Königsberg as a coronation town developed a rich tradition of goldsmithing and amber craftwork parallel to Gdansk.
Already in the Middle Ages, especially for absolutist rulers of the Baroque period, displays of splendour and lavish gifts were an important means of proving social status and power. Very popular were artfully crafted devices, vessels and decorative pieces made of valuable materials such as gold, silver and amber.
Königsberg's goldsmithing was state-of-the-art, as can be taken from the direct influence of the European art centre in Augsburg. A speciality in Prussia were the specialists of amber craftwork. Their works were among the most exclusive that European craftsmanship had to offer and were found in the collections of kings and princes. The legendary Amber Room commissioned by King Frederick I in Berlin offered the greatest display of splendour.