Baltic amber from Lithuania (2023 update)

Lithuania, a country rich in cultural heritage and natural wonders, is renowned for being the home of Baltic amber, a fascinating gemstone that has captivated the world for centuries. Amber, often referred to as “Lithuanian gold,” is more than just a gem; it is a piece of history preserved in time. This article delves into the captivating world of Baltic amber in Lithuania, exploring its formation, significance, historical importance, and its impact on the country’s cultural and economic landscape.

Throughout history, Baltic amber has held immense cultural and historical significance in Lithuania and the surrounding Baltic region. The abundance and accessibility of this gemstone made it a highly sought-after trade commodity, often exchanged for goods and services across Europe and beyond. Amber found its way into the hands of artisans, craftsmen, and nobility, who created intricate jewelry, ornamental objects, and religious artifacts.

Lithuania is a small country from Baltic region with no natural resources other than amber, hence it is sometimes called as Lithuanian Gold.

Lithuania has gorgeous food, friendly people, beautiful rural landscapes, cosy capital city Vilnius and it has Baltic amber. Amber is known as “Lithuanian gold,” and many know it for its beauty in pieces of jewellery and art. It is the most popular souvenir from Lithuania. Lithuanian ancestors used amulets to protect against evil powers and beads were given for kids to chew so their teeth would grow faster and stronger.

According to Lithuanian folklore, Perkunas, god of thunder, got angry when sea goddess Jurate and drop-dead gorgeous fisherman Kastytit got it together. Whipping the sea up into a frenzy, Perkunas chained Jurate to her underwater amber palace and smote it, bringing it down around her. Now, when the goddess cries, the sea becomes upset and stormy, washing her amber tears and fragments of her destroyed palace on to the beach. That is why amber is best gathered after a storm.

Amber is also a significant part of Lithuania’s national costume. One of the museums is located in an amazing, classical-style palace which is the diamond of the Botanical Garden in Palanga.

Baltic tribes used amber as early as 2000-1800 BC to craft jewellery and weaving tools, treat diseases and protect people against evil spirits. Amber incense was used to protect children against misfortune, as well as newlyweds and husbands going to a war. “Amber (gintaras), found on the Baltic Sea shores, was and is highly treasured and is the national gem of Lithuania.

In modern Lithuania, Baltic amber continues to be an integral part of the country’s cultural identity. The city of Palanga, located on the Baltic coast, hosts the Amber Museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and beauty of this gemstone. The museum houses an impressive collection of amber artifacts, including jewelry, sculptures, and archaeological finds.

Baltic amber in Lithuania, major facts:

Amber (Gintaras in Lithuanian language) is used in the Lithuanian language for all sorts of reasons: people’s names, restaurants, hotels, festivals, museums and more.
Small Lithuania has 500+ big and small companies dealing with Baltic amber (manufacturers, jewelry designers, artisans, wholesale companies.
Baltic amber jewelry / stones / beads is the most popular souvenir from Lithuania, with countless shops and galleries in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Kretinga, Palanga.
City of Palanga is the center of Lithuanian amber industry. Palanga is located on the Lithuanian sea coast that is famous for its beautiful white sand and dune beaches, something that cannot be found anywhere else on the coast Baltic Sea.
The Palanga Amber Museum (Palangos Gintaro Muziejus), near the Baltic Sea in Palanga, Lithuania, is a branch of the Lithuanian Art Museum. Amber museum is situated inside the fabulous 19th century Neo Classical former mansion of Count Tiskevicius.
Gintarautojai – amber gatherers.

Lithuanian links: