There’s a lot of fakes in the industry trying to compete with the highly desirable, fiery gemstone. Luckily a lot are easily identifiable, especially for experts, as recreating the unique inclusions that look naturally formed is actually a very difficult task. With Amber being so sought after, many try to convince amateurs with imitations yet it is important that you know how to spot the fakes.
Identifying the Frauds
It’s extremely rare to find an Amber piece featuring a large scorpion, lizard or tarantula on the market. Therefore, if you do the price will reflect its rarity costing you a lot of money for the privilege to own something so spectacular. However, if you come across a gem claiming to be Amber with a large insect inside at a reasonable price it’s most likely to be just be a resin piece. If it costs less than a car it will be a counterfeit. You can find many of these online and unfortunately they are not authentic.
As you probably already know, Amber offers a window to the past featuring plant debris and insects. However, copycats only feature the insects with no plant matter or air bubbles providing a clear clue it’s not the real deal.
What About Copal?
Just to confuse matters a little more, you have to consider Copal when identifying Amber. It is regularly sold as “young Amber,” which is quite an accurate description with the gem only being a thousands of years old. Real Amber looks good for its age with it being millions and millions of years old. Its price point is typically a lot lower too.
There is a test that you can do to distinguish between the two gems. Copal dissolves in alcohol, so if you’re unsure simply wipe the gem with denatured alcohol, which will either cloud the surface or it will become tacky to touch.
4 Do-It-Yourself Tests
To help spot the imitations there are a few simple tests to carry out that will really help you find those gems that are not genuine.
- When put under a UV light Amber will turn blue - a very different colour from its distinctive orange glow.
- The heat test does work but could damage the gem permanently so may not be the one that you would like to choose. When burnt, Amber has a strong piney smell yet you will need to use a red hot needle.
- A really simple test is to place the piece in saltwater and see it it floats. True Amber will float. Add about 5-7 tablespoons to a cup of water and drop in the piece.
- Rub your find in a cloth for approximately 30-60 seconds. Holding it next to your hair, real Amber will cause for stands of your locks to lift towards it, fakes won’t.
Shop With Reputable Suppliers
Like us! Buying online can cause a lot of doubt so it is really important that you only use a trusted supplier. We can assure you that every piece of Amber sold at CW Sellors Amber is 100% genuine. We are experts when it comes to the unique gem and pride ourselves on our striking designs that only use the real deal. If you’d like to talk to us in more detail simply pop in store, email us or call us on 01335 216 004 and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
