Baltic amber, a fossilized tree resin that comes from the Baltic region, has been widely popular for thousands of years and is a popular choice for jewelry-making. Besides its beauty, amber is highly valued for its healing properties. Jewelry made with genuine Baltic amber exude warmth and elegance, but there are also fake amber pieces that may look similar but are of low quality and a poor imitation. To avoid being scammed, here are some tips for spotting fake Baltic amber jewelry.
Color
Baltic Amber is usually available in a range of warm colors, from yellow, orange and honey to milky white and green. While the color of the Amber can vary, it always features delicate hues with some natural "inclusions" (small air bubbles and other organic matter types trapped inside). If the item is all one uniform shade or has visible air bubbles, it is most likely to be a synthetic counterpart.
Smell
Amber has a very distinctive scent, a combination of warm, musky, and piney that is difficult to imitate. Rub it a little bit between your fingers, and the genuine Baltic amber should give you that unique fragrance. If there's no smell or you detect a chemical odor, then it's a fake piece of amber.
Genuine Baltic amber jewelry can be expensive, so finding an incredible deal is rare. Be careful with cheap jewelry that advertises as amber; you must be suspicious if the price is less than $15 for a piece of jewelry. Real amber pieces need an intensive process to be refined, with each smudge detailed and accurately positioned, taking a lot of time & skill to craft. As a result, a lower price tag increases the likelihood that the jewelry is fake.
Authenticity
Always look for a certificate of authenticity, indicating not only that the amber is genuine but also detailing the origin, age, and quality of the amber. The certificate could be expensive itself, and not all certified jewels with amber would come with a certificate. Therefore, if the certificate is available, check the credentials of the company issuing it to ensure its legitimacy.
Baltic amber jewelry adds a touch of elegance to your look, but it's important to know how to differentiate between genuine and fake jewelry pieces. The above tips should give you a good start for spotting fake Baltic amber jewelry, ensuring you make a wise investment in a piece of jewelry that looks exquisite and contains all the healing power of real amber. Always research the company where you want to purchase your Amber jewelry and trust your intuition. If you are not sure about the authenticity of the amber, it's better to wait for the perfect piece than to pay for a synthetic fraudulent one.