Amber Necklace

Key facts

• The necklace was found in the grave of a woman buried near Stonehenge around 1,800 BC.
• Made of over 1,000 amber beads (now around 300 remain), the necklace showcased vibrant orange and amber tones.
• The beads are strung in nine rows, separated by rectangular spacer plates.
• The origin of the necklace remains a mystery. The amber likely came from the Baltic, but similar spacer-plate styles have been found across Europe, suggesting trade or independent creation.
• Other precious items found in the grave include a gold plaque, gold beads, gold caps, a shale pendant, an incense cup, and a bronze knife and awl, find out more. 

Classroom questions and prompts:

Imagine you are an archaeologist who discovered the amber necklace. What questions would you ask about the woman who was buried with it?

Based on the necklace and other grave goods, create a story about the woman’s life. What was her social status? Where did she travel? What was the significance of the necklace to her?

Research amber and its properties. Why do you think it was such a valuable material in the Bronze Age?

Use the amber necklace as a springboard for a creative writing project. Students can write a fictional story, poem, or diary entry from the perspective of the woman buried with the necklace.

Challenge students to create a timeline of the necklace’s journey. Consider where the amber might have come from, where the necklace might have been made, and who might have owned it before it was buried.