On 29-30 August this year at AMBEREXPO in Gdansk, the word „jewellery” will be conjugated in all cases and types. This will happen thanks to the autumn edition of the AMBERIF International Fair of Amber and Jewellery, which traditionally - and in contrast to the March edition dedicated to the industry - is open to all jewellery lovers. In particular, jewellery with amber, as it has invariably been the main character of the fair since its inception. It is no coincidence that the fair itself is held in Gdańsk, which is the World Capital of Amber and the capital of the Pomeranian amber basin. Pomeranian exhibitors - as befits world leaders in design and innovation - are sure to surprise with their jewellery proposals. They will range from traditional „souvenirs” through classical inspirations to sophisticated design and unique projects, which have been created using the latest technologies.
Designer Gallery - Polish designer jewellery
Yes, it may seem that in Gdańsk - and especially at Amberif - the world revolves around amber, but that is not quite true. After all, jewellery has many faces, and AMBERIF tries to show each of them - and to do so from the best possible side! Another face of amber jewellery that has made a really good name for itself worldwide, particularly in Europe, is Polish designer jewellery. It is worth having a look in the Designers' Gallery, especially as Polish artists and designers are considered to be in the world avant-garde: they surprise us with interesting ideas, innovative materials and unusual solutions. It is a veritable paradise for those in search of unique and timeless jewellery: often made only in one (or only a few) pieces, handmade, which makes the pieces differ in their subtleties. Also of value in itself is the fact that it was created in a specific workshop of a specific maker, known by name and with a recognisable style. Such jewellery is also a great investment - and not just in one's good looks.
Start-Up Zone - a must have for news lovers
What other „faces of jewellery” will the organisers of the AMBERIF Autumn fair show? Gold and silver, of course, including those decorated with precious stones and less precious stones (but still jewellery). An interesting - probably „revealing” - experience will be provided by exhibitors from the Start-Up Zone, who are making their debut at the fair, confronting the public with their often avant-garde ideas. This place is an absolute must have for novelty lovers and those seeking inspiration.
Art Zone
Once again, the fair will host the Art Zone, featuring exhibitions by interesting artists. The most recognisable among them is Marcin Tymiński, known for his openness to experimenting with material and form, who will present the exhibition Self-therapy. 33 jewellery pieces and several large-format prints of his stimulation, which is part of the creative process.
The exhibition is the result of a - not only - creative process. The road to the final leads from drawing to object, but sometimes also the other way round. In both cases, however, it happens primarily very intuitively, as dictated by what is currently occupying one's thoughts and emotions. Thus, it is a form of self-therapy, which gives solace, fulfilment, joy, and allows one to channel what sometimes cannot be translated into words...” - Marcin Tymiński concluded.
Recommended: I expect more from myself - an interview with Marcin Tyminski
Also self-therapeutic is Jolanta Gazda's collection I'm fine / Help me, which is the result of the author's reflections on relativism in the perception of reality and sensitivity to other people and their individual situations. Each of the jewellery forms is made on crochet from silver wire in different colours, which are grouped into six themes: Cage/Shelter; Separation Anxiety/ Fidelity, Devotion; Bondage Breakdown - Cowardice / Bondage Breakdown - Courage; Social Anxiety / Comfort Zone; Mania / Creativity; Parasitism / Symbiosis has been given a much-talked-about title consisting of two parts - positive and dark.
Jewellery is my medium - I'm not a journalist, psychologist or even an influencer or celebrity, and I don't have any other way to talk about what touches me. Jewellery is the only way I can communicate what touches me, which is the result of my thoughts," explains Jolanta Gazda.
Recommended: Jewellery is the only way I can convey what touches me - an interview with Jolanta Gazda
Also promising to be spectacular is an exhibition of nearly 90 jewellery objects brought by Maria Magdalena Kwiatkiewicz - co-founder of the jewellery company YES and owner of the largest private collection of contemporary Polish jewellery and ethnic jewellery - from Mali, Cameroon, Tibet. Nepal, India, China and Vietnam. The „Ethnic Jewellery of the World” exhibition tells the story of the history of tribal symbols, magical talismans and reliquaries used to store the most precious objects. It is jewellery that does not exist without a message and an intention to create it. The exhibition is complemented by colour photographs by Magdalena Kwiatkiewicz, in which the author immortalises the original owners of the objects.
Recommended: Discovering the world through jewellery - interview with Maria Magdalena Kwiatkiewicz
Vintage zone
A novelty of the upcoming autumn edition of the fair is the Vintage Zone, aimed at all collectors and lovers of unique vintage jewellery. In this way, the organisers are meeting the growing awareness of consumers and their search not only for beauty, but also for lasting value and history.
„Tresurebox of the future / Capsule of the future”.”
The creators of this exhibition - the City of Gdansk, the Gdansk International Fair and the Bochinski Foundation - were looking for an answer to the question of how to revolutionise the perception of amber in order to attract millenials and generation Z. It reads: by presenting it as a symbol of contemporary sustainable luxury. And this is how amber will be showcased in the interactive, multimedia exhibition „Tresurebox of the future / Capsule of the future”, for which the setting will be a mobile maritime display container.
The exhibition is about what is important to us here and now, it talks about values and the changing notion of luxury. The amber jewellery here does not just symbolise prestige, but beliefs that are important to the characters in the exhibition: the feisty activist, the free surf er, the urban power girl and the sensitive creator. They all represent a new generation that shapes our reality and seeks its own forms of expression," explains exhibition curator Beata Bochińska.
Earlier - from 3 to 18 August - the exhibition will be one of the attractions open to all interested parties as part of the Dominican Fair (the container will be set up in the vicinity of the Baltic Philharmonic). The exhibition will present jewellery Emilia Kohut, Maciej Rozenberg, Tomasz Kargul, Marcin Giebułtowski, Ireneusz Glaza, Dorota Cenecka and Sławomir Fijałkowski.
In addition, the extensive programme of events accompanying the AMBERIF Autumn fair will include amber processing demonstrations and amber polishing workshops, where visitors will be able to tackle the matter and make their own amber jewellery.
AMBERIF is the world's most important trade fair dedicated to amber, held in spring (AMBERIF Spring) and autumn (AMBERIF Autumn). This year's autumn edition will feature around 130 exhibitors.
AMBERIF Autumn
29 - 31 August 2024
Amberexpo, Gdansk
Full details and tickets: www.amberif.pl