The International Amber Association (IAA) is an organisation bringing together experts, creators and enthusiasts of amber from around the world. Its aim is to promote Baltic amber, supporting the development of craft, design and scientific research related to this unique raw material. The IAA initiates educational projects, competitions, exhibitions and industry events, thanks to which amber is gaining increasing recognition in culture, art and fashion. The Association also works towards international cooperation among creators, the exchange of experiences and the development of innovative directions in jewellery making and artistic craft.
Since 1997, the Association has awarded a certificate recommending companies that have committed to meeting the organisation's criteria, meaning, among other things, they use only Baltic amber in their jewellery and adhere to principles of fair trading. Companies benefiting from the Association's recommendation also undertake not to sell pressed amber.
MSB conducts training on amber knowledge, organises amber appraiser courses (lecturers include the most outstanding Polish amber researchers and the most experienced practical specialists), and organises missions and trips to foreign trade fairs. The Association also supports the development of amber-oriented tourism, including organising demonstrations of amber processing, amber fishing, and extraction, as well as giving lectures on the history of amber and inclusions.
The Association's Expert Commission has developed guidelines for the classification of Baltic amber, covering all stages of the amber production and trade process, as well as correct nomenclature, which is intended to precisely inform customers about the type of amber stones used. International and national journals, tourism offices, economic research centres, and numerous government agencies benefit from the information and expertise of MSB experts.
The MSB's press organ is “BURSZTYNISKO” – a bilingual (Polish-English) information bulletin about amber, containing information on current industry events and popularising accessible knowledge and scientific research results on amber. The Association's office sells the latest literature on amber, as well as books, postcards, posters, and promotional labels about amber published by them, tailored to the needs of small shops, galleries, and wholesalers, published in Polish, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Since March 2015, MSB has also managed the Gdańsk Amber Laboratory and the MSB Gallery.
International Amber Association
Office | Gallery | Laboratory
ul. Heweliusza 31, 80-861 Gdańsk
+48 58 58 000 22
office@amber.org.pl
www.amber.org.pl