Though amber is not rare, the best quality amber is quite expensive. In fact, some of the most expensive pieces of amber in the world are worth millions of dollars! Here are ten of the most expensive examples.
Amber is a fossilized resin that has been used in jewelry and other decorative items for centuries. It is often thought of as being golden in color, but it can actually be found in a variety of shades, from light yellow to deep brown.
Amber is formed when tree resin is subjected to the heat and pressure of burial over millions of years. The resin begins to harden and turn into amber, and any organic material that was present in the resin, such as leaves or insects, becomes preserved as well. This makes amber a valuable source of information for paleontologists, as it can provide insights into the ecology of long-vanished ecosystems.
For example, spiders and other small animals that became trapped in amber have helped scientists to learn about the evolution of these creatures. Today, most amber comes from deposits in the Baltic region, although it can also be found in other parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Amber is a beautiful and unique material that has been used for centuries to create jewelry and other decorative items. But what exactly is amber, and what are its distinctive properties?
Amber is lightweight and relatively soft, making it easy to work with. It is also translucent, allowing light to pass through it and giving it a warm, glowing appearance. In addition, amber is electrically conductive, which makes it an ideal material for use in electronic devices.
Amber has been prized for its beauty since ancient times, and its unique properties have made it a popular material for use in a wide range of applications. Today, amber is still widely used in jewelry and other decorative items, and its electrical conductivity makes it an essential component in many electronic devices. Thanks to its many remarkable properties, amber continues to be one of the most popular materials used by artisans and designers around the world.
For those who are passionate about amber, the price tag is often secondary to the beauty of the stone. However, there are some pieces of amber that come with a very hefty price tag. Here are 10 of the most expensive pieces of amber in the world and the lucky (or wealthy) individuals who own them.
1. The Queen's Amber Room: $150 million - The Queen's Amber Room is a priceless piece of art that was created for Frederick I of Prussia in the early 18th century. It was later gifted to Tsar Peter the Great and installed in the Summer Palace in Saint Petersburg. During World War II, the room was disassembled and taken by the Nazis, and its whereabouts are still unknown.
2. Sundance Kid's Amber Gun: $7 million - This unique piece of amber was made into a gun by Josiah Lilly III, an American businessman and philanthropist, in the late 19th century. It was eventually acquired by Butch Cassidy (aka Sundance Kid), who used it as his personal sidearm. After Cassidy's death, the gun was sold at auction for $7 million.
3. The Blue Dragon: $6.5 million - The Blue Dragon is one of the largest pieces of amber ever found, weighing in at over seven pounds. It was discovered in Buddhism's birthplace of Myanmar (formerly Burma) and eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $6.5 million at auction.
4. The Sunrise Egg: $4 million - The Sunrise Egg is a two-inch piece of amber that contains a perfectly preserved mosquito inside it. The egg was purchased by an anonymous buyer for $4 million at Christie's auction house in 2007.
5. The Prince Fielder Necklace: $765,000 - This exquisite necklace was designed by jeweler Martin Katz and contains over 800 carats of amber. It was commissioned by baseball superstar Prince Fielder and is worth an estimated $765,000.
6. The Golden Sunburst Pendant: $300,000 - This one-of-a-kind pendant contains a large piece of yellow amber surrounded by over 700 diamonds. It was designed by jeweler Glenn Spiro and purchased by an anonymous buyer for $300,000 at auction.
7. The Chinese Frog Pendant: $265,000 - This pendant contains a small piece of green amber that has been carved into the shape of a frog. It dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and was eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $265,000 at auction.
8. The Russian Spider Brooch: $250,000 - This brooch contains a small piece of green amber that has been carved into the shape of a spider. It dates back to the 19th century and was once owned by Russian royalty before being sold to an anonymous buyer for $250,000 at auction.
9. The Columbian Beetle Earrings: $200,000 - These unique earrings feature two pieces of amber that have been carved into the shape of beetles. They were originally created for Colombian president Manuel Murillo Tobar and were eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $200,000 at auction.
10. The Dominican Dinosaur Earrings: $145, 000 - These earrings feature two small pieces of amber that contain ancient insects inside them. They date back around 15 – 20 million years ago, making them some of the oldest examples of dinosaur DNA ever found. They were eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $145, 000.
Amber jewelry is unique in both its beauty and its value. Unlike other materials, amber is not only precious but also fragile. As a result, proper care and storage are essential to preserving its value. The first step is to clean the jewelry with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the surface of the amber. Once the jewelry is clean, it should be stored in a cool, dark place. Amber is sensitive to light and heat, so it should not be stored in direct sunlight or in an area that gets too warm.
In addition, it is important to keep amber away from other types of jewelry, as it can easily become scratched. With proper care, your amber jewelry will continue to amazing you with its beauty for many years to come.
Amber is a remarkable gemstone for many reasons. Not only is it rare, but it is also incredibly durable and has a unique beauty that has been cherished for centuries. However, there are a few other gemstones that can rival amber in terms of rarity and value. Rubies, for example, are much rarer than amber and can be worth far more per carat. In fact, the world's largest ruby - the Liberty Bell Ruby - is valued at over $4 million.
Other precious stones, such as diamonds and emeralds, are also more valuable than amber. However, it is important to remember that value is relative. For example, while a single diamond may be worth more than an entire chunk of amber, the latter is actually the more valuable commodity by weight. So, while there may be some gemstones that are rarer or more expensive than amber, there is nothing quite like this unique and fascinating stone.
At Holiday Gift Shops, we offer a wide range of Baltic amber jewelry, from necklaces and earrings to bracelets and amber pendants. Whether you're looking for a gift for a special someone or a little something for yourself, our collection of Baltic amber jewelry is sure to have the perfect piece.