FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT AMBER: PROPERTIES, COLOURS AND SYMBOLISM

• Is amber a gemstone?
  

  Amber is not a mineral. It is an organic gem material formed through the transformation of resin from prehistoric trees. It is valued for its age, warmth, light weight, remarkable range of colours and the natural inclusions that may be preserved within it.
  Its organic origin is what distinguishes amber from mineral gemstones such as garnet, amethyst and sapphire.

• How is amber traditionally believed to affect the wearer?
  Amber has been part of human culture for thousands of years. Across different cultures, it has become a symbol of sunlight, warmth, protection, vitality and inner peace. People have worn it as a personal talisman, believing that it could protect the wearer, calm the mind and aid concentration. These associations come from cultural traditions, legends, folk healing practices and personal spiritual beliefs. They should not be understood as medically proven effects. We regard amber jewellery primarily as a natural treasure with a rich cultural history and symbolism, rather than as a medical device or a substitute for professional medical care. 

  Discover more about the symbolism of amber across different cultures.

• Why is your amber jewellery rather light in colour?
  We only work with 100% natural raw amber. We do not melt, heat, dye or modify it in any way. Therefore, the colour of our amber jewellery is as nature created it

• Why is the colour of raw amber darker than the colour of finished products?
  The dark honey to brown colour of raw amber is actually the colour of its bark. This is the result of the oxidation process of amber over millions of years. When the layer of this bark is removed, the core of the stone is revealed, which is usually lighter in colour than the colour of the bark. The range of colours of natural amber is extremely wide, but the most common is yellow, and it comes in many different shades. Colour of the amber also depends on the species of the tree, conditions of fossilisation and the locality from which it comes from.

• Even after polishing, amber oxidises and changes colour. Is that good or bad?Surface oxidation is a natural process in natural amber. Over time, its colour changes to a more saturated shade, pattern becomes more  distinctive, and the amber takes on a silkier sheen. Minor changes can be observed after just a few months. More significant changes are noticeable after about two years, especially if the jewel is worn frequently. For antique pieces that are hundreds of years old, the colour of the amber is already just that, "amber colour", ie. honey or orange-brown. Such pieces are highly prized, but are understandably quite rare. Therefore, some manufacturers heat or otherwise modify amber products to obtain this antique shade. Any acceleration of the oxidation process devalues the amber.

• Who might amber jewellery not be suitable for? 
  

  Amber jewellery may not be the best choice for everyone. If you prefer gemstones with brilliant faceting, perfect uniformity, high resistance to scratching or a colour that remains completely unchanged over time, amber may not suit your expectations.
  Amber is a relatively soft organic gem material, and natural amber gradually develops a deeper tone through oxidation. For those who appreciate natural variations, warmth and a material that evolves over time, however, these qualities are part of its unique appeal.

  THE ORIGIN AND CRAFTSMANSHIP OF OUR AMBER JEWELLERY

• Where does the amber in your jewellery come from?
  

  We work primarily with natural Baltic amber from the Baltic Sea region and amber from the Dominican Republic. We purchase the raw amber used in our own creations from trusted suppliers before shaping and polishing it in our workshop. 
  We also complement our collection with finished amber jewellery from trusted partner workshops in Poland and Lithuania. We only work with makers we know well and whose commitment to using natural, untreated amber meets our own standards.

• Do you make all your amber jewellery yourselves?
  

  Many of our amber pieces are designed and made in our family workshop in Prague. We personally select, shape and polish the natural amber before turning it into pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces. 
  As demand for our jewellery continues to grow and handmade production takes time, we also complement our collection with carefully selected pieces from partner workshops in Poland and Lithuania. We know these makers well and only choose jewellery that meets our standards for the origin, quality and natural treatment of the amber.

• Is all the amber in your jewellery natural and untreated?
  Yes. Whether a piece was made in our own workshop or selected from one of our trusted partner workshops, the fundamental principle of Phoenix Amber remains the same: we only offer natural, untreated amber.

