Why are items made with Dominican green amber more expensive than items made with amber from other countries ?
All our amber is 100% natural. We do not use reconstitution, physical or chemical methods to “enhance” it, clear it or change its color. It is natural amber, just as it comes from the mines. Therefore, differences in shades and inclusions are a proof of genuineness and authenticity. All items are handmade in the old, slow way. Compared with other countries, there is no amber “industry” in the Dominican Republic. In contrast, the cheap amber items like beads and cabochons that are used for low-cost applications usually are made from artificially cleared (autoclave) and colored (heated and treated) amber or even from pressed waste material. Some well known manufacturers in European countries and Far East are specialized in these methods without the public being aware of it. Dominican amber is is not abundant and only on the market in its natural form. It all boils down to the question: what do you want and/or how much are you willing to pay for it.
