The value of authentic Baltic amber jewellery is shaped by several natural and craftsmanship-related factors. Each piece of amber is unique — its age, clarity, colour, and formation process all contribute to how it is priced. Understanding these elements helps you recognise real quality and make an informed purchase when selecting genuine Baltic amber necklaces, bracelets, or anklets.

1. Size and Weight of Amber Beads

The size and weight of amber beads significantly influence the final price. Larger beads are naturally rarer, as sizeable pieces of fossilised resin are less common. Crafting bigger, evenly shaped beads requires more material and skilled polishing, which increases production time and value.

As a general guideline, the larger and more symmetrical the beads, the higher the overall cost — especially for jewellery pieces featuring well-matched stones.

2. Type and Authenticity of Amber

The type of amber plays a major role in determining value. Baltic amber — formed millions of years ago — is highly regarded for its natural origin, durability, and long geological history.

A more affordable alternative, copal, is a younger tree resin that has not fully fossilised. While visually similar, it differs in age and composition, making it less durable and much less valuable. When purchasing amber jewellery, it is recommended to choose pieces verified as genuine Baltic amber — ideally accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

3. Shape and Craftsmanship

The shape and precision of amber beads also affect pricing. Rounded baroque beads, for example, require more detailed cutting and polishing compared to irregular shapes. Creating smooth, uniform beads demands more labour and often results in additional material being removed — factors that contribute to higher production costs.

Polished and symmetrical bead designs are typically more sought after, making them more valuable compared to irregular or raw-style beads.

4. Colour and Transparency

Amber naturally comes in a wide range of colours — from pale honey and lemon to deep cognac, cherry, or rare green tones. Certain colours are found less frequently in nature and may carry a higher value. Transparent amber with visible natural patterns or clarity is typically rarer, while more opaque varieties tend to be more widely available.

5. Inclusions and Rarity

Some amber pieces contain natural inclusions — tiny remnants of prehistoric life such as air bubbles, plant fragments, or small insects. These inclusions offer a unique glimpse into ancient ecosystems and can significantly increase the piece’s rarity and collector value.

Amber with well-preserved inclusions is considered rare and is often collected by enthusiasts, historians, and museums, which naturally makes such pieces more valuable than inclusion-free ones.

Additional Tips for Buyers

• Purchase from a trusted seller who provides certified Baltic amber jewellery.
• Be cautious of unusually low prices, which may indicate synthetic or imitation materials.
• Request a Certificate of Authenticity or gemologist verification when needed.
• Genuine amber is lightweight and warm to the touch compared to materials like plastic or glass.
• Look for transparent information regarding sourcing, craftsmanship, and authenticity.

Conclusion

The value of Baltic amber jewellery reflects a combination of natural rarity, craftsmanship, and authentic origin. When you choose certified Baltic amber, you are selecting a piece of natural history that has developed over millions of years. Always choose authentic, responsibly sourced jewellery to ensure genuine quality and long-lasting value.

Explore our collection of Amber Bracelets, Necklaces, and Anklets — all crafted from certified authentic Baltic amber and verified for origin and quality.