Explore the ultimate guide to amber — ancient fossilized resin treasured for its warm hues, symbolism, and unique inclusions. Learn about amber’s formation, colors, birthstone significance, historical uses, care advice, and artisan-crafted jewelry collections by Sundara Joon.
Amber: The Ancient Light of the Earth — FAQ Edition
Discover Amber, the golden fossilized resin treasured for millennia. Learn its origins, meaning, care, and enduring appeal in handcrafted jewelry.
Amber, with its warm and captivating color, is a gemstone that has intrigued humans for centuries. Here, we will explore the beauty and significance of amber, including its birth month, uses, care tips, composition, history, and the popularity of amber jewelry.
What is Amber, and how does it form?
Amber is not a mineral but fossilized tree resin — a natural treasure formed over millions of years. When ancient trees released resin to heal their bark, some of it became buried and slowly hardened through oxidation and polymerization, eventually transforming into Amber.
“Amber is sunlight preserved — the memory of forests that once danced in the wind.”
Amber’s palette reflects sunlight in all its moods:
Color
Description
Golden honey
Classic, warm, and radiant
Cognac
Deep brownish-gold with antique appeal
Lemon yellow
Bright and transparent
Cherry red
Created naturally or through gentle heat treatment
Green
Occurs naturally or enhanced by heat and pressure
Blue
Exceptionally rare, found primarily in Dominican Amber
Tiny air bubbles or organic inclusions often give each piece a unique depth and character.
How old is Amber?
Amber can range from 30 to over 100 million years old. Many of the world’s most famous deposits date back to the Eocene epoch, when vast forests covered what are now parts of Europe and Asia. Some pieces even contain tiny inclusions — insects, leaves, or pollen — perfectly preserved within, creating natural time capsules of prehistoric life.
Is amber a birth stone?
Amber is associated with the birth month of November. It is believed to bring good luck, protection, and healing to those born during this month. This gemstone is also known for its calming properties and its ability to promote a sense of balance and harmony and improve mindfulness.
Amber has been used by ancient civilizations for its beauty and believed mystical properties. In ancient Rome, amber was highly prized and used to create intricate jewelry pieces. Amber jewelry has continued to be popular throughout history, with notable examples found in Egyptian tombs and Viking burial sites. It is one of the earliest materials used for ornamentation and trade.
Civilization
Significance
Ancient Greece
Called elektron, from which the word “electricity” derives, due to its ability to hold static charge when rubbed
Rome
Worn as protection and status symbol; traded along the “Amber Road” from the Baltic to the Mediterranean
China
Associated with the soul of the tiger, symbolizing courage and vitality
Nordic cultures
Considered sunlight solidified by the gods
Indigenous Baltic tribes
Used in healing rituals and as sacred offerings
Amber’s golden glow has long been linked to the sun, warmth, and life itself.
What does Amber symbolize?
In both ancient and modern symbolism, Amber represents:
- Light and vitality – Energy, joy, and optimism - Preservation – Connection to ancestry and memory - Transformation – Change through time and endurance - Healing and balance – Often viewed as grounding and soothing
Amber is often considered a bridge between earth and sky, combining organic life with geological permanence.
Amber ranks2–2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively soft. Despite this, it’s surprisingly resilient when set carefully and worn mindfully. It’s ideal for necklaces, earrings, brooches, and pendants, and less so for exposed ring settings.
How should I care for Amber jewelry?
- Clean gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth - Avoid alcohol, acetone, and harsh chemicals - Keep away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight - Store separately to prevent scratches - Polish lightly with olive oil on a soft cloth to restore shine (optional traditional method)
Because Amber is organic, it responds best to gentle, natural care.
Does Sundara Joon have amber jewelry?
At Sundara Joon, each amber piece is handpicked for its unique design and quality and handcrafted by artisans who honor the stone’s natural beauty. Our designers blend traditional craft with contemporary vision, creating timeless collectibles and heirlooms.
By supporting our artists, we contribute economically and provide essential business education, helping them thrive sustainably while producing exceptional work
✨ Explore our Amber collection and wear a fragment of ancient sunlight.
