6. Asia and amber

Amber is one of the most prized ornaments because its brilliance and luminosity permanently "casts" a spell of elegance and strength. "The amber 'stone' is universally recognised, including in Asia, as a symbol of courage, patience and balance. Although the expression "gemstone" or "semi-precious stone" is frequently used, including by us, amber, recognised for its warm and brilliant tone, is more a petrified resin than a stone in the true sense of the word. However, there is nothing wrong in expression when we refer to amber, no matter what culture we belong to, as long as we realise that the beauty we attribute to it is what matters to us.

Many gemstones have a long history of use in a variety of cultures, including the magical land of Asia, where people believe gemstones, including amber, have beneficial properties. Amber was considered the "tiger spirit" and the stone of courage in Asian traditions, and amber was given to travellers to keep them safe on long journeys as it offered a mystical support of protection. Since ancient times, the Chinese have referred to amber ('hu po') as 'tiger courage' or 'tiger spirit' and there are stories of tigers whose souls penetrate the earth and turn into amber, reflecting the idea that the soul is rather material.

Amber has always had cultural significance in China, including during the Ming dynasty. It was believed to offer good luck, healing abilities and mental clarity. It is one of the holy stones in Chinese Buddhism and is used for prayer beads. Li Shizhen, Ming dynasty physician and author of the famous 'Compendium of Materia Medica', believed that 'hu po' was formed when 'the spirit of a tiger fell to earth'.

According to the "Xijing Miscellaneous Notes" (a book mentioning various everyday aspects during the Chinese dynasties), the Han dynasty empress Zhao Feiyan liked to use amber as a pillow, believing that its natural fragrance refreshed her body. Another Tang Dynasty mention states that an amber bracelet given to a concubine on her birthday was worth a lot.

A tomb found in 1987 in modern-day Mongolia has unearthed more amber than has ever been found in any archaeological site. The two, a nomadic princess and her husband, were covered in perfectly preserved amber jewellery and ornaments, with more than 2,000 pieces discovered.

You might wonder why so many people appreciate amber jewellery and objects. One reason is its age and therefore it is believed to 'hold' an extraordinary amount of 'energy'. Amber, like pearl, ivory and coral, originates from organic matter rather than rocks and mineral compounds, as amber crystals are formed as a result of the fossilisation of tree resin.

Amber has a wide range of meanings, which is why it is so valuable, including in Asia. Amber stones are also said to bring good luck, balance emotions, eliminate fear, bring love and make us more patient.

Having survived from a time when the earth had just said goodbye to the famous dinosaurs, amber has come a long way and has many more stories to tell.