Text by Alison Hope

Originating in Poland, amber jewellery is not only enchantingly beautiful, it is timeless and always elegant.

If you have ever held a piece of amber up to the light and marvelled at the warm intense colours, you will have been looking at a piece of fossilised tree resin that could be anything between 30 and 90 million years old. Amber can be found all over the world, from Central America to China, however Polish amber originates from the Baltic coast, which was covered by coniferous forests during prehistoric times. Protecting themselves from insects and fungus, the trees produced a resin, a semi-solid organic substance. Over time, the dead tree-trunks became washed along the shore of the Baltic coast, also known as the Amber Coast, and can still be found on beaches today. Amber is lighter than stone, however unable to float.

One of the most distinct characteristics of amber is its intense colour, commonly the same dark golden colour as a whisky or a cognac. While this is the colour that is most commonly associated with amber, it can also be found in a spectrum of colours, from while and pale yellow through to very dark brown, almost black, and even green and blue, though these colours are very rare and therefore highly sought-after. Amber that is completely transparent is typically considered to be highly-prized, however pieces that contain occurring bubbles and chunks of opaqueness give each piece a sense of uniqueness.
A testament to the fact that amber was once a living organism, some pieces contain insects such as ants and flies, as well as pine-needles, flowers, leaves, seeds and the remains of other small organisms which has become coated by the resin while it was still a liquid, millions of years ago. Larger pieces have been found to contain the remains of lizards and spiders.

Over the years, many have believed amber to possess healing properties, with claims that it can calm tension and ease pain and combat a whole host of illnesses from a sore-throat to haemorrhoids. Today, amber is a key ingredient in medicines prescribed by homeopaths in Poland, who believe it to offer relief from arthritis and neuralgic pain. Whether or not you place your faith in amber to treat your ailments, you can at least be confident that an amber necklace or amber ear-rings will brighten up your complexion, adding a warm glow.

Amber jewellery and ornaments are widely available throughout Poland, with something to suit every taste and budget: from chic modern jewellery created by up-and-coming designers who set pieces in platinum to more affordable – though no less impressive – amber and silver rings, ear-rings, bracelets and pendants available in gift shops and department stores. Gentlemen needn’t feel left out, as there are some simply stunning amber cufflink designs available. It pays to shop around – you are bound to find something that matches your taste. Original pieces not only draw admiring glances - they can also break the ice and get a conversation started, as admirers ask where you got your unusual piece of amber.

Gdansk and the Baltic coast is the true home of amber. If you have time to comb the beaches, why not see what you can find? Pieces of amber are frequently washed up on the beaches, especially after a storm. Don’t worry if your trip does not take you anywhere near Gdansk or the coast – amber is well and truly ubiquitous across Poland, with gift-shops and jewellery shops bursting with beautiful designs, from minimalist chic to more traditional styles. Even if you are on a flying visit, and don’t have time to browse the boutiques and galleries, most airports in Poland have gift-shops that sell a wide range of amber gifts – so you have no excuse not to surprise your loved-one at home!
 

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