Our Family's Amber History

1st Generation of Amber Polishers
Christian Martinus Christiansen – My great-grandfather
"Birkene" Bangsbo, Læsø
Amber polisher from around 1925 until his death in 1972.
Christian polished an amber tube for Winston Churchill.
He also donated a fine collection of amber to the Hjemstavnsgården (museum) on Læsø.
We believe Christian may have been trained in the craft by his father, who was a watchmaker in Jerslev. So, we might have another generation yet to be added to the family tree.

2nd Generation of Amber Polishers
Laurits Christian Christiansen – My grandfather
Mågevej 6, Østerby Havn, Læsø
Amber polisher at "Birkene" Bangsbo and Østerby Havn, Læsø from 1963 until his death in 1973.

3rd Generation of Amber Polishers
Erik Ravgård Christiansen – My father
Amber polisher since 1974.
For Erik and my uncle Bjarne, it was never far from thought to action. Since 9th grade in 1974, they built and ran the marine life exhibition Mysis alongside their amber polishing business in Østerby Havn, Læsø.
Later, Erik and Bjarne set up an amber polishing workshop at Viborg Cathedral School during their high school years.
After graduating in 1979, they expanded Mysis with a fish business.
In 1980, Erik, together with Margit, opened the amber workshop Ravgården in Sønderlev, North Jutland.
The following year, the marine life exhibition moved from Mysis to Ravgården, and in 1984, it was supplemented with a large 12,000-liter saltwater aquarium.
In 2006, the aquarium was converted into a freshwater aquarium, and it still offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the beautiful fish.
In 1985, the amber museum was established, and it’s still available for you to explore when you visit Ravgården.
In recent years, the outdoor areas have been transformed into a beautiful flower garden, with many beautiful perennials and dahlias/georginas adorning the space. Erik and Margit are still found at Ravgården in Sønderlev.

4th Generation of Amber Polishers – "In the Making"
Christine Ravgård Lavrsen (myself)

My name is Christine (formerly Christiansen), and I was born at Ravgården in 1986. In 2024, I took a significant step and added ravgaard.com to the proud line of our family’s amber stores, which includes our physical store in Sønderlev. I am currently continuing our family’s legacy as the 4th generation of amber polishers and learning the art of creating jewelry.
As a student in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at VIA U.C. in Herning, I combine my passion for amber with my desire to create an online experience that brings our deep tradition and craftsmanship to a wider world. My vision is to offer unique jewelry that not only reflects the natural beauty of amber but also the stories behind each piece of amber.
Today, we offer jewelry made with care and love by my parents, Margit and Erik Ravgård Christiansen, while I work on bringing my own designs to life in the future. I hope you’ll follow my journey – and perhaps find a piece of jewelry that holds a special meaning for you.