - Global material and product sourcing from international network. UK.
A-HOT International - Factory direct supplier of culinary blow torches, pocket torches and soldering iron kits, and related items. Taiwan.
AmmonOnline - Provides replicas shoes, handbag, cloths, and watches. China.
Arcadia Concepts International - Manufacturing consultant that provide custom manufacturing service, and supply products made in China. Hong Kong, China.
Avid Airline Products - Wholesale travel items for airlines such as headphones, headsets, pillows, blankets, and disposable items. USA.
Babson Noller Corporation - Manufactures and exports towels, tents, cotton bags and rags. Pakistan.
Bad Arrow Industries - Custom vintage bowling shirts and retro gear, photography for advertising, weddings, and concerts and hot spices and organic mixes dried peppers. USA.
Beverley Industrial Company - Produces small electrical appliances and hobby tools such as car vacuum cleaner, mini fluorescent lantern, and lady personal care products.
Bolton Group - International group manufacturing branded consumer products including foods, detergents, home care, tissues, adhesives and personal care products. View brand portfolio, descriptions and images.
Budelpack B.V. - Contract operation services including manufacturing, packing and supply chain solutions for the Fast Moving Consumer Goods market.
Buy-Global, Inc. - Custom manufacturer and direct importer of general merchandise for the industry. USA.
Buztronics - Manufacturer of lighted toy, novelty, and promotional products. USA.
CCV Products - Sources products for mail order catalogs such as health, housewares, gifts, electronics, outdoor, cleaners, and novelties. USA.
CanMake - Manufacturer and exporter of furniture, bags, food covers and mosquito nets, and galvanized products such as watering cans and flower pots. China.
Chase Products Co. - Produces a wide range of spray household items including paints, insecticides, automotive and bench products, craft products, health and beauty aids, and private label products.
Church & Dwight - Producer of sodium bicarbonate, which producing four categories which are deodorizing and household cleaning, laundry, personal care and international.
Coltellerie Paolucci - Manufacturer of complete range of knives, scissors, and other tools. Italy
Creative Album - Manufacturer and exporter of a selection of photo albums. Singapore.
Curry's Leather Products, Inc. - Manufactures luggage tags and key fobs, holsters and sheaths, straps, and a variety of small leather goods. USA.
DK Products - Diversified manufacturing and marketing company with operations in the United States, Hong Kong, and China which produce pet products, heat and electronics tool and alarms. USA.
Da Fu Wood - Manufacturer of wooden products and accessories, such as brush handles, wooden round bars, round beads, massage wooden rods, and razors. Taiwan.
Dao Heng Industrial - Manufacturer and exporter of window and plastic curtains, plastic bead curtains, and household items, sporting goods, cosmetics, cleaning accessories, desktop stationery, and toys. Hong Kong, China.
Dinosaur Designs - Manufacturer of homewares and jewellery. Materials used include resin, silver, glass and ceramic. Australia.
Dolcevita Group - Italy. Manufactures and distributes women's lingerie, perfumes and cosmetics. Contains company profile, links to garment care and dictionary of textile and garment terms.
Electro-Optix - Manufacturer of magnifiers and illuminated magnifiers, and thermometers for the consumer, industrial, educational, and medical markets. USA.
Epoch Industrial Company - Manufacturer of airline and hotel amenities.
Euro Sandow - Produces custom made elastic nets, shock cords, bungee cords, elastic straps, luggage and floor nets for a wide variety of securing applications.
Fame Yang Co., Ltd. - Specializes in raincoats, plastic bags and other disposable items.
Forest River, Inc. - Manufacturer of recreational vehicles, boats, and commercial vehicles. Located in Elkhart, Indiana.
Fortune Brands, Inc. - Producer of home and hardware products, office products, golf equipment, and spirits and wine. Investor relations, product divisions, careers and corporate profile.
GRIPSystem - Makes and design a grip system which allows two users to lift and move large and heavy objects. USA.
