The appeal of jewelry comes from their sense of richness, societal status or simply because they’re pretty. Some consumers can afford to spend a fortune on a small trinket while others have to save up to afford the gem of their dreams. What both buyers have in common is that they desire a real stone. Amber is one of the most beautiful gems, coming in various warm shades like golden yellow or deep orange to black. It is also a versatile gem that can be used for multiple styles, including amber bracelets, amber rings, and amber pendants. Unfortunately, there are some stones being marketed as amber that is anything but the gem. Here are some ways to test and verify that your amber, is actually genuine.
- Heat Test
There is a slight risk of damaging your gem with this test but it’s worth it to check. Using a small needle, heat the tip of it. Carefully insert the point around any small indentation or drill hole. The aim of this is for the heat to release a pine-tree scent. True Baltic ambers will release this smell, which cannot be replicated in fakes. Be very careful during this test as this is a delicate and soft gem.
- Tap Test
For this test, you won’t need any special tools. When you touch your amber, make two notes on its temperature and the weight. Baltic amber jewelry is lightweight and this will help separate it from visually similar knockoffs. One way to verify your amber is to tap the gem lightly against your teeth. Unlike stones or glass, the amber should feel like plastic. Be careful of any sharp parts if you’re testing amber earrings.
- Solvent Test
A great test that won’t harm your gem can be done using a small amount of acetone. On a flat surface, lay your amber down and put on a few drops of the acetone. Do not wipe it off. True Baltic ambers will not be affected. When you touch it, there should be no difference. However, if you feel any stickiness or there is fingerprint residue, unfortunately, your gem is a fake.
- Salt Water
The difference in weight between real ambers and copies can be verified using a pot of water. Add about a fourth of a cup of salt, stir and let sit for thirty minutes. Stir again to make sure the salt is thoroughly dissolved before dropping your gems in the water. Fake gems will sink while true amber floats.
Knowing whether or not your amber gem is authentic or not can change how you feel about your jewelry. Knowing a true gem can sometimes be more than recognizing how it should look. Authenticity can also be an indicator of fair pricing. The benefits of a real amber are not only how gorgeous it can but also how long it will last. One of the best ways to verify the authenticity of your gem is to make sure you’re buying from a reputable source.