The multi-century journey of Baltic Amber from Sea to wear
Amber is worn as the perfect addition to your outfit by day and rubbed on joints to relieve the pain of arthritis by night. The uses of Amber trace back centuries and lead to a Sci-Fi future.
The rich history of Amber follows a path that helped build roads and filled the homes of people along with way with itsmulti-uses. Baltic Amber contains an acid called succinic which is a natural analgesic and is the reason for the temporary relief it offers small aches and pains on the outer body.
Amber was originally named “Elektron” in Greek for its ability to conduct static electricity. With major supplies of Amber remaining within the area where the stone was found, many “Amber Roads” were established for those seeking to barter for the resin gemstone.
The uses of Amber spread throughout Eastern Europe and the many small villages established along the Amber Roads. The trade of Amber cultivated cultural development throughout the European continent. Amber also became a symbol of Christianity with its use being heavily favored among the artisans of rosary necklaces.
Cultures would claim their own versions of the origin of Amber and sometimes use the stone during rituals. From initial thoughts that Amber was useless to people being beheaded for collecting the valuable stone, the conceptions of Amber have been diverse. Ancient tombs still being unearthed today are found filled with Amber that was laid to rest with the wealthy residents of the tombs.
Yellow, green, red, and blue colors were found on the shores of the Baltic Sea after storms. An Amber is very lightweight, so it was easily moved by the stirring waters of the sea. Those in the area who sought out Amber became wise to the migration of the stones and began to cast nets into nearby waters and fish for Amber. This allowed local tradesmen to support a steady supply of the stone for trade with travelers passing through the area.
In the late 1800s the first serious miners of Amber began to mine the stone after securing a contract with the Prussian government. This mining produced the discovery of many types of Amber and allowed for the modern study of the stone.
Modern scientists became enticed by Amber as a way of preserving history, such as a plant or an insect’s DNA within its resin infrastructure. Many extinct species were discovered and studied thanks to the encompassing nature of Amber.
The Conifer tree that produced the unique sap that formed Amber is now extinct and Amber look-alikes are everywhere. Only the original stone has the healing powers and rich history that made the film Jurassic Park possible. After winning its third academy award, it’s safe to say that the film revealed Amber to everyone who didn’t know of its existence before 1994.
So, the amber jewelry that you see is only a preview of the uses of Amber. From the development of a continent to the relief of aches and pains, the uses of Amber have yet to reach their end. When you are wearing a piece of Baltic Amber, you are wearing centuries of living history.