[Jewelry making - Article 00026] - Re: [Orchid] Repairing amber

[Judy Hoch]

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    Judy - the reason that the amber broke is two fold - 

    It wasn't annealed, and second, the "amber" from Mexico isn't really
    amber, it is technically copal, or young amber.  Gemmologically
    speaking, amber is 40 million years old, anything else still has too
    much volitile chemistry to be amber. 

    The most stress in a piece of amber is where inclusions are found, so
    amber with insects is usually not annealed.  Annealing is done at a
    relatively low temperature, about 170 F, in oil.  this results in the
    characteristic discs, from spreading out the stress.  If it is done
    with buggy pieces, the discs would cover the bugs, thus removing the
    interest and value. 

    Now to your question, yes you can glue the piece together, being as
    the piece is from Mexico, you might try acetone to see if it softens
    it.  If so, it will make a nearly invisible bond.  Acetone is often
    used to "polish" copal grade material since it softens the surface. 
    In the event this doesn't work, use nail glue - the stuff that comes
    in a little tube for fake nails - it has a tiny applicator and
    ususally works great.  No I don't do my nails - I work with this
    jewelry stuff and haven't had a manicure for years. 

    Good luck, I love amber, it's color, weight, and warmth! 

Judy - in steamy hot Denver, with a weeded garden and a sunburn. 

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