March 26–28, 2026
Michal Kosior – Amber Experts Laboratory
On the ground in Gdańsk: a first-hand report from
Michal Kosior – Amber Experts Laboratory
For more than three decades, Amberif has stood as the leading international event dedicated to amber, firmly anchoring Gdańsk’s position as the world’s capital of this unique organic gem. While the scale of the fair no longer reflects the record-breaking years prior to the pandemic, Amberif remains the most influential and comprehensive showcase of amber in today’s global jewelry market.
The 2026 spring edition brought together approximately 200 exhibitors from across Europe and beyond, including Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Ukraine, Switzerland, and others. The fair attracted a diverse international audience, with visitors arriving from the European Union, Ukraine, the United States, China, and India. Notably absent, however, were buyers from the Middle East, reflecting ongoing logistical challenges linked to current geopolitical conditions and war in the Gulf.
Since its inception in 1994, Amberif has evolved into far more than a trade fair. It is a curated platform where design, craftsmanship, and material science converge. Alongside commercial exhibitions, the program featured industry competitions, educational seminars, and signature events such as the Amber Vibes gala—an increasingly influential stage for contemporary amber in fashion and jewelry design.
A Material Redefined
One of the most striking impressions of this year’s edition was the ongoing transformation of amber’s identity. Once associated primarily with traditional beadwork, amber is now being reinterpreted as a sophisticated design material with significant artistic and luxury potential.
Exhibitors presented an exceptional range of colors and textures—from milky whites and warm honey tones to deep cherry hues and near-black varieties. The internal structures of amber, often revealed only after polishing, create naturally occurring visual compositions reminiscent of abstract art. Inclusions—plant fragments or ancient organisms preserved for millions of years—continue to captivate collectors and specialists alike, reinforcing amber’s status as a material where nature itself becomes the artist.
Between Heritage and Innovation
Amberif 2026 revealed a compelling duality within the industry. Traditional, handcrafted goldsmithing remains a cornerstone of amber craftsmanship, particularly in Poland, where generational expertise continues to shape the field. At the same time, a growing number of designers are embracing advanced technologies and contemporary aesthetics.
Particularly noteworthy were pieces carved from single, large amber blocks—objects that emphasize consistency of pattern and color, elevating the material into the realm of high-value, collectible design. This approach reflects a broader shift in how amber is positioned within the luxury sector: not merely as a decorative element, but as a rare and inherently unique natural material.
A Global Market with Expanding Horizons
Baltic amber continues to gain traction across international markets. China remains a key driver of demand, where amber is associated with prosperity, protection, and status. Similarly, in Arab countries, amber holds a strong cultural and collectible value, often presented in refined, male-oriented forms.
At the same time, amber is gradually re-emerging within Western design circles. Contemporary designers are beginning to reinterpret it through minimalist, architectural forms—suggesting a potential resurgence of amber in European and American jewelry markets.
Knowledge as a Foundation
What distinguishes Amberif from many other trade events is its strong emphasis on education and expertise. Beyond sourcing raw material and finished jewelry, attendees had access to specialized seminars, analytical services, and curated sample collections. In a market still challenged by limited global awareness of amber’s properties and treatments, this knowledge-sharing dimension remains essential.
Industry Meets Competition
Adding a dynamic and unexpected element to this year’s program were the Metal Games—industry competitions where company teams engaged in tasks such as metal rolling, jewelry labeling, and estimating amber weight. The initiative brought a spirit of collaboration and light-hearted competition to the professional environment.
As the amber industry continues to evolve—balancing heritage, innovation, and global expansion—Amberif remains its most important meeting point.
A2 Jewellery
Main Prize Amberif Selection contest
The next edition of Amberif is scheduled for March 2027, once again in Gdańsk.
Tap here for more information about Amberif.
Michal Kosior is the founder of Amber Experts Laboratory, with locations in Gdańsk in Poland which he runs with his wife Agnieszka, and has been active in the amber and jewelry industry for more than 25 years. A former director of the International Amber Association office and a recognized leader in amber research and identification, he works across science, education, and the global trade in natural Baltic amber.
You can find more about Amber Experts Laboratory on their website here.
