Amber - The Tears of the Trees
Taking advantage of this quieter time I have to confess to being absorbed in a book called “Jewels - A Secret History” by Victoria Finlay.
It has been a gripping read for me and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in jewels - particularly the origin, history and the folklore surrounding them.
This book covers just nine precious materials, seven of which I work with - so I considered it something I should invest my time in and I am so glad I did as I have learnt so much from it - despite only being half way through!
In the first chapter the author talks about the origin of Amber some 40 million years ago.
Ancient conifer forests that grew in the Baltic region in the middle to late Eocene epoch, (when mini horses 🐴 roamed the earth 😱) produced plentiful quantities of resin after an unknown ‘event’. The liquid resin dripped in massive quantities creating rivers of stickiness that gathered beneath the trees sometimes capturing flora, fauna, insects and even the odd lizard (but no horses) in its path - creating a fascinating snapshot of the time for future scientists. These resin rivers were eventually consumed within the earth and became fossilised and rediscovered many millions of years later.
You’re still thinking about the mini horses aren't you’t you? Just 30cm tall apparently! Now concentrate - back to the Amber. 😆
When the (now) solid fossilised resin resurfaced millions of years later the mysterious golden material became prized and sought after by many ancient cultures. The location of where it was found was always kept a closely guarded secret making it even more mysterious and prized. Merchants would travel to the many corners of the earth, each weaving a different story about what the new magical material was and where it came from. The Ancient Greeks called it Elektron, meaning ‘the sun’ because of the array of golden colours that it came in, ranging from yellow to burnt orange, red and brown. But in rare circumstances, it was also found in white, black and even blue tone. This latter three are super valuable and not typically made into beads, just incase you a wondering!
The Amber was crafted into jewellery and sometimes carved (it is a relatively soft material - just 2-2.5 on the Moh’s scale) and used as talismans for courage and self confidence and even good luck. The Chinese even thought that it contained the soul of a Tiger! 🐅 What a thought! At times the value of Amber soared so much - it was even more valuable than gold! On at least two occasions this mysterious golden material was used to make elaborate mosaic rooms and was also been incorporated into very famous Iconic art works. It has links to many in history King Menelaus of Greece, Peter the Great, the Teutonic Knights and even Jurassic Park (the movie).
Honestly, who knew how interesting this material was?
If all of this has piqued your interest and whet your appetite to include a piece of this gorgeous and super interesting jewel in your Wristocracy collection - you can purchase my current Amber offering (pictured above) here. Please note that it is not intended as a teething bracelet as it could pose a choking hazard.
Other chapters in this super interesting book include information on Pearls, Opal, Peridot, Emerald, Sapphire and Rubies.
Are you interested in hearing more about these stones or am I alone in my interest? Please let me know….