Russia’s westernmost point, Kaliningrad Region, has been famous for its amber production since Soviet times. Back then, the stone enjoyed wide popularity with people coming to Kaliningrad from all over the Soviet Union to get amber souvenirs, jewelry, or interior décor.
It wasn’t only popular among the public, but the elite as well. Just have a look at the amber chandelier from the Stalin era that was discovered in the storerooms of the Kaliningrad Amber Factory a few years ago.
Chandeliers of similar shape (but with crystal) hung in the column hall of the House of Unions in Moscow, and it’s no surprise that such works of art were often presented to foreign guests. For instance, in 1960 a special amber model of the Lenin nuclear icebreaker was made as a gift for U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A copy of it is kept in the Amber Museum in Kaliningrad.
Want something as impressive like this to brighten up your household interior? Check out these works of art that you might find during your trip to Russia.
An amber scale model of St Isaac's Cathedral
AFP
Earrings
Amberholl
A wide variety of amber necklaces
Getty Images
A souvenir smoking pipe
Sun Stone
A retro radio made by Kaliningrad-based artist Yury Lopatkin.
Kaliningrad Regional Amber MuseumNot ready to spend a fortune on these masterpieces? You can always check out the many souvenir stores offering amber products for any pocket. But beware: there are many objects that might not necessarily impress…
A painting
Legion Media
A soccer ball (yes, there’s a portrait of Vladimir Putin on the wall, also made with amber)
Reuters
A decorative plate
Alexandra KalininaWant to find something more unique and modern? Check out these five jewelry designers that do their best to return amber to its former glory.
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