Polish designers give ancient amber a modern twist

In Poland’s Gdansk city, designers from the Academy of Fine Arts worked with the translucent fossil and they combine traditional tools like drills, sanders, blasters and power saws with state-of-the-art technology. For centuries, amber had been associated with traditional patterns which are still used by many Polish local artists and artisans.

But the workshop led by jewelry artist Slawomir Fijalkowski opened a new door for youths to mold ambers into experimental design. By applying virtual reality technology, students learn the complete processes of design and their own creativity. The workshop also provides students the opportunities to choose their own path between "ready-to-wear" design and "haute couture".