The Dominican Amber Museum (Calle Duarte 61, tel. 809/586-2848, www.ambermuseum.com [1], 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat., US$1.75), in an old Victorian mansion, houses a stunning array of amber pieces; some of them are quite rare. The most celebrated find is that of a 40-centimeter lizard perfectly conserved, dating back 30–40 million years. There are many other impressive pieces in the collection, which is well displayed with good signage and can be described to you personally by a guide in English or Spanish.
Unfortunately, they have closed the gift shop associated with this museum. In order to take home a piece of amber jewelry, you’ll have to head over to the Fine Gift Center [2], which also has an amber museum (the Galeria de Ámbar [3]).
Links:
[1] http://www.ambermuseum.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/dominican-republic/the-north-coast/puerto-plata-and-playa-dorada/shopping
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/dominican-republic/the-north-coast/puerto-plata-and-playa-dorada/sights/galeria-de-ambar