Gaden Corporation - Manufacturer and exporter of hot melt glue, sticks and chips.
General Electric - Products and services including consumer appliances and repair, lighting products for home improvement and warranty registration.
Gereb Design - Custom and art furniture, fashion, painting designed by Izabela Gereb. Port Alberni, BC, Canada.
Gladstrong Investments Limited - Manufacturer and exporter of gas lighter such as flint and piezo electronic lighter, razor blade, BBQ and utility lighter. Hong Kong, China.
Henan Fretle Hide & Skin - Manufactures and exports sheepskin polishing and cleaning products, automotive seatcovers, footwear and equestrian products. China.
Hip Tai Plastic & Metal Factory - Manufacturer of novelty plastic items. Located in Hong Kong.
Hogue Products - Manufacturer of patented products such as soft touch toilet seats, tool grips and cellular phone shields. USA.
Holesome Enterprises - Computer systems consultants and pet food producers. Canada.
Hsin-Yuan Electronic Industry Co., Ltd. - Manufacturer and exporter of electronics and safety products including baby strollers, multi-purpose bicycle lights, and credit card boxes.
Innovator Alojz Tomazin - Develop orthopedic accessories for handicapped people and various products such as cooking pot and cigarette holder. Slovenia.
Inter Sonic International - Manufacturer of sports goods and plastic injection molding for furniture parts and custom designs over fields of skates, skateboard, bindings, computer table top and fashion. Taiwan.
J.H. Smith Company - Importing and manufacturing company supplying a variety of home and garden, office, and safety and security products. USA.
JBC Shopper - Provides an online personal shopper service.
Jin Xing Torch Factory - Produces torches. Site requires Flash.
Kenrico - Manufacture and provides shower heads, bamboo extract, collagen lotion, and wood. Japan.
Kwang Hsieh Enterprise - Manufacturing gumball machine and scissors. Taiwan.
Lanling - Featuring products such as baskets, paper and lace, ceramic vase and planter, items for flower shops, and artificial flowers. USA.
Laura Ashley - Designer of women and children apparel and jewelry, soft furnishing and home decoration with geometric, figurative or floral motifs. USA.
Lishui Jinwei Machine - Manufacturer of chairs, shopping bags and luggage carrier. China.
Luen Tai Industrial - Manufacturer and distributors of polyurethane raw material and products such as squeeze toys, memory foam, inflammable sponge, pillow, mattress and furniture. Hong Kong, China.
Maescourt Developments - Product sourcing, manufacturing and supply chain management business.
Mailhawk Mfg. - Manufacturer of a device to extend ones reach, useful in both industrial settings as well as the home. Located in Warm Springs, GA.
Moroccan Baskets - USA. Importer and wholesaler of furniture, bags, lightning and tableware.
Multicom - Manufacturer of marine equipment, boat safety, communication and entertainment systems. USA.
Nagai Shing Metal Factory - Manufacturer of metal key-chains, cash boxes and other types of products. Located in Hong Kong.
New C&A Practice Instrument Co Ltd - Manufacturers of orienteering supplies, including compasses and map measurers.
Odessa Trade Group. - Marketing and distribution of garments, accessories, textiles, home goods, pet food, and medical equipment. USA.
Outils Rubis - Manufacturer of precision tools for use in electronic, laboratory, medical, watchmaking, jewelry, and cosmetic industries and also for the consumer. Stabio, Switzerland.
Overseas Commitment - Exporters and manufacturers of home, clothing and sports products such as leather wear, bathroom fittings, utensils and cookware, and bicycle. India.
Oy Fiblon Ab - Offers a variety of fiber based disposable goods. Product details available.
Pepin Manufacturing - Manufacturer of electrotherapy electrodes, lint rollers and pet hair pick-ups, and urethane film. USA.
Personal Shopper - Nation-wide group of persons who will do holiday, business and personal shopping. USA.
