Frequently Asked Questions
Why wear Baltic amber?
Pain relief is one of the main reasons people use Baltic amber. The therapeutic compound within Baltic amber is succinic acid (succinum) which is present in the human body naturally. When worn against the skin, Baltic amber warms slightly, releasing it's natural oils into your system. Though the resin itself isn't a painkiller, succinic acid is known for its analgesic properties, which have the ability to reduce or take the edge off many types of pain.
People have used Baltic amber to ease their baby's teething pains, soothe pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, lessen back pain, alleviate menstrual cramps, ease arthritis, soothe migraine headaches, and help reduce overall inflammation. Baltic amber may even restore energy, calm anxiety, 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. Choose a necklace for headaches, teething pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. For wrist and arm pain from arm pain, choose bracelets. If you're experiencing leg, ankle, or foot pain, anklets are the way to go.
Some people will notice slight differences very quickly when wearing their jewelry for the first time. For some people, pain symptoms often lessen within less than 24 hours of putting on their jewelry. For many people, 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 jewelry safe for my child to wear?
Safety is of utmost importance to us. Please use care and common sense when using jewelry on children. It is to be used under supervision only! We recommend inspecting your child's jewelry regularly.
Hand-Knotted
All Funky Birdie Amber jewelry for children is hand-knotted between each bead with 48 pound break-strength nylon cord. If the jewelry were to break, only one bead will come loose, which minimizes the chance of a child swallowing beads.
Break-Away Points
Our jewelry contains safety break-away points at the clasps of each necklace. If pulled on with force, the jewelry WILL break, like it's meant to do! If a child were to become bound in their necklace, the clasp will break away and pose less of a threat of injury to the child.
Proper Sizing
If a necklace can reach a child's mouth, it is too long! Amber jewelry is NOT intended to be chewed. Please watch for your child putting their jewelry in the mouth. See below for information on choosing the correct size for your child.
How long will it take to get my Funky Birdie jewelry?
We hand-make every piece of jewelry just for you, 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?
Our measurements indicate the length of the piece of jewelry, from the tip of one clasp to the other. Grab a soft measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler!
Teething Necklaces
Measure your child's neck. The necklace should fit comfortably, but not so long that they can pass the necklace over their chin and into their mouth.
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
Measure your child's 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. If you're between sizes, go up a half-inch.
Adult & Older Children's Necklaces
Sizing for these pieces is 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"
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. Silver clasps have multiple safety breakaway points, both at the spring ring clasp itself as well as the "clamshell" findings on either side. Durable enough for everyday 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.
Screw clasp
Our plastic screw clasps are available in colors to coordinate with your amber and crystal jewelry. Screw clasps are the most difficult to break-away, meaning it will require a LOT of force to give way. For this reason, we don't recommend them on necklaces for babies. We recommend plastic screw clasps for child's bracelets and anklets, as well as all adult jewelry.
Pop clasp
These clasps have the same look as screw clasps, but breakaway MUCH more easily than screw clasps, 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 recommend this option for babies.
Stretchy bracelets
Our premium stretchy cord is extremely strong, but we still recommend stretchy jewelry for adults only.
How should I care for my Funky Birdie Amber jewelry?
To maximize the benefits and lengthen the life of your jewelry, it's important to properly care for your pieces:
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Remove your jewelry before swimming or bathing
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Do not use harsh chemicals or jewelry cleaners/solutions
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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.
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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
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 piece of Funky Birdie Amber jewelry 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 break-away 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 a return slip and provide our return address. The customer is responsible for return shipping cost. Please use original packaging materials and include packing slip with return slip. Items without a return slip and/or in original or adequate packaging materials will not be covered under the workmanship guarantee.
If it is determined that a flaw is not due to a workmanship flaw, 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 5-7 business days. 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.
