How do I verify Burmese amber is pre-2017?

Ask the seller for a provenance document or invoice predating 2017, or buy from established museum-deaccession sources. Most reputable dealers can provide this; if they can't, it's almost certainly post-2017 stock.

Is Dominican blue amber real or treated?

Both exist. Genuine Dominican blue amber gets its color from fluorescent compounds (perylene). Treated 'blue' amber is honey amber dyed or heat-treated. Real blue Dominican fluoresces under UV and shows the blue color most intensely under sunlight. Treated pieces look more uniform and less luminous.

Why is Burmese amber illegal to publish about?

It's not illegal, but most major paleontology journals voluntarily refuse Burmese amber papers sourced after 2017 because of forced-labor concerns in the Hukawng Valley. Some independent researchers continue to publish, but the field consensus has shifted.

Can I tell amber origin from a photo?

Sometimes. Color is a strong hint (clear honey often Dominican, deep cherry often Burmese, cognac-honey often Baltic). But the only reliable tests are physical inspection (UV fluorescence pattern), chemical analysis (succinic acid percentage), and provenance documentation.

Which amber appreciates most in value?

Real Burmese amber with documented pre-2017 provenance and significant inclusions has appreciated most over the past decade. Baltic amber appreciates slowly (3 to 5 percent per year for collector grades). Dominican holds value due to limited supply. Cast resin doesn't appreciate.

Baltic vs. Burmese vs. Dominican Amber: A Buyer's Comparison