Necklaces

Amber Necklaces – a precious element of female jewelry

For centuries necklaces have been decorating necklaces and decolletage of women all over the world. They are one of the most popular accessories. It’s not surprising, because a good necklace emphasizes natural beauty, glam, feminity, add confidence and style. Whether they are paired with a shirt, a dress or a top, they look best combined with other jewelry elements. Necklaces are often made of precious metals in the form of a chain decorated by a pendant. They can also be found made of other materials such as cloth, ribbons or cords. They are decorated with precious stones, amber or shells.

History of necklaces

Necklaces have been known from ancient times and worn both by women and men. The earliest necklaces are dated back to the early Paleolithic Age and were made of shells. Later necklaces were made of stones, teeth or bones. As technology developed, necklaces began to be made of metal. Especially precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum. In 4000 bc necklaces in Iraq were made of beaded leather cords. They were available in my designs. In 2600 bc the beaded necklaces were additionally decorated with gold elements. Necklaces were particularly popular in Ancient Egypt, where necklaces gained their symbolic meaning. In Egypt, necklaces were worn all over the neck and collarbones. Necklaces in Greece at that time were decorated by animal ornaments, especially animal heads. It was also the first time when the chained necklaces were produced. The ancient Etruscans used precious metals to create necklaces. In Ancient Greece, the repousse technique with the use of beads was popular, as well as the hybrid they created of elements taken from other nations. It was one of the most prosperous times for the goldsmith in the area of the Aegean Sea. Ancient Romans, noticing the success of Greeks, decided to take over their tradition, complementing them with a variety of colors. They started to use colorful gemstones, which were polished and precisely cut. They were smooth and polished. Additionally, gold coins with images of reigning rulers, as well as mythological gods were used. For centuries, the coins with images of rulers have been used in jewelry

Materials used to create necklaces.

Even though centuries have passed, necklaces are still one of the most popular accessories. Modern necklaces are usually made of different materials. They are often made of precious gemstones and metals, amber, plastic or glass. Here is the list of some popular materials:

• Silver
  Silver is one of the most popular materials, characterized by its silverish shiny color. It is am extremely plastic material that can be freely formed into various shapes and turned into various products, including necklaces. Silver necklaces require special care in order to prevent them from fading, ad losing its shiny color. Silver jewelry can be cleaned in many jewelry stores. Additionally, silver is cheaper than gold. Silver necklaces are usually available in the 925 attempt silver.
• Gold
  Gold is an artistic metal of the highest quality. It is one of the most precious metals used in jewelry all over the world. Currently, it is usually dyed and combined with other metals, thanks to the newest technology. Gold is very enduring and popular. It is available in a few different shades such as white, red, pink blue or even dark purple. It is soft and extremely rare in its pure form of metal. To be able to create necklaces, gold must be combined with other metals. The content of gold in the alloy is expressed in promiles or carats.
• Platinium
  Platinum is the precious metal, which can be found in its pure form. It is very precious, due to its rarity. It is widely used in jewelry production and usually combined with diamonds. It has a shiny silverish white color. It can be found in Canada, but also in the USA, North Africa, and Bogota.
• Diamonds
  Diamonds are the rarest gemstones, which makes them one of the most expensive ones. They are highly admired all over the world. They require special polishing and shaping. It is the hardest mineral that can be found in nature, it is the purest, crystal form of coal.
• Stainless steel
  Stainless steel is also known as jewelry steel or royal steel. It is used to produce necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and watches. It is easy to work with, thanks to that it allows manufacturers to come up with new designs. Stainless steel jewelry is quite cheap. The steel itself looks similar to gold and silver but is much cheaper. It is safe for skin, health and does not cause allergies and skin changes. It can be gilded (covered with gold).
• Amber
  Its names derived from a German word Bernstein meaning the burning stone. It is a hardened fossil resin of ancient evergreen trees. The oldest amber pieces were found in Leszczyńska Plateau. It was discovered around 40000 – 10000 years ago. What is, even more, impressive amber exists since the beginning of life. Amber is extremely precious and popular in Europe. In Poland, it was highly manufactured in Gdańsk. The most popular amber creations are boxes, figurines, mosaics, secretaries and many more. Italian amber products were transported to the Roman Empire. Amber was also believed to have supernatural powers. Nowadays it is used to produce the jewelry. Amber can be found in many different colors such as red, yellow, green, blue, black, milk or extremely rare – transparent. Amber is also known for its inclusions of ancient pieces of animals or plants.

