The most common imitations are plastics such as celluloids or glass. Glass can be easily spotted because it is cold to the touch, unlike plastic or natural amber, which is warm to the touch.

Plastics can be distinguished from natural amber by a number of tests - however these tests may damage or permanently mark the amber and therefore it is not recommended that you do this on your own jewellery!

Test 1 - rubbing

When natural amber is rubbed it becomes electrically charged and gives off the odour of camphor.

Test 2 - burning

When burnt, natural amber will produce a whitish smoke and smell like burning pine wood.

Test 3 - alcohol

When exposed to alcohol plastics are quickly attacked whereas amber is slowly attacked.

Test 4 - shavings

Plastics are easily scraped with a knife giving off shavings, whereas natural amber is soft and does not result in shavings.

Test 5 - hot needle

If a hot point (such as a needle heated in a flame) is touched against natural amber then the amber becomes brittle and may chip, and will give off a sweet smell of burning pine wood. Plastics will become sticky, leave a black mark and produce a different smell.

Test 6 - density

Natural amber is less dense than sea-water and will therefore float or be buoyant. Imitiations will sink.