Frequently Asked Questions
We receive many questions from our customers relating to all aspects of amber jewelry. We hope you are able to find the answers you are looking for. If not, please contact us directly at amber@powellsowls.com. We love connecting with the Baltic amber community!
What is amber?
Amber is fossilized tree resin from ancient forests. Amber is not produced from tree sap, but rather from plant resin of ancient coniferous tree species similar to modern-day pines, spruces, and cedars. The hardening process of amber is known as polymerization, which fossilizes the resin over many centuries, making it hard and sturdy.
Where does amber come from?
The Baltic region is home to the largest known deposit of amber, called Baltic amber or succinite. It dates from more than 40 million years ago, during the Eocene epoch. It has been estimated that these ancient European forests produced more than 100,000 tons of amber, which now washes up on the shores of the Baltic Sea. At Powell’s Owls we source all our amber from the Baltic coast in Lithuania to ensure it is 100% real and genuine.
How can amber help with aches and pains?
Amber contains succinic acid, a naturally occurring analgesic and healing agent. According to traditional medicine, when the amber jewelry is warmed against the body, small amounts of succinic acid are absorbed into the skin, helping with pain relief. For centuries, Baltic amber has been used to ease a variety of ailments by those looking for natural pain relief.
What are the different colors of amber?
Amber comes in more than 300 different shades! At Powell’s Owls, we offer a large selection of amber colors varying from lighter shades of amber (raw honey) to darker shades (cherry). Shop our selection of colors and designs for adults and children.
How do I know if my Baltic amber jewelry is real?
There are many tests that can be performed to determine if the amber is natural or man-made. At Powell’s Owls all of our amber is 100% GIA certified and real! If you want to test your amber at home, we recommend the “flotation test.” To test your necklace, mix together a solution of 1 part salt to 2 parts water and place the amber in this mixture. If it floats in salt water, it is true Baltic amber. If it sinks, it is likely man-made. Some natural copals will also float, so you would need further testing to make a determination.
Do you recommend amber jewelry for teething babies?
While we are not medical professionals and don't claim to be - amber jewelry has been trusted as a holistic, natural remedy for teething and other ailments for centuries! The anti-inflammatory properties of Baltic amber are believed to soothe inflamed cheeks and gums without the use of teething medications.
Can my baby chew on the amber necklace?
No – amber jewelry is not to be chewed or eaten. We offer different necklace sizes to ensure that small children cannot reach the necklace into their mouth.
Can my baby wear the necklace to bed?
We recommend that small children only wear amber jewelry when supervised and that jewelry is removed when sleeping.
Why should I choose amber jewelry vs. teething medication?
Traditional beaded amber necklaces from the Baltic region are a less intrusive remedy for the pain and side effects of teething than medications and ointments. Amber is known as a natural analgesic and can help soothe pain without resorting to drugs.
How long does it take for the amber to work?
The effectiveness of Baltic amber for pain relief can vary from person to person. Some people report feeling relief within a few hours to a couple of days of consistent use, while others may take a week or more to notice significant benefits. It's important to keep in mind that individual results can differ, and it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for persistent pain.
How do I find the correct size?
When selecting a size, we have 3 main guidelines:
- The necklace must be a comfortable length for yourself or your child. We advise using a piece of ribbon or string and looping it carefully around your or your child's neck to see what length fits most comfortably.
- If buying the necklace for a child, you should be able to insert two to three fingers between the necklace and your child’s neck.
- The necklace should not be long enough for your child to bring it to his/her mouth. Amber jewelry is for wearing, not chewing!
Please contact us if you are not sure what to order. We're happy to discuss what is best for you and answer any questions you may have.
