A rare collection of amber, some pieces preserving life from up to 50 million years ago, has been presented in Moscow, marking a significant prelude to the world`s premier amber auction. This exhibition offers a captivating journey through geological time, showcasing nature`s artistry solidified.
Amber`s Grand Journey: From Kaliningrad to the Capital
The stage for the **VIII International Amber Forum, AmberForum`25**, is set in an unexpected, yet strategically significant, location: Moscow. Traditionally hosted in the Kaliningrad region, a territory boasting an astounding **90% of the world`s known Baltic amber reserves**, this year`s forum signifies a deliberate expansion. The move to the Russian capital, from **July 31 to August 3** at the sprawling VDNKh exhibition grounds, underscores a growing international appetite for this ancient resin, attracting a broader spectrum of global partners and discerning tourists.
Prehistoric Treasures and Geological Marvels on Display
At the heart of this extraordinary exhibition lies a meticulously curated selection of **51 distinct lots**, all extracted over the past 13 years by the esteemed **Kaliningrad Amber Combine**. This collection, valued collectively at over **12 million rubles** at starting bids, encompasses a diverse array of amber forms, from colossal raw nuggets and elegantly formed drops to the scientifically invaluable fossil inclusions.
Giants of Gold: The Headline Nuggets
Two particular self-formed nuggets are drawing considerable attention:
- “The Beatles”: This remarkable piece, tipping the scales at a hefty **21.6 kilograms**, boasts a starting price of 750,000 rubles. Its superior value, as elucidated by Maria Zhuravel, head gemologist for the Kaliningrad Amber Combine`s Moscow office, stems from its exceptionally uniform coloration—a trait highly prized in the amber market.
- “Souvenir of the Baltics”: Weighing in at **2.122 kilograms**, this is the largest single stone in the current collection. Despite its impressive mass, it carries a comparatively lower price due to the presence of natural external crusts and internal flows. These “imperfections,” while influencing commercial value, are a testament to the raw, untamed process of its formation. Both giants, incidentally, share a remarkably similar age, estimated at 40-45 million years.
Life Frozen in Time: The Inclusions
Beyond the impressive raw specimens, the exhibition features **unique inclusions**—amber pieces encapsulating ancient organisms. Imagine a prehistoric **cockroach or a midge**, perfectly preserved in a golden tomb, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ecosystems from up to **50 million years ago**. One might ponder the fleeting existence of these tiny creatures, inadvertently granting them an unexpected eternity as fascinating, high-value exhibits. These biological time capsules are not merely curiosities; they are vital for scientific understanding of ancient biodiversity and climates.
Emerald-Cut Amber: A Modern Facet on Ancient Beauty
The Amber Forum isn`t just a retrospective on geological time; it`s also a showcase for innovation. Maya Skvortsova, Deputy General Director for Jewelry Production and Commercial Activities at the Kaliningrad Amber Combine, proudly presented a novel collection of women`s jewelry featuring **emerald-cut amber**. This “know-how” technique, a relatively recent development for the combine, allows for the creation of 49 precise facets, transforming the traditionally organic and amorphous amber into a dazzling, geometric gemstone.
This specialized faceting, combined with a unique higher temperature production process, imparts an extraordinary brilliance and a lighter hue to the amber. The result is a striking departure from conventional amber jewelry, offering a sophisticated aesthetic that marries ancient material with contemporary design. A single ensemble from this pioneering collection carries an estimated value of 250,000 rubles, proving that even a material as ancient as amber can still surprise with modern, refined elegance. Indeed, from ancient sap to precision-cut sparkle, amber continues its remarkable journey, confirming that true beauty, much like a perfectly preserved prehistoric insect, is truly timeless.
The Auction: A Chance to Own a Piece of Epochs Past
The much-anticipated auction, set for **August 2**, will offer collectors a unique opportunity to acquire these geological and artistic masterpieces. The shift of AmberForum to Moscow is a clear indicator of the growing global appreciation for amber, transcending its traditional role as a simple gem to become a recognized object of scientific study, artistic expression, and substantial investment. It`s an invitation to marvel at solidified remnants of primeval forests, holding within their golden depths the whispered secrets of an Earth millions of years removed from our own.
