What Is Baltic Amber?
Baltic amber is the fossilized tree resin of ancient conifer trees that grew in the Baltic region 40-60 million years ago. Baltic amber is the only type of amber that has a rich concentration of succinic acid (3-8 %). Baltic amber is then mined into beads and made into jewellery. Succinic Acid (also called Amber Acid) in Baltic amber is believed to have pain-relieving or healing qualities when absorbed into the skin.
How do I know if my amber necklace or Amber Bracelet is genuine baltic amber?
I get asked from time to time how I test the amber necklaces and amber bracelets to make sure it’s genuine. We have an amazing supplier, direct from Lithuania but in saying this we like to test amber anyway. There is actually a few ways. From a hot needle test to a float test and many more. My favourite and the method we use is, ultraviolet light.
As you can see in the pictures below I have a honey raw bracelet. Stock image, a picture taken in normal light and then 2 in UV.
The amber glows while the plastic clasp remains dark. Genuine baltic amber will fluoresce under a black light and glow a blue colour while plastics will not glow. From the experience, what colour and how much it glows depends on the type of amber and quality. Some pieces will glow brighter than others and in different shades of yellow-green to blue.
How cool is that!!
- Baltic Amber Ultraviolet Light Test
This article is written from a personal perspective. Always seek professional medical advice.
As per the TGA there are no claims made by Zebra Babies or our direct supplier in the regards to the benefits or dis benefits of Amber products. We recommend researching all avenues to understand Amber. Seek medical advice first if needed.
BALTIC AMBER should always be used under adult supervision, removed at nap/bed times and for bath time also.
Baltic Amber Necklace FAQ
What age can my baby begin to wear an Amber Teething Necklace?
We suggest that bubs can begin to wear an amber necklace from about 4 months or when they start sitting up. For premature bubs, we go off their adjusted age.
Are Amber Teething Necklaces comfortable for babies to wear?
Baltic Amber is not actually a stone, it’s a fossilised resin and therefore not cold to touch. Most babies don’t even know they are there as they are lightweight. Amber and gemstone necklaces will be slightly more weighted and the gemstones cold to touch at first but warm to the skin.
What will happen if my baby chews on it?
Amber Necklaces are designed to sit comfortably on babies collar bone but not long enough to reach over their chin and into their mouth. Amber Jewellery is designed to be worn and not chewed on or placed inside the mouth. The easiest solution is to quickly tuck the necklace under their clothing. It is likely that baby will ignore it. If not, just remove it for another day. Do not allow your baby to chew the amber necklace! PLEASE MEASURE before purchasing, we will not refund or exchange for wrong size!
What size necklace should I get for my baby?
All Amber Necklaces should be between 32 – 33 cm long. This is the ideal length for most babies aged 4 months right up to 2-3 years old. Amber Teething Necklace should not be long enough that baby can pull it over their chin and into their mouth. If this is the case, baby might be a bit young and possibly try again in a couple weeks time. It’s best to measure to ensure a great fit.
Amber Necklace and Amber Bracelet SIZE GUIDE
- Baby to Toddler – Amber Necklaces 32cm – Amber Bracelets 14cm
- Toddler to Child – Amber Necklaces 36-38cm – Amber Bracelets 16-17cm
- Adult – Amber Necklaces 45cm+ – Amber Bracelets 18-19cm+
Can my baby wear an Amber Necklace during sleep, nap time?
Any product that contains small parts including amber teething jewellery should be removed whenever the child is without supervision including sleep times.
Are Baltic Amber Necklaces safe?
Our Baltic amber has been made using the highest quality materials however babies and children should be supervised whilst wearing any kind of jewellery with small inclusions. All of our amber jewellery have individually knotted beads so that in the unlikely case it comes apart only one bead may fall off. Each is fitted with a traditional plastic twist clasp designed to release if excessive pressure is applied to the joint. As with all products around the home that are small enough to be swallowed, extra special care must be taken for children under 3 as they pose a CHOKING HAZARD.
Can my baby wear Amber in the bath or swimming?
We recommend that all amber products be removed while bathing or swimming as prolonged exposure to water may weaken the thread.
Do you recommend a necklace or bracelet?
Both products are amazing! Most our customer start with a bracelet. If baby goes to daycare most centres take necklaces but not bracelets off. We suggest a necklace for teething babies although the bracelets are still a suitable and common alternative. Necklaces have more beads than bracelets.
Will I receive a Certificate of Authenticity?
For many years we would include a certificate of authenticity. We currently don’t include a certificate or card anymore. This decision was make on a couple of factors. first being environmentally and the second we test all our amber in house for authenticity.
How long should my amber jewellery last?
Each teething necklace or bracelet is specifically designed for use by infants. With the right care, it may become a treasured heirloom to pass down to loved ones. Checking for faults and imperfection regularly is recommended
How do I care for my amber beads?
You may occasionally hand wash in mild soapy water, rinse in fresh water and allow to air dry. Do not use harsh cleaners. You may polish your amber beads with a small amount of olive oil to retain their original shine. As they are not designed for chewing, sterilisation is not be necessary.
What colour should I buy & can boys and girls wear Amber Teething Necklace?
Absolutely, both boys and girls (equally) wear Baltic amber jewellery. We stock a great range of colours to suit each baby. The lighter shades tend to be bought for the girls whereas the darker shades for the boys. The mixed ones are popular choice for baby shower presents if the gender of the baby is unknown. Every amber necklace is unique and may vary slightly from the images online due to the product being in its natural form.