  This means that the amber has not been dyed, pressed or treated with heat or pressure to alter its colour, clarity or internal structure.

• What do you mean by mechanically processed amber?
  

  Mechanical processing means shaping raw amber by cutting, grinding and polishing it. We do not use heat, pressure, dyes or other technological treatments to change its natural colour, clarity or internal structure.
  Every piece of natural amber is unique. Small irregularities, colour variations, natural fissures and inclusions are not defects, but part of the material’s natural character. 
  See how a piece of raw amber is shaped and polished into an amber heart.

  AMBER AUTHENTICITY, CERTIFICATES AND ASSESSMENT

• What is the difference between natural, treated, reconstructed amber and amber imitations? 
  

  Natural amber was formed from the resin of prehistoric trees, and its appearance has not been altered through technological treatment. It may be cut, shaped, drilled and polished.
  Treated or modified amber is genuine amber whose colour, clarity or internal structure has been altered, for example through heat, pressure or dyeing.
  Reconstructed, or pressed, amber is made by combining smaller pieces or particles of amber under heat and pressure.
  Imitation amber is not amber at all. It is another natural or synthetic material designed to resemble it.

• How do I recognize genuine natural amber?
  Unfortunately, there are more and more sophisticated imitations of amber on the market nowadays. Some imitations or modifications are so sophisticated that it is difficult to determine their authenticity with the naked eye and simple tests. If you really want to be sure that you are buying genuine natural amber, choose your seller or workshop carefully.
  If you want to be 100% sure and have a certificate from an independent third party, you can turn to laboratories that specialise in amber and use highly specialised testing equipment. For example, we can recommend Amber Experts (www.amberexperts.com) or the International Amber Association laboratory (www.amber.org.pl).
  
  
• How do you guarantee the authenticity of the amber in your jewellery?
  

  For jewellery made in our own workshop, we oversee the entire process, from selecting the raw amber to shaping, polishing and completing the finished piece. We know in detail every single stone that comes to our hands. 
  For jewellery sourced from our partner workshops, we only work with trusted makers whom we know well and who have extensive experience working with natural amber. Every piece is also selected according to our own standards for the material, quality and method of processing.
  This allows us to guarantee that the amber in our collection is genuine and natural.

• Does your amber jewellery come with a certificate of authenticity?
  

  Phoenix Amber jewellery comes with our own certificate of authenticity confirming that the piece contains genuine natural amber.
  A Phoenix Amber certificate represents our guarantee as the seller and is not an independent gemmological laboratory report. If you require laboratory testing or certification by an independent third party, we recommend contacting a specialist gemmological laboratory.

• Can you check whether my amber jewellery is genuine? 
  

  By prior arrangement, we can take an informal look at your jewellery in our Prague shop. In many cases, we can recognise signs of natural amber, technological treatment or imitation. However, an initial visual assessment cannot always provide complete certainty.
  In inconclusive cases, we recommend professional laboratory testing. Our informal assessment is not an expert report or formal authentication, and it does not include a written certificate.

• Do you provide valuations for amber jewellery?
  

  No. We do not provide market, historical or professional valuations for amber jewellery brought to us.
  The value of an antique, historical or collectable piece should be assessed by a qualified valuer, specialist auction house or gemmological laboratory. Any informal assessment of authenticity carried out in our shop does not include a valuation.

•  Why can't every piece of amber be authenticated by sight alone? 
  Some imitations, reconstructed materials and technologically treated types of amber can look remarkably similar to natural amber. Appearance alone is therefore not always sufficient for reliable identification. 
  Common home tests are not always conclusive, and some may damage the jewellery. If complete certainty is required, the safest option is professional analysis using specialist laboratory equipment.

