This is a gorgeous Strand of Ethiopian Burnt Amber Beads. Each amber
bead is unique and has different patterns and variations. The story goes
that the tribesmen would sit around the fire discussing community
issues while burning designs into these "amber" beads. These amber beads
on the market are becoming increasing difficult to find. Research by
Angela Fisher (author of Africa Adorned) and others suggests that very
little African "amber" is true Baltic amber. Most is probably made in
Europe and carved in Africa. Some may be Copal resin ("young amber" from
Zanzibar) that is formed into beads, some may be a blend of natural and
man made resins, and some may be made from phenolic plastic. Strands
of African amber often include a variety of beads with different
compositions and ages. Copal is a natural resin, much like amber, but it
is said to age differently. It is not as old and has not been
polymerized as amber, nor is it as hard and durable as the latter.
Resin has always oozed to protect trees all over the world, and the
process is still going on. The older the resin is, the harder. It takes
millions of years for the resin to harden to amber. When the resin is
younger than one million years, it is called Copal. There are different
sources in many places, varying in age from a couple of thousand years
to one million years. These beads are exquisite and and each one
different and will be wonderful in all your creative designs.
I
am offering fabulous African Masks, Statues, Beads and Jewelry that I
purchased from a private collection. These items were collected in the
field 25 years ago.
THIS AMBER IS SOLD BY THE STRAND
24 BEADS PER STRAND
14" Long
20mm - 28mm long
18mm - 22mm wide
Hole 4-5mm
This necklace shows age, but is in good condition.
FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL
BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN
GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT THE WORLD OF BACARA. 13