Vintage USSR Soviet Latvia Baltic Amber Pendant Natural Cognac Amber Handmade
Description:
An interesting vintage Baltic amber pendant, most likely dating from the Soviet / USSR period and originating from Latvia or the wider Baltic region.
The pendant features a substantial piece of warm cognac / reddish-brown amber with attractive natural variations and internal characteristics.
One side has been polished to bring out the beautiful translucent deep cognac colour, while the reverse retains a much more natural, less-polished appearance.
The amber is attached through two drilled holes to a simple handmade-style metal wire suspension with small twisted wire sections.
This relatively simple construction allows the natural amber itself to remain the main feature of the piece, rather than being hidden by an elaborate metal setting.
Baltic Amber History
Baltic amber is fossilised tree resin formed approximately 40–50 million years ago.
Amber has been collected and worked around the Baltic Sea for thousands of years. The territory of present-day Latvia has a particularly long tradition of amber craftsmanship, with archaeological discoveries demonstrating that amber ornaments were being produced here in prehistoric times.
Baltic amber subsequently became an important trading commodity and travelled throughout Europe along ancient trade networks commonly associated with the Amber Road.
Amber Working in Soviet Latvia
Amber continued to occupy an important place in Latvian decorative art during the Latvian SSR / Soviet period (1940–1991).
From the 1950s onwards, jewellery makers in Riga and Liepāja developed distinctive modern approaches to amber jewellery.
A characteristic feature of many Latvian pieces was the decision to preserve the individuality of the amber. Instead of cutting every piece into a perfectly symmetrical gemstone, designers often used irregular natural forms, polishing selected surfaces while retaining some of the original texture and character of the material.
During the 1960s–1980s, amber pendants, necklaces, brooches, bracelets and other accessories became extremely popular both within Latvia and throughout the Soviet Union.
Amber jewellery was also a characteristic souvenir purchased by visitors to the Baltic republics.
The Latvian production association Daiļrade, established in 1967, was among the organisations producing Latvian handicrafts and souvenirs, including amber articles.
Today, Soviet-period Latvian amber pieces are collected both as jewellery and as examples of 20th-century Baltic decorative and folk-inspired design.
Condition
Vintage pre-owned condition with age-related signs of use.
The amber has natural surface characteristics, inclusions and irregularities. The reverse is considerably less polished than the front and retains a more natural appearance.
The metal suspension shows age-related wear and patina.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
Metal: Unmarked / unknown metal – not being sold as silver.
Amber: Described as Baltic amber based on appearance and origin. It has not been laboratory tested or independently certified.
Sold exactly as shown.
Combined Postage
I am always happy to combine postage for multiple purchases whenever possible. If you purchase several items from my shop, please contact me before payment, or excess postage can be refunded where appropriate.
Suggested Price
£24.99–£34.99