Though amber is sometimes referred to as a gemstone, it is in fact resin from pine trees that fossilized over millions of years. Since prehistoric times, mankind has been fascinated with amber. Whole insects and plants appeared to be mysteriously suspended inside; when cast into fire, it burned with a resinous, aromatic scent; and when rubbed with fur, it attracted bits of dust and straw like magic. Coupled with its gem-like beauty, it is little wonder the ancient people attributed amber with special powers. In fact, amber was one of the earliest widespread trade commodities in Europe, passed along what is known as the Amber Road reaching from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. The oldest amber ornament dates back to 12,000 BCE.

Amber comes in such an assortment of forms and colors that scientists have difficulty concluding whether the variety can be explained by different conditions under which the fossils were formed, or if each comes from a different species of pine. The most common color is yellow-orange but they can vary from pale ivory to a blackish brown. The rarest kinds of amber are cherry red, green and even blue.

In addition to being worn as jewelry, amber was often used in folk medicine, mixed with honey and oil, for example, to aid in arthritis. Perhaps due to its bright color, amber was and still is said to carry a sunny, positive energy with powers to dispel negativity and illnesses. It is believed that simply having amber near the body will bring a feeling of security and calmness.