Exceptional amber specimens, including massive nuggets named `The Beatles` (21.6 kg) and `Souvenir of the Baltics` (2.1 kg), alongside inclusions featuring fossilized insects such as cockroaches and midges, were showcased in Moscow as a preview to the VIII International Amber Forum AmberForum`25. These rare discoveries are set to be auctioned at the world`s only dedicated amber auction.
The auction, organized by the Kaliningrad Amber Combine, is scheduled for August 2nd. Traditionally, the forum was held in the Kaliningrad region, renowned for holding 90% of the world`s explored Baltic amber reserves. However, increasing international interest prompted the decision to expand the forum`s reach and relocate the VIII International Amber Forum AmberForum 2025 to Moscow`s VDNKh exhibition center, running from July 31st to August 3rd.
The upcoming auction will feature 51 lots collected over the past 13 years, comprising natural amber nuggets, inclusions, and amber drops. The total starting value of this collection exceeds 12 million rubles. Notable lots include the largest stone, `Souvenir of the Baltics` (2.122 kg), rare inclusions with insects dating back up to 50 million years, and a unique 51-gram amber drop.
Maria Zhuravel, a gemologist and head of the Kaliningrad Amber Combine`s Moscow representative office, stated that the starting price for the `The Beatles` nugget is currently 750,000 rubles. She explained that its higher value is due to its uniform color, whereas `Souvenir of the Baltics,` despite being larger (2.1 kg), is priced lower because of its natural flow marks and external crust. Both nuggets are approximately 40-45 million years old.
Maya Skvortsova, Deputy General Director for Jewelry Production and Commercial Activities at the Kaliningrad Amber Combine, unveiled a new collection of women`s amber jewelry featuring a unique `emerald` cut. This recently introduced innovation involves 49-facet cutting, which gives the amber a distinctive sparkle and a lighter hue due to a specialized thermal treatment process. A single set from this collection, to be showcased at the forum, is valued at 250,000 rubles.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth