Frequently Asked Questions
Why wear Baltic amber?
Pain relief is one of the main reasons people use Baltic amber. The therapeutic compound within the oils of Baltic amber is succinic acid (succinum) which is present in the human body naturally. Though the resin itself isn't a painkiller, its succinic acid is believed to have analgesic properties that take the edge off of pain. When worn against the skin, Baltic amber warms slightly releasing it's natural oils into the system.
People have used Baltic amber to ease carpal tunnel syndrome, lessen back pain, alleviate menstrual cramps, ease arthritis, soothe migraine headaches, and help alleviate a baby's teething pains. Baltic amber may even restore energy, strengthen the immune system and promote general wellness.
For best results, wear your Baltic Amber jewelry as close to the source of the pain as possible, and as much as possible - necklace for headaches, teething pain, etc., bracelet for wrist pain, etc. Some people will notice slight differences very quickly when wearing their jewelry for the first time! For many, pain symptoms often lessen within less than 24 hours of putting on their jewelry. For most, it is a cumulative effect - with the easing of symptoms most often noted within 2-3 weeks of consistent wear.
To learn more about Baltic amber, check out our blog post: "Amber: 101"
Is Funky Birdie Amber jewelry safe for my child to wear?
All Funky Birdie Amber jewelry for children is hand-knotted in between each bead as a safe guard. In the event the jewelry were to break, only one bead will come loose, which minimizes the chance of a child swallowing beads. It is important to inspect jewelry regularly for broken beads or other issues.
Our Teething and Children's jewelry is also made with safety break-away points at the clasps of each piece. That means, if pulled on with force, the jewelry will break, like it's meant to do! That way if the child were to become bound, the piece will break away and pose less of a threat of injury to the child.
Amber jewelry is NOT intended to be chewed! Please watch for your child putting amber jewelry in the mouth. If a necklace can reach a child's mouth, it is too long! See below for information on choosing the correct size for your child.
Please use common sense when using jewelry on children. It is to be used under supervision only!
For more information about safety, please check out our blog post: "Are Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces Safe?"
how long will it take to get my Funky Birdie Amber jewelry?
We make your jewelry by hand to your specifications! Current production time for all made-to-order jewelry is 5-7 business days, which means that your jewelry will ship 5-7 business days after purchase. We ship via USPS First Class 2-6 business day shipping.
What size necklace should I order?
TEETHING NECKLACES
Our measurements indicate the length of the piece of jewelry, from tip of one clasp to the other. Using a soft measuring measuring tape, measure your child to determine what length will be best. Your child's necklace should fit not tightly, but also not so long they can pass the necklace over their chin and into their mouth. Amber is a soft material that will break when chewed, and gemstones are a hard material that will break teeth if chewed.
The most popular size necklace for very young children is 12", which should fit from infancy until age 2 to 2 1/2.
TEETHING ANKLETS
When choosing your child's teething anklet size, measure their ankle size exactly, and then add 1/2" to 1". Keep in mind that the stones themselves will add some "bulk" compared to the measuring tape, so adding the inch is to account for that. If you're between sizes, go up a half inch. We make teething anklets in half-inch increments; we are unable to customize size further than that.
BRACELETS & ANKLETS
When choosing your clasping bracelet or anklet size, measure your wrist or ankle size exactly, and then add one inch. Keep in mind that the stones themselves will add some "bulk" compared to the measuring tape, so adding the inch is to account for that. If you're between sizes, go up a half inch. We make bracelets and anklets in half-inch increments; we are unable to customize size further than that. For stretchy bracelets, we recommend measuring your wrist and adding 1/2" to 3/4" to determine size.
ADULT & OLDER CHILDREN'S NECKLACES
Sizing for these pieces is more based on personal preference. If you're ordering a necklace as a gift, we can suggest our most popular sizes:
Under 2 years: 11" to 12"
2-5 years: 13" to 15"
6-10 years: 16" to 20"
Teens & Adult women: 18" to 22"
Men: 24" to 26"
For more information on ensuring the correct size, check out our blog post: "What Size Do I Order?"
Which clasp should I choose?
Sterling silver clasp: Our sterling silver spring ring clasps are made with .925 sterling silver - great for those with sensitive skin. Each piece made with a silver clasp has multiple safety breakaway points - both at the spring ring clasp itself as well as the "clamshell" findings on either side. Durable enough for every day use, when the piece is pulled on hard or yanked with force, the clasp or the clamshells will give way - just as it's intended to do. Your sterling silver clasp piece WILL require repair if break-away is used. We offer repair and re-string services on all Funky Birdie Amber jewelry. We love this type of clasp for ALL ages.
