I get emails all of the time from customers about my Baltic amber jewelry and how it all works. I wanted to blog about the 10 most frequently asked questions so that everyone can easily search and find the answers that they are looking for when considering Baltic amber jewelry for themselves or someone else.
#1 What is Baltic amber and what makes amber teething necklaces work?
Answer~ Baltic amber is not a stone but a fossilized resin from the sap of the conifer trees which lived 30-90 million years ago. As time passed these trees were covered by the ocean or washed by large rivers into the Baltic sea. Throughout time, the resins have hardened and formed into Baltic amber. Baltic amber contains succinic acid. When worn against the skin it absorbs into the blood stream. It acts as a natural anti~inflammatory which can be beneficial for any inflammation and pain especially teething pain.
Succinic acid is derived from the Latin word Succinum meaning amber. Baltic amber has been revered for thousands of years for it's healing qualities Baltic amber is often found in Chinese medicine as an active ingredient.
#2 Does the amber in the jewelry wear out?
Answer~ The amber on necklaces and jewelry does not wear out. It lasts forever as long as the beads don't get cracked or broken. The cord that the amber beads are strung on can wear out and break over time. That is why I make my jewelry with strong nylon chord for maximum durability. Cords made of natural fibers such as cotton, flax, silk, or hemp will fall apart over time with wear. The amber does not lose it's potency but should be cleaned occasionally to remove built up body oils that can clog it's pores.
#3 Why are they called teething necklaces? Do babies chew on them?
Answer~ For centuries amber has been used for teething pain. THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO GO INTO THE MOUTH OR BE CHEWED ON. They simply work by being in contact with the skin.
#4 Is amber jewelry safe for babies to wear?
Answer~ A correct fit is essential for safety. I want to emphasize that a correct fit is so important. You want a little room for growth but not so much room that your child can pull the necklace up over their chin and into their mouth or slide their arm up and though the necklace. If the necklace reaches your child's mouth it poses a risk. According to the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) amber jewelry is not recommended for children under the age of 3. If you are considering this on a child younger than the age of 3 please use common sense when your child is wearing it and follow these safety guidelines that I listed above. I recommend using a safety tension clasp for children under the age of 3 so that if the necklace that is being worn were to get snagged on something, it will easily pop off of the child. Refer to question #5 for how to choose the perfect length for your child.
#5 How do you choose the right length?
Answer~ Size is so relative that it's hard to guess. Measuring your child is always your best bet. If you are unsure of the proper length you can measure your child's neck circumference and then consider the age of your child. As a general rule this is a guideline that I use.
*Birth-1year 11inches with a safety clasp
*1-3years 12inches with a safety clasp or a screw clasp if you prefer
*3-8years 13inches with a screw clasp
Some babies have larger necks and may require a longer necklace so measuring their neck and considering their age when choosing a clasp are the proper way to choose a length for the perfect fit.
Everything is custom made to order on my website. I offer necklace extenders and restringing jewelry for $.50 an inch and $1.00 to add an additional inch.
Not all amber jewelry are alike! It is important that you choose a trusted amber jeweler that uses round beads for maximum durability and that the jewelry is hand knotted between each bead for added safety or to prevent spillage if breakage were to occur.
Some parents feel more comfortable doubling a necklace around a child's ankle at bedtime. Another great option is a anklet that can be moved to the child's wrist as they grow. I also offer adjustable bracelets/anklets that have a macrame sleeve that allows for a long lasting snug fit.
#6 How do I care for my amber jewelry?
Answer~ I include a care card in every order that explains the proper cleaning and care instructions for your Baltic amber jewelry. I recommend that customers wash their jewelry with a gentle soap and a soft toothbrush and warm water and let dry in a sunny spot. It's best to avoid exposing the amber to harsh soaps or lotions.
#7 Does it really work?
Answer~ I have used my Baltic amber jewelry on my own 4 children and have seen them get great relief from teething pain. I want to share just a few reviews with you from happy customers that can be found on my Etsy page.
Allison wrote:
"This was perfect for my 11month old son. He cut 4 teeth and was hardly fussy."
Brittany wrote:
"Perfect fit! My son has worn one since he was 6 months old. He's a grouchy 2 year old, but you can tell a huge difference with the necklace on. Love Amber and Haze!"
Isapep wrote:
"I love this pretty necklace. I received it the day after I had a migraine. I was in the postdrome stage, with a lot of fatigue and aches - especially in my neck and shoulders. I put the necklace on and it was so comfortable and lightweight that I forgot about it. Awhile later I noticed relentless aching had eased, which never happens "the day after." Since then I have continued to notice positive effects. I ordered a second amber necklace and earrings from this vendor. They are lovely too. Thanks again!"
#8 What's better, dark or light beads?
Answer~ When choosing the type of amber and the color of amber here are some things to consider; Raw amber is always best. The lemon,milky, and green are always raw. The darker the colors are almost always “cooked” to render their color. The darker it is, the less effective the amber becomes when cooked. Honey, cognac, and coffee are most often created by heating the lemon. Although they exist in nature, high demand causes companies to do this. In all of my many years in the business I have not found a steady supplier that uses only raw amber. However, I have shopped around for years until I found an amber supplier that could custom make my beads for me. This has resulted in the most beautiful 4mm-6mm almost perfectly round beads. Small round beads break less often and produce a more comfortable, durable, and more beautiful piece of jewelry. My beads are exclusively made for me in Lithuania according to my specifications.
#9 Raw or Polished? Which is better?
Answer~ First, raw and unpolished are 2 different things. Raw means that is not "cooked". Raw is always best because it is most potent. The always raw colors are the milky, lemon, and green. Although they are found in nature the other colors are usually created when autoclaving the lemon color. The longer they "cook", the darker they become and the less effective they become. I have searched for a Baltic Amber supplier that only offers raw amber but it is impossible. Our amber is of the highest quality and made specifically for us according to our specifications. You will not find a better quality! Unpolished means not polished. When comparing unpolished and polished amber beads unpolished are always a better option. The polishing process seals off the natural pores in the amber making it less effective. Often unpolished beads will appear to look polished due to built up oils from wear. Refer to Q&A #6 for proper care and cleaning instructions when this happens.
#10 Is amber good for anything other than teething?
Answer~ It is good for any inflammation and pain so it is good for all ages! Adults and children alike can benefit from the healing qualities of Baltic Amber!!
It also helps to repair and protect against EMF's and rebuilds electrostatic fields that are disturbed by electrical devices.
Stress depletes the oxygen in your blood leaving the body run down and Baltic amber helps to oxygenate the blood relieving the body of the symptoms of stress.
