Lesson In Amber

Back in March I picked up some lovely Chiapas amber while in Mexico.  Chiapas, in the southernmost part of Mexico, is known for it's beautiful amber.  My friend, Pattie, kindly tutored me in the finer details of faux vs real amber as we strolled through the market.  While I have a pretty good instinct for faux vs real, I wasn't really familiar with the beautiful Chiapas variety.

I ended up purchasing several strands from a very kind, older man who patiently worked through our language gap with me.  Amber is strange and wonderful stuff.  When you hold it in your hands, it's light smooth feel is reminiscent of, well...plastic.  That's because it's fossilized tree sap. Which is perfect for me as I'm a bit of a rock hound and a freak for fossils. Kinda geeky, I know.  Fossils, rocks, gemstones, driftwood, shells...all good stuff. Back to the amber...typically, you'll see inclusions and fractures...possibly even an insect or two that's been encased inside the amber during the process of fossilization. Cool beans, no?

The Chiapas amber has a warm, honeyed look that's really irresistible.  That sweet little Mexican man relieved me of a dollar or two.  Bless his heart.

This is Baltic amber, in a raw or rough state.  I love amber in this condition.

Doesn't it lend a fab, rustic look to this compass?

I'd rather use the Chiapas or the rough version than the highly polished version...just because I like a lot of crackly texture to run my fingers over.  I can wear it on my skin and feel the honey warm vibe running through it.

This, right here, is faux amber.  Faux amber is often made of plastic, resin, amber powder or some combination of those. Chips and/or inclusions and color are added to simulate real amber.

These particular pieces are pretty easy to distinguish from the real deal.  Real amber can be pricey so, if simulated amber is what you're looking to add to your piece of jewelry, that's ok.  The price should be considerably less that real amber.  Just know what  you're looking at when you go to buy.  Other than looks, there are a few ways to test for real amber.  Click here for a few tips.

 Amber love.  Just one of my obsessions.  I have so many...

Comments

[Christy Grant]

I love those ammonites

[tracey]

Oooh, I love the rustic compass piece, Deryn.

[~*Amber Dawn*~]

The shells at the end, are they iridescent in person? They are gorgeous!!!

[Sally Turlington]

O-o-oh, pretties!! And that necklace is one of my favorites. You're doing all the good. I'm enjoying seeing you on Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday site, too. Loved your Ferris wheel. Hope you kitchen is coming along swiftly -- bleh - what a pain.

[Gayle]

That rough baltic amber is amazing!!

[Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry)]

Love, love, love amber! Just gorgeous. Can you imagine being in an amber room? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber_Room

[Lisa]

Wow... did that amber make the compass pop... that piece is too cool...
Have a wonderful day,
Take care.

[Lori Burek]

Cool... thanks for the tips. I love amber too. I also love those fossily things in the last photo. ..Lori

[Renate]

Amber is really a wonderful material... sigh. I used to see a lot of it at the flea market, brought in from the Baltic states - but I shy away from buying it there - too hard to tell the difference between the real and the fake...

[Pattie]

You have learned well Young Grasshopper! ;)

I'm looking forward to seeing what you create with your Chiapas amber Missy! Oh but I do LOVE your ruff Baltic amber perhaps we need to do a trade?? I'm also happy you have a couple of strings of the Chiapas to play with. We didn't get any ordered this month. Business at the store has slowed to a crawl and we thought it would be a bit more prudent to wait until things picked up a bit. Will let you know for sure, when we do. Then I'll get it up to you by mule train. :)

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

PS Oh yes your stash is always welcomed. Will email you with an address.