Amber is any natural resin that has oozed its way out of a tree and eventually fossilised over a period of millions of years.
Baltic amber is a particular type of amber found in Northern Europe, particularly along the coasts of Poland the former USSR, including Lithuania. This is where Tiare Black Pearl sources most of its amber.
Conifer trees are the main original source of amber. It often occurred when a confifer tree after being attacked formed resin (not sap) to ward off the attacker and to act as a balm to cover and heal the wound (hence amber is often associated with healing).
Since the resin was soft and sticky it would often trap insects and rarely frogs, toads and lizards. Amber being very light would then float down streams to join the sea. Once settled on the ocean bed it would wait for a storm to throw it up on to the beach ready to be collected.
As well as the usual yellow/orange/brown colours that is associated with amber it can also range from a whitish colour to plae lemon yellow and black. Uncommon colours are red (cherry amber), green and on very rare occasions, blue. Air bubbles may give amber a cloudy appearance.
When amber is heated its origin as wood means it will burn. Most amber is set in sterling silver as the temperature required to set it in gold would melt the resin.
Mystical power: Amber is said to bring good luck. It is associated with time, cycles and longevity. Amber is also regarded as being highly sensual and magnetic. It ensures very long enjoyment of the qualities that make the wearer attractive. Amber has long been associated with healing energy and mental stimulation, and is said to balance aggressive traits.
Amber is excellent for eyes, and for glandular swellings of the throat and lungs. Amber balances endocrine and the digestive network.
