The modern world, though diverse, is also deeply interconnected on many levels. Relationships are the foundation of existence, an inalienable element of life, permeating every dimension of it.
Interpersonal relationships, the relationship between humans and nature, humans and technology, individuals and the collective, as well as deep, often unacknowledged, links between the past and the present – all of these combine to form our experience of being in the world. Relationships characterise our lives: initially, they are with parents, siblings, and extended family, later with friends, partners, and the community. They shape our identity, attitudes, emotions, and values. They are like a delicate thread that connects us with others, creating a complex web of interdependence.
Jewellery, as a personal item, can be a symbol of these bonds. Often through jewellery, we reveal our affection; it is a sign of belonging to a group, family, or life partner. Sometimes these are obvious codes, and sometimes secret, very personal signs.
Amber is a witness to millions of years of diverse interactions, and the inclusions trapped within amber reveal the links between past and present, between life and matter. Amber embodies the passage of time and the continuity of life, and each piece of amber is unique, just like each relationship.
We invite you to create amber jewellery that expresses personal reflections on the essence of relationships, the result of a creative dialogue with nature, culture, technology, matter, history, and fellow human beings. We await stories about the invisible networks of interdependence and the subtle bonds between form and material, nature and culture, tradition and innovation, the artist and the recipient.
Barbara Schmidt, September 2024
Organised since 1996, the International Amber Jewellery Design Competition AMBERIF DESIGN AWARD is the most important competition in Poland and worldwide promoting Baltic amber as a medium of artistic expression and encouraging participants to express their thoughts inspired by the theme in the form of a jewellery design, in which amber plays a significant role. This objective determines the selection of materials – amber must be exclusively natural, while other materials can be used without restriction. Every year, the competition is attended by several hundred participants from around the world, who deliver original interpretations of the theme, surprise with their unique approach to form and material, and innovative use of amber.
Amber is a very interesting material for expressing one's thoughts, especially for young creators who do not yet have prejudices, think independently, are not limited by adherence to tradition, use modern techniques, and are not afraid of experiments. Often in contrast to countries with a long tradition of processing, where it is sometimes difficult to break free from established patterns, the existence of which we are often not even aware of – said Barbara Schmidt, the curator of the competition in an interview. To feel amber
The competition is open to all creators – designers, artists, students, who can participate individually or as a team, submitting a maximum of 3 works in the form of photographs or digital visualisations, meeting specific technical requirements (a JPG or PDF file with a resolution of 300 dpi on a digital board measuring 30x30 cm). An international jury will evaluate them, taking into primary consideration the author's interpretation of the theme, the artistic value of the work, and the innovative use of amber. The jury will also award the following statutory prizes:
• Grand Prize President of the City of Gdańsk: PLN 30,000 gross
• Silver Award: 1 kg of silver + a stand at Amberif Spring 2026 Fair
• highlights
Additionally, the founders will award their own prizes and commendations, including:
The Amber Award of the International Amber Association – 1 kg of amber
• YES Gallery Award (monetary).
The qualified works will be presented at an exhibition following the competition, during the AMBERIF SPRING fair. This year – for the first time in nearly 30 years of the competition's existence – the authors of projects selected for the exhibition will present their finished works there.
Grand Prix Amberif Design Award 2024: Tadeusz Jaśkowiak for the “Inclusion” pendant”
Last year the theme seemed easier, as the war in Ukraine imposed a perspective and determined my thinking about the competition work. „Relationships” seems more difficult to me, as it is a very broad theme and lacks the focus that imposed itself last year. My thoughts revolve around the relationship between amber and humans. We give amber to someone as a memento of a good time. I have these thoughts at the back of my mind all the time and I'm waiting for an idea for the form to emerge on its own. Because it often happens that what is difficult turns out to be easy and the idea comes by itself – said Tadeusz Jaśkowiak, Grand Prix winner of AMBERIF DESIGN AWARD 2024.
Recommended: I have relaxed - an interview with Tadeusz Jaskowiak
Important dates.
31 January 2025 – final application deadline
4 February 2025 – jury deliberations
5 March 2025 – deadline for submission of works selected for the exhibition
12 March 2025 – Announcement of results and awards ceremony