Baltic amber

Amber is a hardened fossil resin of ancient evergreen trees and was created about 40 million years ago. The resin was flowing from the cracked trucks and tree branches, creating infiltrates, called icicles. Ofter resin was accumulated directly under the bark or inside the trunk. It is preserved until today. Baltic amber is one of the most precious types of amber, used in jewelry. It is made into many accessories such as bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, brooches as well as necklaces. It is known for its high aesthetic values and is characterized by its vast color scheme – from white, yellow, orange, red, to purple or jet black. Amber baltic is also a rich source of inclusions which additionally increase its value.

Amber necklaces

As previously mentioned, amber is used mostly in jewelry. Its high aesthetic values and rich history, make it a highly demanded and admired material. Amber is used to creating many different accessories. One of the most popular and desired are amber necklaces. Amber necklaces are usually combined with precious metals such as gold or silver. The most precious type of amber used in jewelry is Baltic amber. It is characterized by the amount of succinic acid (up to 8%) in its chemical structure. Additionally, it is naturally available in many different colors, it contains precious inclusions and is up to 40 million years old. It inspires artists and jewelry designers all over the world to create beautiful necklaces with pendants available in many different shapes and colors. The use accessories are available in Poland (in many different styles, sizes, and forms) in a quite affordable price range and are exported all over the world. The great advantage of amber necklaces is their versatility. They are an ideal addition to both elegant and casual stylizations. They are suitable for many different occasions and all seasons. They look best with summery dresses as well as woolen jumpers. Baltic amber can be freely combined with many different colors, patterns, and metals such as gold or silver. It is a timeless and trendy gemstone. Amber necklaces are a great addition to many different outfits and styles such as boho, vintage, elegant. They look best with casual work outfits, school wearings but also special occasions such as friend meetings or dates.

Amber necklace – a perfect addition to every outfit!

Amber is a beautiful and versatile stone, that can be matched with almost every wearing!. It adds a dose of elegance and unique character to our outfits. It works the best combined with other jewelry pieces such as earrings, rings or bracelets. It can be matched with many different styles of jewelry and clothes. Amber jewelry looks best combined with simple, casual summery outfits. This natural beautiful stone does not look good combined with pearls, sequins, artificial gemstones or zirconias. With those materials, the amber necklace may look cheap. Subtle chains decorated with amber pendants match formal outfits such as a nightgown or a dress. Amber jewelry adds a subtle elegance and additional sparkle. It also matches smart outfits such as a longsleeved white shirt and a black skirt. Amber necklaces can be combined with accessories of the same style as long as the outfit is not overwhelmed by them. Additionally, amber jewelry looks extremely cute combined with woolen turtlenecks, winter cozy jumpers or oversized sweater. It is worth remembering, that amber jewelry should be worn with single color outfits, without bold patterns. Silver or gold necklace looks best combined with natural amber pendant. Also, amber looks best with its 100% natural and genuine and should be combined with precious metals only, to fully embrace its beauty.

Amber necklaces – a great idea for summer!

As it is generally known, amber is a natural gemstone made of ancient fossilized resin. It looks best combined with natural beauty and nature and summery outfits. An amber necklace will look best during summer beach walks, that’s why it is worth getting one before vacations. Massive stones look great worn alone. Big and bold amber necklaces compliment summery wearings. They look great with long dresses, gowns, and shirtless, loose T-shirts as well as boho style shirts. Subtle chain necklaces decorated with amber pendants look great combined with plain casual outfits such as summer dresses, shirts or T-shirts. Combined with bracelets worn on the wrist or ankle they look extremely attractive and stylish.

Amber necklaces for men.

Jewelry is mostly associated with accessories worn by women all over the world, but historically men were those who wore jewelry. In prehistoric times men worn amulets made of bones, fangs, wood, stones as well as shells. The amulets were supposed to protect against evil. In ancient times men jewelry was the marker of social status and royalty. In Rome, men’s jewelry was decorated with diamonds. Rulers wore special gold rings. In the renaissance, men’s jewelry was the most popular. It was worn by high-class men, kings, and rulers. The most popular accessories were earrings, chains as well as rings. Modern men’s jewelry is also very important. Well-matched accessories add unique character, emphasize style, elegance, and taste of a man. Recently bolo ties with natural amber stones gained huge popularity. They are a great addition to formal outfits. They also are a great gift idea for boyfriends, husbands, friends as well as family members.

