Hi Patrick,
it is nearly impossible to say if real amber is new or old, 1900 or 1980. The easiest, or one age-detection method are the beads, thread, clasp etc. attached to it too. "The style" in other words. Some such necklaces are from 1900 or earlier and look like new, because grandma hasnīt used them much.

I find the phenolic strand - your second picture - more interesting, especially if before ca. 1960 or so.

The amber on your first picture is of "Baltic origin", like most amber available nowadays.

By the way: much of this old African amber (from the Baltics too, of course)is not transparent any more, but opaque now instead, because of itīs use, the wearerīs sweat, the sun etc.! I find this opaque amber, favoured for example in the Maghreb, Mali and Mauretania etc. more appealing, than the darker brown and "clear" one.

Bondīs choice, says
JAMES!