translucent jewelry

The beauty of genuine amber is on full display in these earrings from Mexican artisan Juan García. Amber hearts dangle at the end of sterling silver hooks, appearing sometimes translucent and other times as though they're made of solid nectar. Amber's natural inclusions make it much prized by jewelers and craftspeople, because it helps them create one-of-a-kind pieces.

Chiapas, Mexico is one of two of the New World's main sources of amber, and its inclusion in fine jewelry is firmly part of the culture of the state. This necklace by Jacqueline and Eddy shows off natural amber in its full glory, with multiple translucent teardrop pendants hanging from a sleek sterling silver chain.

Due to the natural, organic origin of amber, please expect slight variations in color and size. Since amber is a solidified resin, there may be remnants of plants and insect fossilized within — which only proves its authenticity.

Scintillating globes of natural amber become a unity bracelet in the hands of Juan Garcia. He knots the translucent beads by hand on crimson cords. Two larger beads in the center symbolize our unity during this difficult time," he says. "Each of the beads represents all human beings — individual, authentic and independent but, at the same time, united in solidarity and cooperation."

When used in jewelry, amber beads can include a stunning arrangement of tones and hues. Natural amber ranges from yellow to deep orange. It may sometimes even have a green cast to it, as well as opaque swirls within. Because amber is the preserved resin of prehistoric trees that grew millions of years ago, it sometimes has tiny inclusions of plants and insects, making it highly prized.

Juan Garcia of Mexico frames bezeled rectangles of translucent natural amber with sterling silver to create drop earrings of unusual elegance. Gorgeous natural inclusions float in the amber, like drops of burnt orange ink swimming in water.

Natural amber is a fossilized resin, and no two pieces are alike in shape and color. Bits of moss and plant life may be seen within droplets of true amber.