It is considered the "warmest gemstone". It is fossilized pine resin that dates to 20-50 million years ago!. Amber has been best known for "guardian of health" and a tallisman of "good fortune". Our Amber is all set in .925 Sterling Silver.

A short brief of our Baltic Sea Amber is included at the time of purchase.

We carry a few "choice" pieces purchased during our travels for the few-of-kind catagory. Also pieces direct from Polish Artist. All our items are "hand tooled" and not mass produced.

 Description of Father Frost:

Russian Father Frost are each hand carved and painted in the rich detail characterized by traditional folklore. The wood is especially selected and cured for over 2 years. We currently promote the carvings of over 20 Russian craftsmen and artists specializing in Russian Santas, or better known as the Famous "Father Frosts" .

 Description of Paper-Mache Black Lacquer Boxes:

The famous and high collectible black lacquer box is made of PAPER-MACHE (layers of paper molded, boiled in oil & placed in kiln). Form The Shape. Once this long process is over, it is Painted in one of the four traditional villages that produce this wonderful art. The box is then signed with the school/village of origin and the master artist, thus creating a true collectible. Then, as traditional Russian artists do, many layers of Lacquer are applied with a red enamel interior. Please note: We travel to Russia to hand pick each and every one of these magnificent "Black Lacquer" collectibles with 20 years of experience! We find, order, commission unusual and one-of-a-kind or different paper-mache shapes and paintings along with the Alexander Pushkin tales and other traditional scenes. Do feel free to contact us with any questions. Below are the "Village Style" of painting.

Link back to all paper mache boxes: http://www.artofthelands.com/item.jsp?category=1784

The village of Fedoskino founded the original school and guild of Russian lacquer miniature painting in 1795. Recognized by the use of thin layers of oil based paints and a more realistic style, Fedoskino miniatures are frequently illuminated with an underlayment of silver, gold leaf, or inlaid mother-of-pearl. This technique of translucent painting adds depth to the scene, highlights important details, and can create a radiant quality to the piece. The Fedoskino style is particularly effective for portraits and landscapes. Common characteristics of Fedoskino miniatures include: correct proportions of figures; illumination with silver, gold, or mother-of-pearl. Border ornaments tend to be simple or nonexistent, though finer boxes may have borders painted in a floral motif, inlaid with silver or gold (skan) in a geometric pattern, or a crosshatch design (Scotch plaid). Other distinctive touches include marbled lacquer effects and smoked lacquer with the appearance of tortoiseshell the Fedoskino boxes are generally signed with the village name and artist's name in the lower edge of the painting using a complementary color.

Link back to the Village of Fedoskino: http://www.artofthelands.com/item.jsp?category=1793

Village of PalekhThe name of Palekh has nearly become synonymous with the art of Russian lacquer. Famous for highly detailed miniatures with elaborate ornamentation, the village of Palekh has a long artistic tradition. Prior to 1917, Palekh was a center of icon-painting and this heritage can be recognized in today's Palekh miniatures. Like their icon painting forebears, today's Palekh artists use egg tempera paints and paint in the Byzantine style. Favored themes are the Russian fairy tales, the famous Russian troika (three horse sleigh), and scenes of life in the countryside. Some characteristics of Palekh art include: elongated, graceful figures; pure, vibrant colors applied in layers; elaborate gold and/or silver ornamentation applied in fine lines throughout the painting; intricate decorative borders; and a black background known as plein aire which provides contrast to the pure colors. Palekh boxes are usually signed with gold in the margin between painting and border. The village name, artist name and title name are standard.

Link back to the Village of Palekh: http://www.artofthelands.com/item.jsp?category=1794

MSTERA Mstera was a respected center of icon production until the trade was banned after the Revolution of 1917. In keeping with the traditions of iconography, egg tempera paints are still used. The Mstera artist begins by framing the painting area with a thin line and then covering the background with a layer of white. Against the white ground additional colors appear opaque and are frequently in the pastel range (light blue, peach, ivory, pink). The landscape is of central importance to the painting with people and objects integrated to the setting. Mstera paintings are frequently larger than those from the other schools but some fine miniatures are also produced and because of their rarity are highly prized. Typical themes include exquisite floral designs with lacy gold ornamentation, the traditional fairy tales, traditional activities and events such as a winter festival,, and sometimes portraiture. With the exception of the floral motifs, gold line ornamentation is rarely used within the painting, though most Mstera boxes have at least a simple border ornament. Mstera boxes are normally signed with gold in the margin between painting and border. They include the village name, artist's name and frequently a title.Link back to the Village of Mstera: http://www.artofthelands.com/item.jsp?category=1795

KHOLUI The village of Kholui did not begin producing lacquered miniatures until the 1930s, and though iconography had been an important trade in the region in previous centuries, Kholui was never bound to any particular artistic tradition. Rather, Kholui miniatures share some traits with both Palekh and Mstera art, yet maintain a distinctive lyrical quality of their own. As in Palekh and Mstera, Kholui artists use egg tempera paints. Kholui paintings tend to be brighter than Mstera's, though like Mstera, the pigments used are opaque and the background is usually fully painted. Sometimes, as with Palekh miniatures, Kholui miniatures will include some fine gold and/or silver ornamentation within the painting, and Kholui artists can create fantastic border ornaments on par with those of Palekh. Kholui boxes are usually signed with gold in the margin between painting and border. While the artist's name and village name are provided, they may not always be titled.Link back to the Village of Kholui: http://www.artofthelands.com/item.jsp?category=1796

 Optical Crystal Laser Art

Every optical crystal lens is hand ground and hand polished in the traditional manner.