Children's Jewelry Sizes:
Our children's Baltic amber necklaces come in the following sizes:
- 11 inches (28cm) - Recommended for Newborns / Infants (Best Fit for 0-9 Months)
- 12.5 inches (32cm) - Recommended for Toddlers / Children (Best Fit for 9 Months - 5 Years)
- 14 inches (36cm) - Recommended for Children 5-10 Years
Our children's Baltic amber bracelets and anklets come in the following size:
- 5.5 inches (14cm) - Recommended for Newborns / Infants / Small Toddlers
Click on the iruler to assist with child sizing http://iruler.net/.
Adult Jewelry Sizes:
Our adult amber necklaces come in the following sizes:
- 18 inches (46 cm) - Recommended for Teens & Adults
- 20 inches (50 cm) - Recommended for Adults
Our adult amber bracelets come in the following size:
- 7.5 inches (19cm) with elastic band - One Size Fits Most Adults
Why is my amber necklace measuring short?
The measurements on our website typically reflect the necklace length when it is stretched completely taut. Since all our jewelry is handmade with natural stones, there can be length discrepancies due to bead size and other variance in materials. Additionally, the cotton thread is a little "stiff" when it's new, especially because it is knotted between every bead. The thread will most definitely relax and stretch out over time with regular wear (up to 1-inch or more).
Can Baltic amber jewelry help adults?
Absolutely! Baltic amber has been a natural way to help reduce inflammation in the body for centuries. Baltic amber has been used to help the body speed up the recovery process, boost the immune system, relieve headaches, and more.
How should I care for my amber jewelry?
Amber can get wet, however frequent wetting and drying can weaken the thread on the jewelry. Avoid wearing your necklace in pools or hot tubs, as chemicals are harmful to the amber. We also recommend removing the jewelry when showering or bathing to avoid the risk of contact with soaps and shampoo. If the necklace needs to be washed, use warm water only, no soap. To clean your amber jewelry, use a soft cloth dampened with clean lukewarm water (no chlorine or detergents). You should dry your amber very carefully, lightly polish and remove any excess oil.
How long will my amber jewelry last?
This largely depends on how it is cared for. However, we recommend updating your amber jewelry every 2-3 years for maximum effectiveness, as constant rubbing and environmental factors can affect its benefits. Amber can become brittle and faded over time, especially if exposed to soaps and creams, perfumes, chlorine or heat.
How do I make a return or exchange?
For merchandise that was delivered as expected in new condition, we have a return policy of 90 days. You may return any used or unused product to us, for any reason, within this 90-day window for a full refund on your original purchase. View our Return Policy for more information.
Should I consult a doctor if I am experiencing health issues or pain?
Yes! While amber jewelry can be used to help ease pain related to inflammation, it is not a substitute for medical care or advice.
Has your jewelry been safety tested?
Yes, all of our children's jewelry has undergone safety testing, and is designed to snap if too much pressure is applied. However, we recommend that all amber jewelry is used under adult supervision.
Important Safety Reminders
- Amber necklaces and bracelets are made for wearing, not for chewing! Do not allow your child to chew on the amber.
- Parents should always supervise their child when wearing any kind of jewelry.
- Remove amber jewelry during sleep.
- Please remember, amber is not a toy.
- Check the amber jewelry regularly to ensure the threads and beads are secure and strong. If there is any damage, please discontinue use and dispose of the jewelry.
Please note that the effects of succinic acid have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any use of amber jewelry for pain relief should be treated as a holistic remedy. Advice found on powellsowls.com or related social media platforms or literature is not a replacement for advice by a medical professional.
About Powell's Owls
Powell’s Owls is a small, women-owned business based in Pennsylvania. Sourced from the Baltic region and lab tested in the US, our amber teething necklaces, amber teething bracelets, and other amber jewelry is sold worldwide. What we love most about Baltic amber is that it offers a natural, drug-free alternative to pain relief in both children and adults.
Families across the world trust Powell’s Owls to deliver premium amber jewelry paired with a transparent, honest, and supportive shopping experience. Our reputation for quality and integrity has earned us recognition as an authority in the amber jewelry field. We're committed to enhancing the lives of our customers with the timeless, therapeutic benefits of natural Baltic amber!