How to clean an amber necklace

It is recommended that amber necklaces should be cleaned regularly. They can be both dry and wet cleaned, but hot water should not be used, because high temperatures may decrease the quality and aesthetic values of the stone. It is recommended to add some soap or alcohol to the water used to clean amber. Amber should be cleaned with a soft cloth tissue in order to avoid scratches. They should not be soaked because they may lose their shine. After cleaning amber should be dried with soft tissue and polished. Raw materials are not recommended because they may destroy the surface of the stone and scratch it. Amber necklaces should be kept separately and covered in soft cloth pieces. It helps to avoid scratches and tangles. Amber should not be exposed to perfume, cosmetics, and chemical substances. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

How to deal with a matte or dirty amber stone in a necklace?

Matte or dirty amber is not easy to clean. It is easier to prevent it from losing it shines than restoring it. When amber gets matte? After long contact with water or sweat. If the amber necklaces get extremely dirty, it can be cleaned with various different methods. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth tissue with a solution of water and alcohol or ammonia. Then rinse with cold water and dried. To prevent matting amber can be polished with the almond oil. It will not only add additional shine but also soft pleasant almond aroma to the stone.

How to take care of your amber necklace?

Every jewelry requires special care. Amber necklace is not an exception. It should be regularly cleaned and stored in the right conditions. Special care allows us to avoid damages, scratches or rust. How to take care of your amber necklace to preserve its beauty and shine?

• Storage – necklaces should not be stored all together because it may lead to scratches and tangling. It may also significantly decrease the condition of them.
• Selection – it is worth dividing necklaces into several different categories such as gold or silver necklaces.
• The right place to store – it is worth having a special place to store necklaces such as special cases or boxes.
• The right box – the storage box should be filled with a soft cotton or silk tissues to create a protective layer. It will prevent scratches. It is also worth getting a right-sized box to avoid tangling.
• Right use – necklaces were created to be worn, but in the right way. It should be taken off at home, when we do our house chords or during exercises and swimming. It should also be taken off during spa sessions.

Amber necklaces and health

Since ancient times amber is considered a symbol of happiness and a new beginning. It was valued for his remarkable healing properties. It was believed to help with rheumatic ailments and asthma. Research results have shown that it contains many valuable micronutrients – silicon, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, organic compounds combined with iodine, volatile substances, resin acids, and many others. Many believe that amber helps restore mental balance, well-being, and helps to reduce stress and insomnia. Amber is a source of negative ions, which makes it a natural air ionizer. Currently, many cities fight air pollution (exhaust fumes, pollution from factories, domestic furnaces, concrete, etc.), in which positive ions predominate. The prevalence of positive ions can also be found in many apartments, through high voltage networks, domestic electrical appliances (electric kitchens, washing machines, TV sets), heating devices, etc. Positive ions presence may cause headaches, migraine, affect one’s mood negatively, organism toxication and many more complex diseases. To prevent the negative effects of positive ions it is highly recommended to wear an amber necklace. Natural stone in this kind of jewelry can be always worn close to the body and its healing properties can help us to prevent negative symptoms.

How to verify the authenticity of amber?

Amber is also a stone of a significant role in jewelry. It looks best not only in big pieces but also in detail. It fits both classic and sophisticated jewelry and its extremely valuable. It is also often counterfeit. If you are not sure whether your amber is genuine or not, it is worth learning more about the methods to verify authenticity of amber.

1. Salty water test – To conduct the test you need salt, water, and the stone. Natural amber will float on the surface, while most of the counterfeits will sink to the bottom.
2. Electrostatic test – A stone rubbed against wool or other natural material should attract tiny pieces of paper.
3. UV test – amber exposed to this type of radiation will become bluish or yellowish. The plastic will not change its color while the copal will turn white.
4. The best way to check amber authenticity is to ask an Amber Expert who will be able to check its features under a magnifying glass or a microscope and then professionally evaluate them. The best device to determine the authenticity of amber is a spectrometer. A new and promising method of testing authenticity is mapping, but it’s still being tested.

Works Used:

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2. Faya Causey, Amber and the Ancient World, Getty Publications, 2011
3. Rice, Patty C., Amber: Golden Gem of the Ages, AuthorHouse, 2006
4. Andrew Ross, Amber, Harvard University Press, 1998
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