
A Few Words About Amber Worry Beads
Amber is the most renowned and valuable material for worry beads. It is a natural creation formed from the resin of coniferous trees, requiring 30 million years to fossilize. The ancients believed in its positive energy and its therapeutic properties.
Aristotle, in studying amber, concluded that it possessed a living essence. One of the most famous types of amber is Baltic amber, which emerges from the seabed to the surface of the Baltic Sea. This phenomenon occurs because of an ancient prehistoric forest under the sea.
Amber worry beads provide a warm tactile experience with a pleasant and discreet sound. When warmed, they release the resin’s aromatic scent.
Caring for Amber
Amber has maintained its beauty for 30 million years. You can preserve its original sheen by carefully handling and storing your amber worry beads. Here's what to keep in mind:
Basic Guidelines:
- Amber worry beads should not be stored in places where they might rub against metal or other sharp objects.
After Use:
You can rub your worry beads with a little clean olive oil and then wipe them with a cloth to polish them and remove excess oil. This will also clean off dust and sweat from the beads.
Cleaning Warnings:
Never clean amber with soap, alcohol, chemical cleaners, or jewelry cleaning solutions, as these can dull or whiten its surface.
Storage Precautions:
- Keep amber away from high-temperature environments or the kitchen, where hot oils may splatter onto it.
- Avoid contact with hairspray or perfume, as these can permanently whiten the amber.
Handling Suggestions:
- Avoid placing worry beads in the front pocket of your trousers or alongside other objects. This can break the "tower" (the decorative cap or clasp of the worry beads) or damage the beads.
Playing Techniques
Amber is one of the best materials for worry beads but has a significant drawback: it is extremely fragile. For this reason, tossing or spinning the beads is strictly prohibited.
Amber Properties and Authenticity Tests
- Floating in Saltwater: Amber floats in a saline solution (ratio of 500g of salt to 1 liter of water). The solution's volume must exceed that of the submerged amber for it to float.
- Burning Test: When burned, amber does not melt but produces a flame and then turns to ash. Burning amber emits a scent reminiscent of burning wood.
- Friction Test: When rubbed with tools, amber releases amber dust, which has a characteristic yellowish color and woody smell.
- Durability: Pure amber is highly fragile and suitable for worry beads mainly for gentle handling.
- Pressed Amber: Made from genuine amber dust, pressed amber retains all the characteristics of pure amber but is less transparent and colorful. However, it is more resistant to impact, making it excellent for worry beads. The sound of pressed amber beads is sweet and vibrant.
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