The price of amber is determined by the different life forms found in the stone. Insects, plants, flowers, etc. intact will increase the value of amber and these stones will command a high price. Usually, an amber necklace with, for example, a trapped dragonfly, will command a high price and enjoy high demand in the market.

Prices for these gems can vary depending on the clarity, color, polish, and size of the piece. The prices mentioned in this article are generally for gems of fairly good color and good clarity. Opaque pieces of amber can usually be purchased quite cheaply, as much as $0.10 to $1 per carat or less. For pieces about an inch in size and with insect inclusions, prices can range from $50 to $60. An average stone with good size and inclusions would cost about $195.

You can also buy good quality beads in bulk for as little as $15. Unshaped, uneven pieces with no fossil inclusions ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches in size and weighing about 10 to 12 carats would cost $30 to $40. Polished beads with no inclusions of about 1 centimeter generally run $ 1 and $2 per carat.

Many times this gem is heated to give it an antique or aged look. These parts typically cost less compared to a similar part in the original color.

Amber pieces with unusual flora and fauna are a collector’s item. Fossils in this gem always add to its value and beauty. A pendant with inclusions is guaranteed a good price in the market. A carved ring also commands a very high price in the market.

A significant difference is made in the price of amber depending on the period the amber comes from. The older the gemstone, the higher its price. However, it is not easy to identify the age of the stone. Most gemological laboratories also do not certify amber gemstones. The process of finding out the age of the amber stone involves identifying the inclusions present in the stone and estimating the period in which it existed.

There is an interesting news about a piece of Dominican amber with inclusions. Recently, such a piece with a large lizard trapped inside it sold for $75,000. This figure cannot really give us an idea of ​​how high the price of this gemstone can reach.

In fact, the amount of history associated with amber jewelry would only serve to increase its market value. Likewise, vintage jewelry or an insect pendant is highly valued on the market.

There are frequent attempts on the market to sell ‘simulant’ amber as genuine amber. Simulators of this gem include ambroid, copal resin, kauri rubber, dammar, celluloid, and plastic. These simulants would normally cost a fraction of what a real stone costs.

Therefore, we can see that the price of this gemstone depends mainly on factors such as age, inclusions, quality and size.