Amber's rich history: from amber sculptures to amber jewellery

The Dawn of Amber Art

Given how easy it is to work amber, prehistoric societies quickly took to using it as a way of expressing their cultures. 

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Baltic amber was perfect for this, it was easily found around the Northern European coastline and much easier to work into shapes than gemstones, but just as beautiful! 

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Amber sculptures of animals are one of the most common ancient uses of amber found, these amber figurines fulfilled a special spiritualist role for early humanity.

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Jewellery these days still takes lots of inspiration from the animal kingdom, continuing throughout the whole thread of human history. Take for example, our delicate dragonfly figurine necklace, embodying a resilient nature with a reminder to face change with grace.

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Baltic Amber as a Divine Gem

Amber was highly prized in medieval Europe, where they took note of the healing properties of baltic amber and associated that with religious symbolism. The warm, golden colour of amber was thought to represent the sun and the divine, making it a popular choice for jewellery amber talismans prayer items.

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Owing to the position of Scandinavia, baltic amber was readily available and a popular material in the Viking amber art culture. This is represented in our selection with the tree of life pendant, an excellent highlight to a special occasion or as a daily item symbolising growth and renewal.

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Elsewhere in Europe, baltic amber was picked for other religious items, such as rosary beads used for prayer. This was chosen because of amber’s believed connection with the divine and the rarity of baltic amber in other parts of Europe, showing a devotion to god.

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The Amber Renaissance

Amber’s place in art history stagnated, stuck in religious artworks until the renaissance and later 18th century, where it was re-discovered by designers and picked up by various art movements. Amber sculptures of fauna and flora as well as a wide variety of new ideas like geometric patterns resurrected baltic amber as designers embraced its natural and organic beauty into everyday jewellery.

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There was a particular fascination with baltic amber in the Victorian era. Amber's medicinal uses and divine past appealed to nostalgic and romantic sentiments. During this time, amber was often incorporated into a variety of intricate jewellery designs, including brooches, pendants, and necklaces.

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During this time and later, art movements such as the Art Nouveau of the late 1800s and Art Deco of the early-mid 1900s embraced a colour palette including amber. This palette was nicknamed “greenery yallery” where baltic amber found a perfect spot alongside the more muted shades of green and mustard.

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Fitting perfectly with this rebirth is Treestem’s Eternal Phoenix Pendant which is our crowning piece. Here the symbol of the phoenix slots in flawlessly with baltic amber’s rebirth in the Victorian era, just as the phoenix rose from the ashes.

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From amber sculptures to amber jewellery

Ready to experience the beauty and elegance of baltic amber for yourself? Explore Treestem’s collection today and find the perfect piece for you.