TONE AND COLOR NOMENCLATURE About 15 to 20 percent of amber is CLEAR (transparent) in its natural state. DULL (semi-transparent) material of tone level 3, when heated in an oven for two to three months at 30 to 120C (86 -248F ), becomes even less transparent, changing to an appearance like DULL-2 or -4. If the same DULL-3 material is treated in a pressurized kiln for a short period of time, it will become like CKEAR-2. Taking such CLEAR-2 material and heat-treating it in an oven darkens its surface, producing CLEAR-3, -4, and -5. DULL-2 and -4 are called "old colors," while DULL-1 is called "white." Furthermore, CLEAR-5 is called "cognac" color and CLEAR-2 is called "lemon" color. The DULL-3 color is what is generally referred to as an "amber" color. JUDGING QUALITY About 95 percent of the amber on the market is high-quality material. It is possible to choose a beautiful shape and color of amber from among a wide variety of pieces, something difficult to do with other gemstones. The main colors of amber are the classic amber color and cognac color. Transparent lemon colors have also become popular recently. Since none is more expensive than the others, they can be chosen according to personal preference. Whether the interior of the stone is transparent or exhibits a glittering effect is another matter of personal preference. Many people do prefer such glittering amber as a more natural-appearing material. COLOR SAMPLE AMBERS Often Heated Quantity distribution of amber that is polished to approximately 10mm (0.39 inch) HOW TO CHOOSE Preferences for amber vary by country. According to amber cutters, white and "old" colors sell well in Arab countries, cognac colors in Germany, and Lemon colors in Japan. Unattractive pieces aside, it is important to select a piece that matches your individual taste and style. Depending on size, a high-quality necklace may be purchased in a retail price range of $100 to $2,000. A necklace priced under $50 would be of low quality. Many accessories made of synthetic polymers and glass imitate amber, but these are man-made items created by pouring or injecting them into a mold. These are intrinsically difficult from amber, which was created by nature tens of millions of years ago and carefully polished by human hands to bring out its beauty. Beautiful amber is a gem that deserves to be used more in jewelry. The value of a ten-millimeter (0.39-inch) amber bead of jewelry quality is approximately US$7 per piece. (2001) A GEM OF VALUE Cabochon Weight : 1.83 g Size (mm) : Dia.19.8 x D 7.79 heated Gem quality US $40 VALUE INDEX -GQ-Gem Quality -JQ-Jewelry Quality -AQ-Accessory Quality Index Back