Amber Brooches

Popular in jewellery for centuries, amber is a translucent plant resin that’s been fossilised. The material came from ancient coniferous trees, and is most commonly found in the regions Baltic Sea. Prized because each piece of amber has unique characteristics, the material makes an excellent focal point for any piece of jewellery, particularly a brooch. Most commonly, amber is found in yellow or orange hues, however, there are a variety of natural shades of amber, from nearly clear golden to dark greens.

Amber is popular for use in brooches because large pieces of the material are readily available, fairly easy to work with and often possess unique characteristics – sometimes debris, insects or other particles are trapped within the resin. In any other circumstance, these things may be seen as ‘flaws’, but in amber jewellery, flaws add to the authenticity of the piece and are thought to enhance its splendour.

Brooches featuring amber are often very simple – a single, carved or polished piece of amber with a simple clasp attached to the back. Sometimes, the brooch is exceptionally complex – as is the case with Celtic-style brooches featuring amber nuggets. When you’re looking for an amber brooch online, consider the size and complexity of the piece. More ornate brooches might be damaged or snagged on clothing, so if the wearer is an active person, that’s worth bearing in mind.

Most amber brooches are hand-crafted by artisans in the Baltic region – this means that sometimes there is a delay between ordering and receiving your brooch. Check with your online jeweller to determine how far in advance you need to order to avoid disappointment if the brooch is a gift. Also, ask the online retailer about their return and exchange policy so if the brooch isn’t suitable for the wearer, you can swap it for something more to their liking.