Each of the eight showcases hides one authentic specimen of Baltic amber, which visitors can find among the imitations. This is a proposal for both beginner amber enthusiasts and those who want to learn more about the treasures hidden in family caskets,\" says Waldemar Ossowski, Director of the Gdansk Museum.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Detective fun with history in the background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why has amber been so readily counterfeited? Because it has always aroused desire. In ancient times it was attributed magical and healing properties, in the Middle Ages it was a luxury raw material, and today it has become an icon of style and natural jewellery. Its value, limited availability and unique appearance meant that imitations appeared in almost every era - Pliny the Elder already wrote about fakes in the first century AD. Most often, amber was \u201epretended\u201d to be made from materials that were readily available and amenable to processing. For centuries, these were mainly glass - coloured in honey and cognac tones - and copal, i.e. younger natural resins, which in appearance and smell can be very similar to amber, although they are much younger. In the 20th century, plastics began to take the lead: polyesters, galalite, polystyrene and PMMA, allowing the mass production of \u201eamber\u201d beads, bracelets and figurines. Today, among the most common imitators are epoxy resins, particularly keen to create spectacular inclusions - striking, but usually far removed from the natural processes that have shaped genuine Baltic amber for millions of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exhibition is full of objects that catch the eye and make you smile. There is a Soviet \u201eTchaika\u201d watch set in epoxy jewellery, there are mass-produced figurines from the communist era and there are also striking \u201einclusions\u201d - insects embedded in synthetic resin, looking almost like real treasures from millions of years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a small test of perceptiveness, but also a lesson in humility,\" says Dorota Wojew\u00f3dka, co-curator of the exhibition. - Even we, the curators, have sometimes mistaken an original for an imitation without specialist research. This shows how advanced modern forgeries can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the exhibition is all about fun and experience, it is worth knowing how science today helps distinguish real Baltic amber from its \u201edoubles\u201d. Specialists use, among other things, infrared (FTIR), UV light, structure and chemical composition analyses. The characteristic presence of succinic acid acts as a signature - allowing the authenticity and origin of the raw material to be confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At a time when amber jewellery is coming back into favour, knowledge of authenticity becomes particularly important. Real amber is not only a beautiful accessory, but also a material with a history of tens of millions of years and an important part of the cultural heritage of the Baltic region. Being aware of the differences allows you to make more responsible choices, appreciate the craftsmanship and avoid disappointment when buying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The preparation of the exhibition was made possible thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as part of the \u201eSupporting Museum Activities - Exhibitions and Catalogues 2025\u201d programme. More on imitations:\u00a0<\/strong> Can you tell the difference between real Baltic amber and its imitation? The Amber Museum in Gda\u0144sk invites you to test this skill in the new part of the permanent exhibition entitled \u201eImitations and Counterfeits of Amber\u201d. It tells the story of how for thousands of years attempts were made to imitate the \u201egold of the Baltic\u201d - sometimes for practical reasons, sometimes for purely commercial reasons, and today also for design.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":33188,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"Co udaje bursztyn? Nowa ods\u0142ona wystawy sta\u0142ej w Muzeum Bursztynu - Amber Portal","description":"Can you tell the difference between real Baltic amber and its imitation? 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In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, developments in chemical sciences did their part - new plastics made it possible to create \u201eamber\u201d faster, cheaper and in larger quantities. In Poland in the 1970s, polyester necklaces and figurines found their way into almost every home and souvenir shop, often sold as amber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"3729\"](\"https:\/\/amber.com.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/3729_2.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGlass instead of natural amber?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Amber Buddha and \u201eLapwing\u201d watch\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How does amber perform today?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why is it important to know what we are wearing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Imitation amber - creation and recognition
<\/a>Imitations versus amber<\/a><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"