  BESPOKE JEWELLERY, CLEANING AND REPAIRS

• Do you make bespoke amber jewellery?
  Yes. We create bespoke jewellery from natural amber in our Prague workshop. We will first discuss your idea, the most suitable type and shape of amber, the design of the piece and the way in which the amber will be set or suspended.
  We will then prepare a quotation and an estimated completion date. If suitable material is available, a bespoke order will usually take approximately 30 days to complete. As every piece of raw amber is unique, the final design will always respect its natural shape and structure. 
  Learn more about how our bespoke amber jewellery service works.

• Do you clean and repair amber jewellery?
  We offer complimentary lifetime cleaning of the silver components and repolishing of the amber in jewellery purchased from Phoenix Amber.
  For a fee, we may also be able to repolish natural, untreated amber purchased elsewhere. We also offer restringing for selected bracelets and necklaces. Whether a repair is possible depends on the materials, construction and extent of the damage, so we will need to examine the piece first.

• Can every piece of amber be repolished?  
  Not always. We can repolish natural, untreated amber provided that the condition, shape and construction of the jewellery allow it.
  It may not be possible to restore the original shine of treated, reconstructed or severely damaged amber. We therefore assess every piece individually before accepting it for repolishing.

  BUYING, WEARING AND CARING FOR AMBER JEWELLERY

• How should I care for amber jewellery?
  

  Amber is relatively soft and sensitive to scratches, high temperatures, sudden temperature changes and chemicals. Keep it away from perfume, hairspray, hand sanitiser, household cleaning products and chlorinated water.
  Store amber jewellery separately from other pieces, ideally in a cotton or silk pouch. Never clean amber in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. 
  For more detailed guidance, read our article on how to take care of amber jewellery.

•  Is amber suitable for everyday wear?
  Yes. Amber jewellery can be worn regularly when treated with appropriate care. However, amber is softer than most mineral gemstones and should be protected from impacts, scratches, chemicals and sudden changes in temperature.
  We recommend removing your amber jewellery before bathing, exercising, cleaning, visiting a sauna or going to bed.

•  Why do prices vary between amber jewellery pieces?
  The value of amber is influenced by its origin, type, size, colour, clarity and overall quality. Natural inclusions, the amount of material lost during shaping, the complexity of the work, the construction of the jewellery, the metal used and the amount of handcraftsmanship involved can also affect the final price.
  Larger pieces of raw amber suitable for jewellery making are rarer, and a considerable amount of material may be lost during shaping. Two finished pieces of a similar size may therefore have originated from very different pieces of raw amber with different values. 
  Find out more about the factors that determine the price of natural amber.

  OUR PHOENIX AMBER SHOP IN PRAGUE

•  Does Phoenix Amber have a physical shop in Prague?
  Yes. You will find the Phoenix Amber shop in the Černá růže shopping arcade at Na Příkopě 853/12, Prague 1.
  Here, you can see and try on jewellery featuring natural Baltic and Dominican amber, larimar, Moldavite, Czech garnet and other natural materials. We will also be happy to help you choose a piece that suits you or someone you love. You will find more detailed information on the Phoenix Amber Brick-and-mortar-shop site.

•  Can I collect an online order from your Prague shop?
  Yes. Our Phoenix Amber shop in the Černá růže shopping arcade also serves as a collection point for orders placed through our online shop. You can collect your order in person and pay by cash or card.
  If you would like to see a particular piece from our online shop without placing an order first, we recommend contacting us before your visit to make sure that it is currently available at the shop.

•  Do you also stock jewellery by other Czech designers?
  Yes. Alongside our own Phoenix Amber creations, our Prague shop offers a selection of jewellery by Czech jewellery designer SONCH. Her work primarily uses electroforming, a technique that allows her to transform real leaves, twigs, insects and other natural elements into original copper jewellery.
  You can explore the current selection of SONCH jewellery at the Phoenix Amber shop in the Černá růže shopping arcade. To learn more about the designer and her work, visit the website SONCHCREATES.ART.