The Timeless Allure of Amber

Amber – warm, golden, and glowing – has captured human imagination for thousands of years. More than just a beautiful gemstone, amber is a window into ancient worlds, preserving fragments of prehistory in its fossilised embrace. At Outrage Jewellers, we celebrate the remarkable journey of amber, from ancient forests to treasured adornments.

What is Amber?

Unlike typical gemstones formed deep within the Earth, amber is fossilised tree resin. Around 30 to 90 million years ago, vast forests of prehistoric trees released resin to protect themselves from injury. Over time, this sticky substance hardened, was buried under layers of sediment, and gradually fossilised, capturing within it ancient secrets – including insects, leaves, and even feathers.

A Gem of the Ancients

Amber has fascinated civilisations for millennia. The earliest known amber artefacts date back to the Stone Age, where it was used in amulets and talismans, believed to possess magical and healing properties.

In ancient Greece, amber was called elektron, believed to be linked to the sun god Helios. The word electricity even derives from this root, after it was discovered that amber, when rubbed, could attract small objects – an early observation of static electricity.

The Romans prized amber for its beauty and rarity. Pliny the Elder, in his Natural History, noted its value exceeded that of a slave. Amber from the Baltic region travelled along the famed "Amber Road", a trade route that stretched from the northern coasts of Europe down to the heart of the Roman Empire.

Medieval Beliefs and Royal Adornments

During the Middle Ages, amber retained its mystical appeal. It was worn to ward off evil spirits, protect against disease, and bring good fortune. Monasteries often kept amber beads, believing them to hold divine properties.

In royal courts, amber was a luxury commodity. By the 16th and 17th centuries, it was transformed into intricate carvings, jewellery, and ornaments, favoured by the aristocracy of Europe. Perhaps the most iconic example is the legendary Amber Room of the Catherine Palace in Russia – a chamber decorated entirely in amber panels and gold leaf, often dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

Baltic Gold: A Legacy of Nature

Today, the Baltic region remains the world’s most significant source of amber, particularly from countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. Known as “Baltic gold”, this amber often contains exquisite inclusions – ancient life forms frozen in time, giving each piece a unique story.

Amber’s organic origins and natural warmth make it unlike any other gemstone. Its colours range from honeyed yellows and rich cognacs to rare greens and deep cherry reds. When polished, amber retains a soft, golden glow that flatters any skin tone – a quality that has kept it in style for thousands of years.

Amber in Modern Jewellery

Modern designers cherish amber for both its aesthetic and historical depth. Whether set in sleek silver or vintage-inspired gold, amber jewellery bridges past and present, nature and craft.

At Outrage Jewellers, we honour amber’s incredible journey by sourcing the finest pieces and crafting them into timeless designs. Each item carries not just beauty, but a story millions of years in the making.

Explore our curated Amber Jewellery Collection to discover elegant necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets that capture the essence of this ancient gem.

A Gem of Stories

Amber is more than just an accessory – it is a fragment of Earth’s memory. From ancient protection amulets to contemporary heirlooms, its rich legacy continues to shine.

Browse the full Outrage Jewellers Amber Range and bring home a piece of natural history, set in stunning design.