Pietravest AG - Manufactures natural stone washstand covers, desk tops, stairs and wall slabs.
Pinnacle Industrial - Hotel supplies and airline amenities manufacturer such as travel kits, tubesocks, sewing kits, hotel soap, and shaving cream. Hong Kong, China.
Qia Business Services - Manufacturer and distributor of electronics, personal care, promotion, gadget, and domestic products. Netherlands.
Qtable - Manufacturer and wholesaler of novelty gifts and unique merchandise such as bottle stoppers and corkscrews.
RN Group - Multi product company which manufactures and export personal care products, dress accessories and dairy machinery. India.
Reckitt Benckiser - Manufactures and distributes household cleaning and personal care products. (London: RB)
Redden Net Co. Ltd - Supplies custom sports, agricultural, and marine netting. Includes company background, product details and photos, and contact information.
Sai Ka Industrial Development - Makes a variety of plastic products such as car accessories, decoration, golf and office supplies. Hong Kong, China.
Saintlya Soaps - Specialized in hotel products such as soaps, slipper, shampoo, sewing kits, and shoehorn. China.
Sal's Marine Products - Wholesales sea shells and related products. Located in India.
Schneider - Suppliers of particularly utility meters and technical thermometers, barometers, and hygrometers. Czech Republic.
Score Best Industries Limited - Manufacturers of backpacks, shopping and shoulder bags, and stuffed toys.
Scott Products - Produces bathroom tissue, paper towels and napkins. Site provides links to online purchase and store locations.
Security Manufacturing Corp - Manufacturer of commercial, USPS approved metal mail boxes. Located in Grapevine, Texas.
Shop For Design - Provides designer accessories, storage solutions, branding and identity, dynamic web content, art direction and graphics. Canada.
Showa Denko Group - Diversified group of manufacturing companies, active in personal care products, environmental goods, automotive parts and electronics. Japan. [English, Japanese]
South-West Composite Products - Glass and marble architectural material, hand crafts, and sanitary ware.
Sunshine Industrial Company - Hong Kong, China. PVC and vinyl manufacturer and exporter of products such as rain poncho, zipper bags, PVC toys, and coin purses.
Sylko - Manufacturer of paper and related products for retail such as paper plates, greeting cards, giftwrap, and aluminium foil. South Africa.
Szultka - Produces furniture and fitness machines. Poland.
The Brighter Company - Supplying quality tools and hardware, computer printing supplies, electric appliances, heat sealing, hot melt glue guns, glue stick and soldering irons.
The Gillette Company - Worldwide manufacture and marketing of consumer products in the areas of grooming, batteries and oral care.
The Jim Pattison Group - Large company that focusing on the automotive, media, packaging, food sales and distribution, magazine distribution, entertainment, export and financial industries. Canada.
Tyrex Technologies - Makes products using recycling technologies such as mats, membrane protection and playground. Australia.
Unilever - Official corporate site for a major manufacturer of food, home care, and personal products including margarine, tea, and Dove soap.
Union Looper - Manufacturer who focusing on plastic loop filament technology, has developed a product range such as floor matting, air and water filtering, and body contact cushion. Taiwan.
Union Max International - Consumer product group specializes in sourcing, design, manufacturing and distribution of apparel garment, corporate gift and toys, home furniture and fashion accessories. Hong Kong, China.
Vibguor Impex - Manufacturer and exporter of glass beads, fashion jewelry and accessories, handicrafts, textiles and Christmas items. India.
Vivelle - Manufacturer of packaging and bookbinding, underside protection, art and craft, education, and toys and games. UK.
Xiamen Bestfuture Enterprise - Manufacture and export gifts and polyresin products such as sea animals and clock refrigerator magnets. China.
Xinhui Hommy Enterprise - Producers of aluminum and travel bottle, ice cream machine and freezer, and beach pillow. China.