Ornate Amber from the Dominican Republic, Size 9.
Dominican amber is a fascinating and beautiful gemstone that originates from the Dominican Republic. It is derived from the resin of the extinct tree Hymenaea protera and is known for its remarkable clarity and the rich variety of colors it displays, ranging from pale yellow to deep reddish hues. Some pieces even have a rare blue or green tint, especially when viewed under sunlight2.
One of the unique features of Dominican amber is its high number of fossil inclusions, which often contain well-preserved insects, plants, and even small animals. This has enabled scientists to reconstruct the ecosystem of a long-vanished tropical forest2.
Dominican amber is primarily found in three main sites: La Cordillera Septentrional in the north, and Bayaguana and Sabana de la Mar in the east. The mining process for Dominican amber, especially the rare blue amber, is quite dangerous and involves bell pitting, which is essentially digging foxholes with basic tools1.
The amber became famous from the movie "Jurassic Park," where fossilized mosquitoes trapped in amber were mined in the Dominican Republic and used for DNA extraction to recreate dinosaurs4. This portrayal in the movie sparked a significant interest in Dominican amber and increased its popularity.
What do you find most intriguing about Dominican amber?
#016 Size 9, Dominican Republic Asymmetrical Amber Ring, Set in .925 Silv
Caring for Dominican amber on 925 sterling silver jewelry requires a gentle touch and some specific precautions to keep both the amber and the silver in pristine condition. Here are some tips:
Cleaning
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Amber: Clean the amber with warm, soapy water using a mild soap. Avoid using ultrasonic jewelry machines or steam cleaners, as they can damage the amber. After cleaning, dry the amber with a soft, flannel cloth. To polish and shine the amber, you can use a drop of olive oil and a soft cloth1.
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Sterling Silver: Clean the silver separately using a silver polishing cloth or a jewelry polish suitable for silver. Avoid using silver cleaning liquids directly on the amber.
Storage
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Store your amber jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches. Wrap it in a soft cloth or keep it in its own jewelry box.
Wearing
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can darken the amber.
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Temperature: Avoid extreme temperatures, as both heat and cold can damage the amber.
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Chemicals: Keep the jewelry away from household chemicals, perfumes, and hairsprays. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry.
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Activities: Avoid wearing amber jewelry while cooking or cleaning to prevent exposure to heat and chemicals.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Dominican amber and sterling silver jewelry remain beautiful and well-preserved.
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