What Souvenirs to Bring from Saudi Arabia – Part Twelve of the Top 15 Ideas for Gift Shopping.
Natural treasures of Saudi Arabia – Amber.
Amber was always an intricate and important part of bedouin jewelry. It used to be collected on the shores of the Arabian Sea. In combination with silver beads and ornamental elements it contributes to beautiful pieces of tribal Saudi jewelry.
Amber beads in jewelry of Saudi Arabian nomads.
Image source: Bedouin Jewellery in Saudi Arabia book by Heather Colyer Ross
The color of amber beads is not transparent, but rather “butter” or egg yolk color. You can find amber in vintage jewelry pieces like necklaces, or worry beads made of amber.
Arabian silver necklace with amber beads.
Image source: Ebay lot
A few tips before buying amber:
- If you decide to buy a piece with amber beads, make sure no mold marks or seams can be found on the beads (otherwise they are made of plastic).
- Imitations such as resin, bakelilte or plastics are affected by solvents. Wet a cotton swab with acetone. Rub the wet q-tip on a spot which cannot be easily noticed on the bead. If the color will come off on the cotton swab, leave a mark on the bead surface, melt or become sticky, it’s an imitation. Genuine amber is unaffected, remains shiny and color doesn’t come off on the cotton swab.
- Amber is warm to the touch and lightweight for its size (unlike glass imitation).
- Amber will float or be buoyant in sea water or salt saturated water (about 2.5 tablespoons per 1 cup water). Amber becomes electrostatically charged when rubbed and will attract dust particles.
Beautiful round amber pieces in Saudi bedouin necklace
Image source: The Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia book by Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai and Mokhless Al-Hariri-Rifai
Keep in mind that some bakelite or glass beads are also collectible, although the price differs from the real amber or coral beads.
Amber beads of different size and color combined to create an intricate piece of bedouin jewelry.
Image source: The Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia book by Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai and Mokhless Al-Hariri-Rifai
You might find some additional information about coral and amber beads on specialized forums.
Are you curious to learn about traditional Saudi daggers and silver jewelry? Continue to the next post!
