Recently, people keep asking me, "Old Zhou, is amber really that good? Does it have a long history? Is it worth collecting?" To be honest, I'm not a dedicated amber seller, but living in Ruili, you see all kinds of rare things and hear many stories. Today, I'll openly talk about amber. It’s not something that just became popular in the last couple of years—our ancestors valued amber far more seriously than we do today.

Just how ancient is amber?

If you ask me about amber’s history, honestly, I can’t pinpoint the exact year or month. But I can tell you this: amber is at least tens of millions of years old, possibly over a hundred million years. Some amber rough stones even contain trapped insects or leaves—these are living fossils! Imagine what the Earth was like back then; our ancestors were still swinging from trees. Amber is fossilized tree resin that slowly transformed underground over eons. So, is it old? It’s definitely older than your great-great-grandfather’s grandfather!

Ancient people didn’t call this substance "amber" but "琥珀" (hǔpò). Amber is a type of琥珀 that is opaque or semi-transparent. When people first started using it is uncertain, but it’s clear that in China, at least 3,000 to 4,000 years ago or even earlier, people already treasured it. I’ve read some materials indicating that amber artifacts existed in the Neolithic era, likely used as ornaments or for sacrificial purposes. Back then, emperors probably found its translucence mysterious and fascinating, so they liked it too.

How did ancient people view this treasure?

In ancient times, amber was not easy to obtain. Unlike jade, which can be mined from mountains, amber mostly washed up from the sea or was found in specific locations. So, in the eyes of ancient people, it was a rare commodity with a touch of divinity. I once read in old texts that amber was called “虎魄” (hǔ pò), meaning “the soul of the tiger.” Imagine that imagination! They believed the tiger was the king of beasts with spiritual power, so its soul transforming into amber meant the amber itself was spiritually potent.

Therefore, amber was not just an ornament but also regarded as a talisman to ward off evil and misfortune. High-ranking officials and nobles wore amber items to show status and seek good luck. Some Taoist priests and shamans used amber as ritual tools, believing it could communicate with spirits. Even emperors used amber in their heaven worship ceremonies, believing it could connect heaven and earth. This is not made up—if you visit museums, you’ll find ancient amber jewelry and beads among the artifacts.

There are also interesting beliefs, such as amber’s supposed healing properties. What diseases it could cure? I don’t know. But people believed wearing it promoted health. This might be related to its warm touch and unique luster. Ancient people revered and loved amber, surrounding it with a mysterious aura.

What does amber symbolize in Chinese culture?

Amber carries many meanings in Chinese culture. The most direct ones are wealth and auspiciousness. Because amber is mostly golden yellow, resembling gold, it naturally became associated with wealth. Even today, many people buy amber hoping for prosperity and thriving business. This tradition dates back to ancient times.


    • Wealth and Status: In the past, only the wealthy and powerful could afford amber, so wearing it symbolized social status.

    • Protection and Safety: As mentioned, “tiger soul” amber was believed to have spiritual power to ward off evil.

    • Longevity and Health: Many elderly people like to wear amber, believing it can prolong life and promote health.

    • Love and Marriage: Some say amber can enhance harmony between spouses, possibly related to its smooth and warm texture.

I remember when I first entered the trade, an old client who was a businessman told me, “Old Zhou, I’ve worn this amber bracelet for over ten years without changing it.” He said the amber helped him “attract wealth,” and he always wore it when negotiating big deals. Believe it or not, amber embodies people’s aspirations for a better life, and that’s no lie.

Moreover, amber’s color deepens and becomes more lustrous over time, reflecting the passage of time. Just like people, the more experiences they have, the more character they develop. So, amber also represents steadiness, restraint, and the marks of time. Many collectors prefer old amber for its weathered charm.

Why do people still love amber today?

In today’s world, with so many beautiful things available, why does amber remain popular? I think there are several reasons:



    • Natural Rarity: Amber is naturally formed and unique. Each piece has its own patterns and stories, unlike mass-produced items. Nowadays, people seek individuality, and amber perfectly meets that need.

    • Warm and Smooth Texture: Amber feels comfortable to the touch, unlike some cold gemstones. It warms with body temperature, making it pleasant to wear even in winter. This skin-friendly feel is loved by many.

    • Cultural Heritage: As mentioned, amber carries deep historical and cultural meanings embedded in Chinese identity. Buying amber is not just about decoration but also about embracing culture and sentiment.

    • Investment Value: Good quality amber, especially old amber, has steadily appreciated in price. A few years ago, large, high-quality amber pieces have now increased several times in value. Many people treat it as an investment. A friend of mine bought a piece of Ukrainian amber for around 3,000 yuan a few years ago—guess what? It can now sell for over 10,000 yuan, a several-fold increase!

    • Health and Wellness Concept: Although modern medicine doesn’t recognize it, many believe amber has magnetic properties that improve blood circulation and promote calm sleep. Whether you believe it or not, some find psychological comfort in this.

Of course, the amber market today is mixed—there are natural pieces, pressed amber, and even copal sold as amber. I’ve fallen into this trap myself when I first started in the trade and paid my dues. So, when buying, be sure to be vigilant and choose reliable sellers. Despite its popularity, the market can be tricky.

Some interesting sayings I’ve heard in the trade

Honestly, there are many interesting sayings in this industry. Some are based on real experience, others are just stories made up by sellers—you have to discern for yourself.



    • “Thousand-year amber, ten-thousand-year beeswax”: This phrase is mostly exaggerated. It means amber takes longer to form and is rarer than regular amber, but no one can say exactly how many years.

    • “Wearing amber attracts wealth”: This is mostly psychological. Your hard work brings success; amber is just a good symbol. But if you close a big deal while wearing it, you’ll believe it really brings wealth.

    • “Old amber is better than new amber”: This is true. Old amber develops a patina over time, deepening its color and enhancing its charm. Also, old amber is rarer, so it has higher collectible value. However, many fake old ambers are artificially aged, and distinguishing them requires skill beyond most people’s ability.

    • “Ukrainian amber is better than Russian amber”: This is a common opinion, but not absolute. Ukrainian amber can be high quality with rich waxiness and beautiful color, but Russian amber also has fine specimens. The quality depends mainly on the material itself; origin is just a reference.

    • “Amber smells like pine resin”: Some amber rough stones emit a pine resin scent when rubbed, which is their original smell. Finished amber, especially worn for a long time, loses this scent or it becomes faint. If you buy a finished piece with a strong pine scent, it might be artificially scented.

Let me tell you, amber, like jade, is “you get what you pay for.” Don’t always look for bargains—cheap rarely means good quality. When buying amber, you must first understand it, then handle it, and finally negotiate the price.

Alright, that’s all for today. Honestly, amber’s history and culture are vast and profound; I’ve only scratched the surface. Collecting amber is about mindset and culture. What do you think? Have you encountered any interesting amber stories or pitfalls? Share them in the comments, and let’s chat together!