Angela Merkel trivia:

The German chancellor was wearing an amber necklace at the EU negotiations to bring her good luck. German media noted that the 11th hour deal was secured while she was wearing her favourite piece of jewellery, which, said Bild newspaper, she always wears to the big political occasions.

Amber is said to bring good fortune to the wearer and to relieve a range of illnesses such as stomach problems. It also supposedly makes you more lucky and improves your decision making -- qualities Mrs Merkel would have found rather handy. A Daily Mail report.