Back to basics
The contemporary market is dominated by fashion jewellery, mass-produced using advanced technologies. Meanwhile, the Amber Craftsmanship competition reminds us of timeless values – traditional techniques, artisanal precision, and the creator's personal commitment to each project.
Some may find such jewellery unfashionable, while others may wonder if there is still a place for traditional goldsmithing in the age of modern technology. The answer depends on what we expect from jewellery. If we are looking for unique designs, masterful craftsmanship and a story encapsulated in every detail, then the exhibition „20 Years of the National Competition for Goldsmiths and Jewellers „Amber Craft” named after Karol Kowalski” will certainly provide many unforgettable experiences. Even for those who prefer contemporary trends, it will be a fascinating journey into the world of exceptional jewellery.
Amber in the hands of masters
For 20 years, the Amber Handicraft competition, organised by the Pomeranian Chamber of Crafts for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, has been Poland's most important platform for goldsmiths and jewellers specialising in working with amber. Participants compete in senior and junior categories, and their works showcase not only masterful skills but also an innovative approach to jewellery design.
The exhibition will feature works by distinguished artists such as Waldemar Sawa, Grzegorz Tryjefaczka, Krzysztof Bondaruk (Bondarowski), Agnieszka Mroczkowska, Dominika Gawlak-Długosz, Maciej Łobocki, Krystian Pisarski, Jakub Śliwowski, and Jadwiga and Bohdan Hołub. In the junior category, we will see jewellery from young talents from the State Secondary Schools of Fine Arts in Katowice and Częstochowa.
Amber masterpieces
Baltic amber, as the guiding theme of the competition, forms a key element of the presented works. Participants skillfully utilise its natural inclusions, richness of colour and structure, combining it with precious metals and stones to create works that are unique in artistic and technical terms. Over the past 20 years, compositions have been created that have not only entered the jewellery canon but have also set new standards in goldsmithing art.
History of the competition
The Amber Craft competition has been held since 2003, and its originator was Karol Kowalski, an outstanding craftsman and chairman of the Goldsmiths and Jewellers Industry Commission at the Pomeranian Chamber of Crafts. Since 2024, the competition has borne his name, commemorating his contribution to the development of Polish jewellery making. For his activities, Karol Kowalski was honoured with, among other awards, the St. Eligius Medal, the title of Honorary Master of Artistic Crafts, and the Bronze Cross of Merit.
An exhibition worth seeing
The exhibition „20 Years of the National Goldsmith and Jeweller Competition ‘Amber Craft’” will run from March 13th to June 1st, 2025, at the Museum of Amber in Gdańsk. This event will offer a new perspective on jewellery – as a work of art, reflecting craftsmanship, passion, and tradition.
The organiser of the competition is the Goldsmiths' and Jewellers' Industry Commission at the Pomeranian Chamber of Crafts for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the International Gdańsk Fair.
This is a unique opportunity to appreciate true jewellery artistry and to see how amber – a stone with a thousand-year history – continues to inspire contemporary creators.
20th Anniversary of the Nationwide Goldsmiths and Jewellers Competition „Amber Craft” named after Karol Kowalski
Amber Museum, Gdańsk
13.03 – 1.06.2025