PHOTOS
Alicia Grega-Pikul
Washed up on the world's beaches millions of years before humans appeared, the fossil tree resin known commonly as amber was dubbed suceinum (gum-stone) by the ancient naturalist Pliny the Elder when he discovered insects embedded in it. In Germany, people focused on the soft resin's potential to burn, describing it as bernstein or burn-stone. The Greeks called it Elektron, a name that would be borrowed by modern science for its evocation of energy.
It's known as Jantar in Poland.
"My dad and I were going to go to Poland in 1995 and he passed away so I decided to go (without him)," artist Andzia Chmil recalled. "I didn't know any Polish - when I got off the plane I said, 'Hola.' But I fell in love with Poland and I fell in love with amber that comes from Poland."
After the few pieces of artwork Chmil returned with were given away as gifts, she was compelled to go back for more.
"Once you buy one piece, you get hooked," she laughed. "People used to call me on my phone and meet me in my kitchen for this beautiful amber. It started out very small. Like all the good things women usually cook up, it began in the kitchen."
In business online since 1996, Chmil moved her business into the former Shield's Florist space in North Scranton a couple of months ago in a quest for more space. The additional room has allowed her to open a public showroom of earrings, bracelets, pendants and broaches for sale, as well as a museum-like display of prized items from her personal collection. It's not all in the form of jewelry - among her favorites is an egg-shaped piece of very clear amber that contains four very small insects.
Through October, visitors will also be able to view a series of 10 photographs capturing "the inside of amber." A reception for
Barbara Gronus-Dutko: Inside Planet Jantar will be held Saturday, Aug. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. although the Krakow-based artist will not be able to attend.
"The pictures are so cool. When you look at them and you don't know, you think you're looking into another planet. Like Mars. They're beautiful," Chmil described.
Andzia's Amber Jewlery is located at 1808 N. Main Ave. in Scranton, next to the Post Office. Call 346-4568 or visit www.amberjewelry.com for more information.