Amber Eyes: How Rare Are They?

Author: Autumn Sprabary

Amber eye color is mesmerizing and often draws attention for its unique appearance. Unlike the more common eye colors, they stand out with their warm, almost glowing hue.

Keep reading to explore the science behind the amber eye color, how it compares to other eye colors, and eyewear tips to help enhance their beauty.

What Are Amber Eyes?

Amber eyes have a rich, golden, or coppery hue, often described as a blend between brown and orange. This gives them a sultry appearance that sets them apart from other more common eye colors.

This distinctiveness makes amber-colored eyes fairly rare, found in only about 5% of the world's population. However, the color is more common in some parts of the world, including:

• Pakistan
• Italy
• The Middle East
• Hungary
• Southern France
• South America
• Asia
• South Africa

While amber-colored eyes are more common in these regions, they can appear anywhere in the world. Like other eye colors, they can appear to change slightly depending on the lighting and the colors that a person wears.

The Science Behind Amber Eye Color – Genetics

Eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin (pigment) in the iris (the colored part of the eye). There are two types of melanin:

• Eumelanin is a black-brown pigment.
• Pheomelanin is a red-yellow pigment.

Two main genes — the OCA2 and HERC2 genes — are responsible for regulating how much eumelanin and pheomelanin the body produces. A delicate mixture of these pigments gives the eyes their color. Amber eyes have a higher concentration of pheomelanin, resulting in their golden hue.

If one or both parents have amber-colored eyes, their children may be more likely to have this rare trait as well. However, eye color inheritance is complex and influenced by many genes, making it difficult to predict what color a baby’s eyes will be.

Amber Eyes vs. Other Eye Colors

Amber eye color stands out significantly when compared to other shades due to its unique golden hue. Below are comparisons between amber eyes and other eye colors:

• Amber eyes vs. brown eyes – Brown eyes have high eumelanin levels that make them appear darker and richer than amber-colored eyes.
• Amber eyes vs. blue eyes – Blue eyes have minimal melanin and often appear bright and icy, whereas amber eye color is warmer and more golden-toned.
• Amber eyes vs. green eyes – Green eyes have more eumelanin, while amber irises have more pheomelanin (this gives them their golden hue).
• Amber eyes vs. hazel eyes – Hazel eyes have a mix of pigments that can include brown, gold, green, and even blue tones. They lack the uniform quality that defines the consistent warm glow of amber eyes.

Celebrities with Amber Eyes

Once you’re able to identify the characteristics of amber eye color, it will be easy to pinpoint people who have it. Here are some celebrities with amber-colored eyes:

• Jennifer Lopez
• Nicole Richie
• Justin Bieber
• Eliza Dushku
• Darren Criss

This list is a great illustration of how amber eye color can complement a variety of features and complexions.

Enhancing Amber Eyes with the Right Eyewear

Choosing the right eyewear can significantly enhance the beauty of amber-colored eyes, making their golden hues even more captivating. The key is to select frame colors that accentuate or complement their warm tones (or both).

• Frames in shades of gold, honey, or brown are perfect for complementing amber eyes. These colors echo the eyes' natural warmth and blend seamlessly with their rich undertones.
• Frames in colors like olive green, deep burgundy, or navy can create contrast, making amber eyes stand out more prominently.

When it comes to the style and shape of the frames, look for designs that allow your eyes to be a focal point. Cat-eyes and round frames are great choices as they draw attention to the eyes and can highlight their color. Clear frames, wire-rimmed frames, and even rimless designs can also be beneficial as they won’t overshadow your eyes’ natural beauty.

Whether you prefer a subtle, rimless frame or a dramatic burgundy cat-eye design, the right eyewear can highlight the beauty of your amber eyes. Shop our inventory of eyeglasses and sunglasses to find a pair that complements your eye color and reflects your personal style.