Testing Amber

       Amber is a hard, transparent, yellowish-brown substance formed in ancient times from resin. It is used to make beautiful jewelry, and especially prized if an intact insect or leaf was caught in it during the fossilization process. I found some beautiful examples at an estate sale not long ago and purchased several necklaces and pendants. Recently I listed a piece in an online auction.

Amber bead necklace with 14K gold clasp

     A potential buyer asked if it had been tested for authenticity. On their instruction I proceeded with a series of tests:

• Tear some small pieces off a newspaper, then gently rub the amber on a natural fiber, such as cotton. The amber will be statically charged and pick up the small bits of newspaper.
• Dissolve 2 1/2 Tablespoons of salt in a cup of water, amber will float, other materials will drop to the bottom.
• Place a drop of acetone on the amber. It will wipe off with no effect if it is real, plastic will feel tacky to the touch.

     The piece came through the test with flying colors! It was real amber. A satisfied buyer purchased the piece with confidence.

     I was a little anxious about testing the amber. I wouldn't normally put a piece of jewelry in salt water, or drop nail polish remover (acetone) on a precious bead. But the testing was necessary if I wanted to know with confidence that the thing was real.

     Which helps me make sense of the trials that come into my life.

      In the New Testament book of James it tells me that I should, "...count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4) 

     How could I know for sure if the amber was real without testing it? I couldn't. 

     The testing of my faith may not be something I want to experience, but the end results - patience, and a completeness, are something precious. Real and not fake, a treasure much better than the amber!

"That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."   1 Peter 1:7