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Original Message:   What specifically?
Hi Nancy,

My essential references are listed in the articles on amber I produced 30 years ago, collectively called "Amber and It's Substitutes" (Parts I, II, & III), for The Bead Journal (1975). I am an internationally recognized authority on the topic of amber beads and jewelry (as opposed to biological/scientific issues of amber study—that interest me, but that are not specialties of mine).

In that series, I explained (for the first time anywhere in print) that the "amber" beads coming out of West Africa were really plastic; I explained the differences between amber, copal, and imitations; I explained how to tell the difference, using simple tests that practically anyone can perform. This (30 years later) remains the best source of information about collectible "amber" beads—and has been much copied and plagiarized by other authors since that time.

My work, apart from reading dozens and dozens of books, catalogues, and articles (to keep-up in the field), is based on observation. I have collected amber since the 1960s, and have studied many private collections. As a working artist, I have documented quantities of remarkable specimens that have passed through my hands, and have provided amazing opportunities for furthering and broadening my experience and familiarity with amber and amber substitutes (and imitations). I feel it is my first-hand knowledge, based on observation, that makes my opinions worthwhile. But I also support this with ongoing updating of the current thoughts of my peer group. I am professionally friendly with Barbara Ceranowicz—the leading authority on amber in Poland. She routinely sends me her new publications every year (god bless her). I belong to the International Amber Society. I consult with and work for Emma Maria Kuster, the Director of The Amber Museum in Bavaria—and Emmy has been a close friend for over 30 years. I am also good friends with Patrick Craig, who is a local specialist working on the issues of amber inclusions, and in particular the arachnid family. The amount of networking that takes place in the amber community is easy to underestimate, and difficult to understand—unless you are involved in it.

If you would like a list of the top three or four references that deal authoritatively with amber (apart from my articles), I would be happy to provide that, based on my opinion. However, I am not about to compose a list of the hundreds of references I exploit in my work..., particularly when it is my personal work that informs me the most. Again, I recommend participating in my Amber Group, where the on-going goal is to provide the tools for self-education on this topic.

Jamey

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