Amber jewelry craftsman Reimārs Grīnvalds: a trade passed through three generations

Reimārs Grīnvalds, owner of the Riga-based shop "City Amber," continues a family tradition of crafting amber jewelry that dates back to his grandparents' generation. The trade has now been passed down through three generations, and Grīnvalds speaks at length and with enthusiasm about this ancient stone.

What amber actually is

Amber forms from tree resin that has fossilized over the course of centuries. This unusual origin makes the material distinctive, and it is precisely this uniqueness that has made amber prized for generations, both as a decorative material and as something believed to carry more than aesthetic value.

More than decoration

According to Grīnvalds, amber items are often credited with healing properties. He has personally heard accounts from customers, including one story describing a woman whose thyroid condition reportedly improved after wearing amber jewelry. While such stories are not scientific proof, they reflect the trust many place in amber within traditional beliefs.

Value that holds over time

Grīnvalds also points out that amber is a sound investment, noting that unlike many other materials, its popularity does not fade with time. This makes amber jewelry appealing not only for its looks but also for practical, long-term reasons.

The original report, published by Jauns.lv, raises the question of amber jewelry pricing — whether amber necklaces costing tens of thousands of euros are an exaggeration or genuinely reflect the value this centuries-old stone carries.