If it's not a stone, what is it?
1. The word electricity is actually derived from the greek word for Amber
2. Many extinct species have been identified thanks to Amber
Because Amber is a perfect capsule to preserve little insects that met their fate in the sticky sap, paleontologists have been able to identify more than 1000 extinct species of insects from pieces of Amber
3. The oldest Amber is 320 million years old!
Most Amber is around 90 million years old and the most well known and largest deposits are found in the Baltic region. However, an unexpected discovery in an Illionois coal mine back in 2008 changed the entire understanding of evolutionary plant history, showing resins in plant life date back at least 320 million years.
4. Baltic Amber has been found in Egyptian tombs
Amber was a gem loved by Egyptians. There have been many instances of Amber and other resins being found in tombs dating back to 2300 BCE. Some scholars believe the gem could have been revered as a symbol for the tears of Ra, the sun god and creator of all deities.
5. Amber has been used in jewelry as early as 11,000 BCE
Amber gems have been used in jewelry since the Stone Age. Ornaments of Amber have been found in Mycenaean (ancient Greek) tombs and other locations in Europe. Archeological sites in England have uncovered polished and carved Amber talismans that date back to 11,000 BCE. Even before we know of it being used in jewelry, Amber was being used to make varnish as long ago as 250 BCE. Amber powder and bits have been burned as incense for who knows how long! The beautiful sweet, resinous scent is truly the most comforting and sensual aroma (so much so, that I made both Ritual Whip Body Butter and Polish Potion Sugar Scrub -but more on that below)
And of course, this precious, ancient material is used in jewelry today!
A few months ago at a gemshow (first one in two years due to the virus), I was convinced by my boyfriend to select a couple pieces of Amber. I had never worked with it before, both because I tend to gravitate to cool toned gems and because honestly, it felt so strange compared to regular stones! It's much more light and just has a different feel on the fingertips. But I took his advice and I'm so glad I did, because as I began to work with these two gorgeous stones I fell more and more in love with their glow and character.
These two one of a kind Spiritus necklaces hopefully honor this unusual, rare and historic gem. I can say for certain that they definitely lit up even more than I could have imagined once a polished silver setting encased them.
But not only that, but like I mentioned this collection inspired me to add some new body products to my newly started beauty line!
I wanted to create a scent that honored Amber, but was still a little different and more complex than straight Amber fragrances so I paired this beautiful fragrance with Vanilla Bean to enhance the comforting vibes, a delicate touch of Japanese Yuzu for citrusy brightness and grounded the overall blend with earthy Sandalwood. Hands down this has been a winner with everyone whose tried it so far (even men! So ladies if you want your man to chase you this is the scent to wear lol).