Jewel School - Ray Talks Amber
If you’ve ever held a piece of amber in your hand, you know it’s not like any other gem. There’s a warmth to it—a softness and glow that’s completely unique. I’ve always been fascinated by amber, not just for its beauty, but for the incredible story it holds inside.
Amber isn’t a stone in the traditional sense. It’s fossilized tree resin, and some of the pieces we work with are up to 90 million years old. Just imagine that—90 million years. It’s like holding a tiny piece of the Earth’s memory. That’s what makes amber so special. It carries this incredible sense of time and place.
Each piece has its own personality, and you’ll often find little inclusions inside—ancient plant matter, bubbles, sometimes even insects—that were captured when the resin was still sticky and flowing. It’s like nature pressed “pause” millions of years ago, and now we get to wear that moment in time.
Amber is also incredibly lightweight, which makes it perfect for big, bold jewelry without the weight you’d expect.
To me, amber is a perfect example of how jewelry connects us, not just to art and beauty, but to history, science, and the natural world. When you wear amber, you’re not just wearing something pretty. You’re wearing a story that’s been millions of years in the making.
