About 8-12yrs ago, Amber (one of the 4 organic gems) was suddenly popular due to the Jurassic Park movies. Gradually quality Amber has been harder to find in sizable amounts. The highest grade Amber is clear in lemon, cherry and golden tones, in some cases w/remnants of plant life or insects buried in overflowing tree sap/resin "freezing" them in time. Other Amber can be opaque with swirls in vanilla,lemon yellow to orange yellow or brown in color. These large 24mm round Amber beads are opaque and the decorative spacer rhondelles are made with Butterscotch Amber (a VERY rare expensive amber (of which I have never seen in larger sizes)! The Lobster claw clasp is 14kt Gold-plated to keep the price lower. You'll evoke complimentary conversations about this piece when you wear it. Due to the 19" length, it typically is NOT a choker length, but is short enough to satisfy high necklines.