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 be priced very high. Usually an amber necklace with, for example, a trapped dragonfly, will be priced high and in high demand in the market.
Prices for these gemstones may vary based on the clarity, color, polish, and size of the piece. The prices mentioned in this article are, in general, for gems of fairly good color and good clarity. Opaque pieces of amber can usually be purchased quite cheaply, from $ 0.10 to $ 1 for a carat or less. For pieces about an inch in size and with insect inclusions, prices can range from $ 50 to $ 60. An average stone of good size and inclusions would cost around $ 195.
Good quality wholesale beads can also be purchased for as little as $ 15. Unshaped and irregular pieces without fossil inclusions measuring 1 to 1.5 inches in size and weighing 10 to 12 carats would cost between $ 30 and $ 40. Polished beads without inclusions of about 1 centimeter usually cost between $ 1 and $ 2 per carat.
Many times this gem is heated to give it an old or aged look. These pieces usually cost less compared to a similar piece in the original color.
Amber pieces with unusual flora and fauna are a collector’s item. The fossils of this gem always increase its value and beauty. A pendant with inclusions is guaranteed at a good price on the market. A carved ring also has a very high price in the market.
A significant difference is made in the price of amber depending on the period from which the amber originates. The older the gemstone, the higher its price. However, it is not easy to identify the stone age. Most gemological laboratories do not usually certify amber gemstones either. The process of figuring 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 sold for $ 75,000. This figure cannot give us an idea of the price that this gemstone can fetch.
In fact, the amount of history associated with amber jewelry would only serve to increase its market value. Similarly, antique jewelry or a pendant with insects are highly valued on the market.
There are frequent attempts in the market to sell amber ‘simulants’ as genuine amber. Simulators for this gem include ambroid, copal resin, kauri gum, dammar, celluloid, and plastic. These simulators would normally cost a fraction of what a real stone costs.
Therefore, we can see that the price of this gemstone mainly depends on factors such as age, inclusions, quality and size.