Baltic Amber Chess Sets Handmade in the USA — Buyer’s Guide | KIZIMA®
Amber Chess Sets — The Königsberg Tradition, Made in New York
An amber chess set is one of the oldest luxury objects in Europe. In the 1600s the workshops of Königsberg carved chess and backgammon boards from Baltic amber for kings and electors; one of them, made in the circle of Georg Schreiber, is on view today in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (Gallery 520, object 48.174.41). A comparable Schreiber board sold at Sotheby’s London in 2012 for £601,250 — the world record for an amber games board.
KIZIMA® is the only workshop in the United States that makes chess sets from genuine Baltic amber today. Every set is handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York by founder Elena Kizima, who was born in Königsberg. This guide explains what to look for and which KIZIMA® set fits which purpose.
The KIZIMA® chess & games collection
| Set | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Teutonic Knights Chess Set — figural pieces with inlaid board | Museum-grade collectors, corporate gifts | $2,300 |
| Königsberg Grand Chess Set | Executive offices, penthouse interiors | $1,850 |
| Exclusive Chess Set with Inlaid Board | Heirloom gift, anniversaries | $1,400 |
| Königsberg Large Chess Set | Serious players who want a full-size set | $1,300 |
| Manhattan Skyline Chess Pieces — 32 chessmen, board not included | New York themed gift | $800 |
| Königsberg Imperial Chess Set | Best value complete set with board | $750 |
| Chess Set on Rattan Wood Board | Natural, warm interiors | $650 |
| Chess Set on Wooden Board | Gift for a boss or client | $490 |
| Chess Set with Carved Board | Entry-level complete set | $350 |
| Amber Chess Pieces only | Pair with your own board | from $330 |
| Amber-inlay Chess Board | Upgrade an existing set | $390 |
| Backgammon “Hunters at a Halt”, Bamboo Backgammon | Backgammon players | $470–$965 |
| Domino Set, Checkers, Backgammon pieces | Family games, smaller gifts | $220–$350 |
See the full Chess & Games collection →
What makes a KIZIMA® amber chess set different
- Genuine Baltic amber pieces. Each of the 32 chessmen is formed from natural Baltic amber in honey, cognac and tea tones; no two pieces are identical. Set them near a lamp and the whole army glows from within.
- Made to be played. Pieces are hand-finished and polished so they sit firmly on the board and feel pleasant in the hand — a working set, not only a display piece.
- Handmade in Brooklyn. Every set is made to order in our workshop — allow about 14 days for production on the larger sets.
- Boards. Choose an inlaid amber board, carved wood, rattan or bamboo, or buy chessmen only and use your own board.
- Ships from New York. Free U.S. shipping on all sets, 2–7 business days after dispatch; worldwide shipping available. 30-day returns.
How to choose
- For a corporate or executive gift: Königsberg Grand or Teutonic Knights — the presentation and story (the Met connection) carry the gift.
- For a chess player: Königsberg Large or Imperial — full-size pieces for real play.
- For a New York themed gift: Manhattan Skyline chessmen.
- For a first amber set or a budget under $500: Chess Set with Carved Board or the Wooden Board set.
- Custom sets: engraving, a client’s logo, or a themed army (military, historical, corporate) can be made to order — contact us.
Care
Amber is a soft organic gem. Wipe pieces with a dry soft cloth, keep the set away from direct sun and heat, and avoid alcohol or perfume on the pieces. Stored properly, an amber chess set lasts for generations — the Met’s board is nearly 400 years old.
Frequently asked questions
Are KIZIMA chess sets made of real amber?
Yes — genuine natural Baltic amber, handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York. No pressed amber or imitations.
How much does an amber chess set cost?
KIZIMA® complete sets range from $350 to $2,300; chessmen only from $330. Antique Königsberg boards sell at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How long does it take to make a set?
Most sets are made to order and ship within about 14 days; in-stock sets ship within 1–3 business days.
Can I see the sets in person?
Yes, at the KIZIMA® store, 271 Brighton Beach Ave, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11235 — open daily.