Amber

By Patty C Rice
Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
1980 ISBN 0-442-26138-1

Van Nostrand Reinhold writes:

From history and lore to modern sources and commercial use, Amber: The Golden Gem of the Ages brings you a wealth of information on every aspect of amber. It is as completely up-to-date as it is all encompassing, and is the first definitive study of amber to be published in fifty years.

The author pinpoints the original sources of amber and its variety of colors and textures, the describes its historical usage. She recounts its use by early man during the Stone Age and Bronze Age….the ancient amber trade routes….and the use of amber in classical cultures. Dr. Rice then traces the amber industry’s growth from the guilds of the Middle Ages to current development and mining techniques in the Baltic regions. You will find interesting descriptions of archaeological finds of ancient amber…..intriguing facts on mystical beliefs and folklore associated with amber…and fascinating historical illustrations of the first fake inclusions recorded in amber.

Data on physical and chemical properties are accompanied by appropriate tests and methods for identifying genuine amber. The book features summaries of scientific studies conducted by leading researchers…..geological descriptions of regions where amber is found…and biological information on findings of fossil insects and other anthropods in amber, as well as on the use of amber as a botanical product to gain knowledge of plant evolution.

A complete review of amber’s commercial aspects includes commonly used imitations and substitutes ranging from early Bakelite jewelry to modern Bernit. Detailed methods are provided for pressing or reconstructing small amber chips and using them with plastic to make ‘polybern’ ornaments. Additional step-by-step directions tell you how to cut, drill, and polish rough amber into radiant jewelry.

When you want to know more about the Russian amber room….Chinese amber carvings or amber art from the Middle Ages….or the mythological surrounding amber in various cultures---consult Amber: The Golden Gem of the Ages. Every aspect of amber is covered in this comprehensive volume. Its beautiful illustrations include rare amber carvings, mosaics and chess produced by Lithuanian artisans. You will marvel at the wealth of new scientific knowledge gained from investigations of amber. And if gemology is your hobby or occupation, you will make good use of the charts and tabular information comparing amber with common substitutes, along with the numerous techniques for constructing amber ornaments and finished jewelry items.

About the author
Dr Patty Rice has lectured at numerous gem and mineral clubs, shows and conferences in the U.S and Canada. Her articles on amber have appeared in American Way, Gems and Minerals International, Lapidary Journal, and Rock and Minerals.