All About Amber

The Gold of the North
 The Magic of
Amber's Colors

Have you ever wondered what gives amber its beautiful and fascinating colors? Read on to learn more! When amber is found in its raw form, it can be difficult to discern the colors and secrets hidden beneath the surface. Raw amber may appear dull and unimpressive, but inside, there can be an enchanting play of colors – and perhaps even small insects or plant material from a long-forgotten time. Only when the surface is polished does amber reveal its unique beauty and fascinating interior. Amber comes in a mesmerizing range of colors, from sun-golden and honey hues to deep reds, mysterious greens, and milky whites. Each shade tells its own story, shaped by nature’s slow and patient processes over millions of years.

Amber’s Magical

History

Amber is not just a gemstone – it is a glimpse into the past, created from the resin of ancient trees. Imagine how resin once seeped from the bark of trees, trapping small leaves, insects, or simply the sunlight in its golden droplets. Over millions of years, this resin transformed into the beautiful fossilized material we know today as amber. Each piece of amber is unique and holds nature’s history – a little treasure from a bygone era.

Amber's Colours

Lemon Yellow

 Clear (transparent) pure lemon yellow amber. This amber is free from or contains few “impurities,” such as air bubbles or plant material, but remains completely clear and clean. It may also have small natural cracks that create a prismatic effect in the light.

Clear Light or Dark Cognac

 A beautiful brownish hue that can range from light to dark. The color is on the surface, and by leaving the backside raw, darker tones can be enhanced. In round shapes where this isn't possible, such as balls, the amber can be heated in the oven and polished to mimic natural oxidation and achieve a deep golden glow. This process is popular in mass-produced jewelry, but we use it very sparingly as we prefer to preserve amber’s natural expression as much as possible.

Deep red Amber

 A warm, deep color that appears after long-term oxidation. Often referred to as “cherry amber,” it is highly sought after for its intense, warm color and vibrant expression in jewelry.

Moss Green

A rare and fascinating shade that occurs when plant materials like moss are trapped in the amber, creating an organic, natural color that adds a unique touch to the jewelry. No two pieces will be the same, as the amount and pattern of plant materials vary. This is also a highly exciting type of amber to study, as it may contain intriguing plant and insect inclusions.

Clear Green

This green color is achieved by heating clear amber, causing small cracks to form and the surface to “burn.” By polishing the front and leaving the backside raw, a beautiful contrasting play of colors is achieved, with the amber appearing green. The back is often painted dark to enhance the contrast.

Black Amber

A dramatic and rare hue that forms when the resin mixes with other materials, such as moss. Its deep, intense color makes it especially desirable for those seeking something unique and extraordinary.

Milky Amber

Milky amber shades are due to the presence of many microscopic air pockets, naturally formed in the amber. How exactly this occurs remains a mystery. It gives a milky white color, similar to whipped egg whites. A natural phenomenon that, in addition to its incredibly beautiful patterns, adds a mystical and soft dimension to the jewelry.

White Amber (Milky White)

 A pure and simple shade that symbolizes purity and elegance. It gives amber a unique, light, and glowing expression that reflects natural beauty and simplicity. This amber is sometimes confused with ivory.

Milk Yellow

A warm and inviting color that resembles the white shade but with a beautiful golden undertone. This color provides a more vibrant and warm look that blends beautifully with natural brown tones.

Antique Brown

White or yellow amber will oxidize over time when exposed to air, changing into a beautiful golden-brown color. This gives it an antique, timeless look that only becomes more beautiful with age.

The most beautiful pieces are found when

Nature mix these colors together

This is the most exclusive and unique amber, where nature has blended several of the aforementioned colors into a truly special and rare mix. This may also include bluish tones, often seen at the edges of white amber, combined with plant residues, making it one of the rarest and most expensive amber varieties nature can create.

Processing with
Respect for Nature

At Ravgaard, we view every piece of amber as a small work of art in itself. Therefore, our approach to processing is gentle and respectful. We don’t like to cut into the amber unnecessarily, but instead carefully select the right piece for each project. We consider the size, shape, and colors to ensure that the material is perfect for the finished design. This minimizes waste and preserves amber’s natural expression – a tribute to nature’s own creations.

When we work with amber, it’s about highlighting its unique beauty:

Sanding: This is where we reveal amber’s natural structure and glow, often hidden beneath a dull surface.

Polishing: With gentle polishing, we bring out amber’s shine, making it radiate like the sun on a clear summer day.

Ravgaard woodwork

Amber isn’t just for jewelry – it’s a material with endless possibilities, bringing both beauty and history into many aspects of life.

Jewelry: Amber’s warm glow makes it a timeless favorite in jewelry design. From elegant necklaces and bracelets to personal pendants and earrings – each piece tells its own story.

Home Décor: Imagine a beautiful amber heart or sculpture as a decorative element in your home or small amber details that add a natural warmth to modern interior design.

Art Pieces: Amber can be incorporated into artworks, sculptures, or as inlaid details in woodwork. It adds special depth and a connection to nature.

Historical and Spiritual Items: Throughout history, amber has been used as amulets and protective objects. Many still attribute spiritual energy to it, believing it brings balance and peace.

Cosmetics and Skincare Products: Ground amber is used in some natural products for its skin-soothing properties. These range from soaps to creams. At Ravgaard, we make our own amber salve.

Decorative Seasonal Products: At Ravgaard, we use amber to create special items like Christmas ornaments or unique gifts that connect the beauty of nature with tradition and coziness.

Amber’s Role in the World of Art

Amber has fascinated artists and craftsmen for millennia. Its unique colors and glow have made it a favorite in creating artistic objects and luxury items. In particular, amber has had a prominent place in European royal households, symbolizing wealth and beauty. In Denmark, you can experience impressive amber objects in several castles and museums. For example, Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Museum display parts of the royal family's unique amber collections, including everything from boxes and cases to decorative chess sets made entirely from amber. These chess sets demonstrate how amber can be used to create intricate artworks with timeless designs. Would you like to see a chess set made from amber? We have one on display at Ravgården in Sønderlev – a little royal, you could say. At Frederiksborg Castle, you can find furniture and panels where amber is inlaid as decorative elements, showing how amber was used to add elegance to interior design in the 17th and 18th centuries. Amber’s warmth and glow were once believed to radiate a special exclusivity, a quality still evident today.