Dorota Cenecka's prolific career as a jewellery designer has revolved around Baltic amber, a mineral that traces its roots to her native town of Gdansk in Poland.

Amber, which is fossilised tree resin, was a natural choice of material. “It's very much connected with my hometown. It's part of the heritage of the city and its people,” remarked Cenecka. “Gdansk is also the centre of the global amber trade.”

Cenecka started working in the jewellery industry 25 years ago but it was only around 2011 when she established her own company, Gin Atelier. Over the years, Cenecka has put together an expansive collection of handcrafted amber jewellery pieces in trendy, unconventional designs.

She relies heavily on intuition as part of her creative process, which starts with choosing a stone and designing around it. “It's such a joy to work with amber because each stone has a unique character. The overall look of the jewellery piece is anchored on the gem,” she continued.

The designer also offers customisation, where she spends a great deal of time getting to know clients, so she can effectively convey their aspirations through the jewellery pieces.

Apart from joining international exhibitions, she also teaches and provides jewellery design workshops where she inadvertently picks up creative inspirations, too.

Her work stands out, thanks to distinct techniques that she resourcefully employs: Satin-finish forms, filigree and carving. A fan of experimentation, Cenecka offers non-traditional jewellery pieces that are more attuned to the wearer's character.

Gin Atelier mainly caters to the Chinese market. According to the designer, buyers from China have become partial to smaller jewellery pieces unlike before when they would order bigger, statement items. She also sells to European clients.

Commenting on the state of the trade today, Cenecka said, “The jewellery market has slowed down a bit, but it happens; it's a cycle. The good thing is people are still buying and designers continue to create. I will always make amber jewellery; it's my passion.”