They say that fashion only likes the new, but it’s currently obsessed by one of the most beautiful fossils on the planet – created around 90 million years ago when tree resin trapped debris such as leaves, seeds and feathers, preserving them inside what we now call amber. Its deep, sun-soaked color has long been associated with what is often referred to as the poetry of the Baltic. Shopping in the multi-faceted jewel of a city that is Tallinn is incomplete without picking up some gorgeous amber jewelry. Like the architecture of the medieval capital whose design and structure is a legacy of Teutonic, Polish and Russian rule, the history of the jewelry industry in the city resonates with a thoroughly romantic sensibility.’Tallinn is the most beautiful city on earth to shop in,’ says Milva Talts, an Estonian personal shopper and stylist who also organizes trips to Riga in Latvia where you can pick up well-edited amber trinkets. ‘I always advise People to see the Nevski Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Tallinn first for its amazing onion domes – and then go to the gothic 13th-century Raekoda, which is I {mope’s oldest town hall.’ All this before shopping? ‘Yes, of course, because the curves and subtle shapes of the architecture in Tallinn are the best inspiration for buying amber.’
Certainly, from the modern commercial chic of the Viru shopping centre to the fairytale Old Town, amber is simply everywhere. The workshops in St’ Catherine’s Passage are an absolute must-visit. Here you can watch highly skilled artisans create sumptuous amber pieces, alongside beautiful leather work and authentic ceramics in the Estonian tradition.
The stone that has been called everything from the poetic Sea Gold to the rather mournful Freja’s Tears has recently caught the eye of the fashion pack, shedding its sometimes old-fashioned reputation. ‘Amber jewelry is definitely hot right now,’ reveals Paris-based fashion stylist Sophie de la Fou. ‘It ties in neatly with the Amazonian tribal trend that’s all over the runways for spring/summer. Think Sass & Bide and Rodarte and style up your amber with edgier pieces, such as a studded leather belt or chunky gladiator sandals. A great amber cocktail ring also looks fantastic with a vintage floral-print frock.’Model of the moment Australian Abbey Lee Kershaw is also a fan of the 70s neo-hippy look with mood rings, cabochons and chunky amber cocktail rings piled up and worn with fringed leather or ragged denim. ‘It’s a modern take on the rock ‘n’ roll trend for punky skulls and knuckledusters that were all the rage a few seasons ago,’ says de la Fou of the amber ring phenomena. ‘We’re also over the sparkly blingy cocktail ring trend, so stones like turquoise, amber and onyx are ideal.’
Amber looks gorgeous with the animal prints that designers from Blumarine to Givenchy are currently working with, too. Similarly it works perfectly with the Jackie Collins-esque polished, 80s dressing thai edgy, young designers like Holly Fulton do so well and which is epitomized by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton’s collection of Art Deco, oriental and retro influences translated into an out-and-out maximalism. The rich shades of fuchsia, burnt scarlet, mustard and turquoise in his collection this season would all look fabulous with lashings of amber jewelry.Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel certainly thought so, as his cruise collection featured Vanessa Paradis, Diane Kruger and Leigh Lezark decked out in long amber, beaded necklaces and pretty bracelets. It might be cool now, but it’s the stone’s longevity that really appeals. ‘The Baltic region represents some 80% of the world’s known amber resource; it’s such a beautiful and rare fossil,’ says Jenny Gutierrez, whose exquisite creations are sold online across Europe. As Gutierrez points out, genuine amber jewelry will always be a popular choice with those who favor the unique. With plentiful boutiques offering a range of different products and styles in Tallinn, you’ll be spoilt for choice.