The warm, honey tones of amber have been attracting attention for centuries. Amber is an organic gemstone formed from fossilized tree resin that has been preserved in the earth's crust for millions of years. Gem quality amber ranges in age from 5 million to 50 million years old. Not only is amber beautiful, it also gives a glimpse of the past by preserving fossils in its liquid gold. The movie Jurassic Park was based on the idea that dinosaur DNA was preserved in a mosquito trapped in amber, which is not as far-fetched as it seems. Amber: Haute & HistoricalDating back to 12,000 B.C., early man carved amber to record the phases of the moon and the animals they hunted. By 4,000 B.C., amber started being used for decorative objects and jewelry. The ancient Greeks called amber "elektron" meaning sun-made. Medieval Germans burned amber for its fragrance. With its smooth texture and warm-to-the-touch feel, amber was also popular for rosary beads in the middle ages. For many centuries, amber was gathered along the Baltic beaches by hand. It wasn't until the late 19th century thatmining began on the ocean floor, which has helped spur the popularity of amber jewelry. Ross-Simons' Amber CollectionFall under the allure of ancient amber — a golden gemstone with fossilized inclusions that dates back millions of years. Visit the Ross-Simons' web site to discover gorgeous examples of genuine amber jewelry. Ross-Simons' Amber JewelryAmber gemstones are mostly yellow, but can vary to dark brown, red, blue and almost black. Amber can be heat treated to increase the inclusions and enhance the color or surface coated to remove any blemishes. Amber is most often cut into beads or cabochons and polished to reveal its signature golden glow; it's particularly beautiful in rings, pendants and necklaces. Each piece of amber jewelry is truly unique, a natural treasure to cherish and wear with pride. Most of the world's amber comes from the Baltic region, followed by the Dominican Republic. Amber Jewelry Care & HandlingIt is best to protect your amber jewelry, which is very soft, (2-2.5 on the Mohs scale) from scratches, sharp blows and chemicals. Clean your amber rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets with warm water and a soft cloth. Store your amber jewelry out of direct sunlight in your Ross-Simons presentation box.