Lithuanian Amber Cross Necklace - Red

All the Amber items on this website are unique one-of-a-kind pieces, made by the Sisters of Bethlehem of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, cloistered nuns who live in the lush forests of Lithuanian country side. On our visits Vilnius, the official headquarters of the Original Divine Mercy Institute, we make a point to visit the remote convent in the woods for some time of prayer and conversation with the sisters. There are few places on the planet that offer a more peaceful setting. Their devotion to Divine Mercy and life's of unceasing prayer is an important part of the work they do with amber, a beautiful gift from God from time immemorial. The nuns make amber rosaries and rosary bracelets of all sizes and styles.

Your purchase of amber products from this website goes to help sustain the Sisters of Bethlehem, an order whose vocations are increasing every year.

About Lithuanian Amber

Lithuanian or Baltic Amber is unique for many reasons. Besides being the National Gem of Lithuania, amber (Lith. gintaras), found on the Baltic Sea shores, was and is highly treasured. It is a fossil resin which came from the sap of several varieties of pine trees. It is believed, that about 60 million years ago, these pines grew in the subtropical forest in the present location of the Baltic Sea. For unknown reasons, these pines produced excessive amounts of sap. Since the amber left on the shores of the Baltic Sea is not increasing, the price and value of the value of Baltic amber specimen can only go up.

Artisans have been making amber jewelry for over 10,000 years, and the fascination with amber continues today. The Sisters of Bethlehem are known for their hand-painted artwork and expert craftsmanship in everything the make.