Amber
Alongside other precious materials such as pearls and coral, amber is an organic gemstone formed through biological rather than geological processes. Amber comes from the hardened resin of ancient trees.
Amber is one of the oldest materials used as gemstones in jewellery (it has been in use for some 13 000 years), particularly because it is easy to shape and possesses a naturally “gemmy” transparent/translucent oily lustre.
A kind of natural polymer, it is often remarked upon that amber feels quite unlike other gemstones—it is warm and feels soft in the hand. Astonishingly, although amber can be hundreds of millions of years old, it can also contain inclusions of biological matter trapped in the tree resin, including leaves and other plant matter, insects, spiders, lizards, feathers, and even mammalian hairs.
Amber can thus give us a snapshot of life on Earth as it was even at a time when humans did not yet exist.
The connection amber gives us to the history of life on Earth and the beauty living things can create is of immeasurable value, it reminds us that we as individuals and as a species are connected to the Earth and all that is in it, even when our daily schedules and technologies sometimes make us feel separate from that lineage.
It reminds us that we owe our existence to those ancient trees that produced oxygen for us, and to those ancient bugs and biological detritus that were crucial for their ecosystems. The power of life is palpable when wearing bright and glowing amber.
Brooch: responsibly sourced sterling silver, glazed black ceramic, titanium, Burmite (Burmese amber (Myanmar), approximately 99 million years old).
This brooch draws direct inspiration from our exquisite Queensland coastline and is a part of our Basalt Collection. The ceramic component was handmade in Bargara by Malki Studio artist Ariella Anderson. The brooch also features a luscious and warm amber from Myanmar which is approximately 99 million years old. Completely fabricated by hand, the main part of the brooch is made of responsibly sourced sterling silver while the pin that secured the brooch to your clothing is titanium that has been heat coloured in blue. The contrast of the blue ceramic and warmth of amber evokes the skies we see over our Bargara studio, which has been a rich source of inspiration.
Approximate dimensions: 5.5cm x 4cm x 2.5cm.