The History of Amber Jewelry

Amber jewelry has long been a staple of contemporary jewelry and classical jewelry lovers alike. Historians and archaeologists agree that the history of amber jewelry can be traced at least as far back as the Bronze and Late Stone Ages, as graves have been found with amber beads inside, drilled with holes presumably with the purpose of making amber necklaces and other pieces of amber jewelry. It is clear that amber jewelry has been valued in several early modern cultures as well.

For example, an important reference to amber jewelry comes to us from classical literature; in Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, there is brief mention of a traveling trader who presents a gold and amber necklace for a patron’s consideration. This reference to amber jewelry makes sense; there was a bustling amber trade during the Roman Empire and amber was one of the prized imports. Interestingly, it seems that both women and men alike have long been attracted to the beauty of amber jewelry, including pieces such as amber necklaces and earrings. Throughout the recorded history of amber, we see that wearers of amber jewelry have been attracted to the special qualities and variations of this precious stone, one reason being that each piece of amber is wholly unique. Because amber starts its life as liquid resin, dripping from the bark of pine trees, it is not unusual for objects, especially insects, leafs, and other odd bits of matter to become fossilized in the amber as it dries and hardens, endowing each piece of amber jewelry its distinct and fascinating story. The clarity of the amber and the object that is trapped inside of the gem makes a compelling conversation piece out of any amber bracelet, amber necklace or pendant, or pin or brooch, or ring. Today, amber jewelry remains extremely popular and amber’s affordability makes it a comfortable investment for the modern jewelry collector. Even thousands of years after the original wearers of amber jewelry, you can still find a wide selection of distinct amber jewelry at any well-stocked jewelry store.