Screw clasp: We also offer plastic screw clasps in colors to coordinate with your amber jewelry. Screw type clasps are the most difficult to break-away, meaning it will require a LOT of force to give way in the unlikely case of an emergency situation. For this reason, we don't recommend them on necklaces for babies. We like plastic screw clasps for child's bracelets and anklets, as well as adult jewelry.
Pop clasp: These clasps have the same look as screw clasps, but breakaway MUCH more easily than screw, or even sterling silver clasps. On the plus side, utilizing the break-away feature won't result in actual breakage of the piece, but does mean it's more likely to be removed by your child or lost. We like this option best for babies.
Stretchy bracelets: Our premium stretchy cord is strong, but we recommend stretchy jewelry for adults only.
For more on clasps, check out our blog post: "What Clasp Should I Choose?"
How should I care for my Funky Birdie Amber jewelry?
To lengthen the life of (and consequently, maximize the benefits) your Baltic Amber jewelry, it's important to properly care for your pieces:
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Do not bathe or swim in your jewelry.
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Do not use harsh chemicals or jewelry cleaners/solutions.
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Do not store your amber jewelry along with metal jewelry as it may cause the amber beads to chip, crack and break.
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Remove your jewelry and/or avoid using body care products in the areas you wear your amber jewelry that will coat the jewelry, such as: hairsprays, gels, lotions, etc.
For more information on how to care for your Funky Birdie Amber jewelry, check out our blog post: "How To Get The Most Out Of Your Amber Jewelry"
Workmanship Guarantee & Warranty
We guarantee the workmanship of each Funky Birdie Amber piece to be of the highest quality and construction.
Due to the nature of amber, broken beads are covered for 30 days from date of shipment.
If a piece of jewelry breaks due to the breakaway features being activated as they are meant to do, the buyer is responsible for the cost of return shipping and repair.
If your piece breaks due to a flaw in workmanship, simply ship it back and we will repair it free of charge within 60 days from date of shipment. Please email us at customerservice@funkybirdieamber.com with a picture of the flaw and we will issue you a return return slip and provide return instructions and our return address. The customer is responsible for return shipping cost. Please use original packaging materials and include your return slip. Items without a return slip and/or items not shipped back in adequate protective packaging materials may not be covered under the workmanship guarantee.
If it is determined that a flaw is not due to workmanship, repair fees may apply.
***International shipping disclaimer: we cannot be held responsible for return shipping outside of the United States. If you are an international customer please be aware you will be responsible for the difference of the cost of return shipping for returns or warranty work.
Terms & Conditions
Current production time for all made-to-order jewelry is one week. By agreeing to these terms, you understand that your order will ship up to seven days from date of purchase.
The information, statements, and recommendations contained within Funky Birdie Amber (FBA) website, blog, Etsy shop, and all social media platforms is provided for informational and educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to replace a physicians advice or treatment, nor is any comment herein intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe. FBA cannot guarantee the effectiveness of Baltic amber or gemstones in the treatment of any specific conditions. Any information provided is general information only and should not be used as medical advice for self-diagnosis. For all your health concerns, please consult an appropriately licensed healthcare practitioner. As the purchaser, you accept that you are solely responsible for the safety of yourself and those in your care. FBA assumes no responsibility if any harm should come to any person due to misuse of our products.
Warning: These items contain small parts. Amber is a soft stone, and the beads may break if chewed.
The maker FBA cannot be held liable for improper use of these wares.
These statements are required by US law [Small Parts Regulations].
As with any children’s toys containing small pieces, new legislation is in effect in the US as of February 2009, which mandates an age recommendation of 3 years and older for these types of wares. These wares are NOT toys! As with any other items containing small objects, adult supervision is recommended at all times while these wares are in use. It is not recommended to leave these wares on/with a child while they are sleeping. http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/regsumsmallparts.pdf
While we are not able to recommend this product for children under 3 years old, we understand that this regulation does not take away a parent's right to decide for themselves what is appropriate for their child.
Return Policy
Because each piece of Funky Birdie Amber jewelry is made-to-order just for you, unless they arrive damaged or defective, we do not accept returns or exchanges, but please contact us if you have any problems with your order.
Conditions of Return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
