What is amber?

Although it has the appearance of a gemstone, amber is actually natural, yellow-brown, fossilised resin of the pine tree (Pinus Succinifer) and is between 50 to 70 millions years old. It is a natural product with colours varying from soft yellow to dark brown, making each necklace unique in its own colour. Adding to its uniqueness and beauty are small irregularities and often natural inclusions such as small insects, flowers and plants. The bulk of the world’s finest amber comes from the Baltic region near Poland and Russia, where amber pieces are collected from the shores of the Baltic Sea.

Some history

Amber jewellery has been made since before the time of Christ. Ancient Germanic tribes such as the Goths, other Nordic people, the Celts, the Romans, the Greeks, the Arabs and the Chinese valued amber for its beauty, protection and healing properties. In those times, amber was also called Electra or Bernstein due to its electrical properties and at the height of the Roman Empire it was called "Gold of the North" and was traded far and wide. For centuries Amber jewellery was worn only by nobility and not affordable to the masses. Because amber was ascribed many healing properties it came to be used medicinally in many cultures. As centuries passed, more and more of the masses could afford to own treasured amber jewellery. Even today it is thought that wearing amber jewellery will instil confidence in the wearer, balance a person's mood, and lessen depression and anxiety.

Why amber?

One of the reasons amber, irrespective of the colour, is thought to have healing properties is due to the fact that some samples contain the essence of life (DNA material), dating back millions of years. In nature the resin would have been used by the pine tree (Pinus Succinifer) as a natural antibiotic and protection against infection, viruses and physical attack. The tree would use the resin like a plaster or wound dressing. These healing properties have been captured inside the fossilised resin. It is thought that Baltic amber contains 3-8% of the active ingredient succinic acid, believed to form from micro-organism-induced fermentation of the cellulose contained in the resin. Succinic acid was analysed by the pioneer of modern bacteriology, the Nobel-prize winner Robert Koch (1905), who confirmed its positive influence on the human organism. In general, amber has been reputed to help alleviate stress, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Amber radiates a warm and bright energy and transmutes negative energy into positive. It is warm to touch (minerals feel cool) and light to wear, making it ideal for babies. It assists in alleviating infants' teething pains, swollen gums and drooling naturally without drugs.

Recommendations for use

The necklace can be worn from 2 months of age or as soon as a baby starts teething or showing signs of pain and discomfort. All necklaces are suitable for boys and girls. It is best to wash the necklace before use with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a clean cotton or linen cloth or let it air dry. Each necklace is approximately 32 cm long, designed to fit most infants’ fragile necks. Baby amber necklaces are made for wearing, not chewing. It is therefore recommended to have the baby wear the necklace when supervised. We do not recommend leaving the necklace on at night-time or during bathing time. Amber is a natural substance that should not provoque any redness or irritation. However, if signs of redness or irritation appear on your baby’s skin, remove the necklace and try again later. If the reactions on the skin persist and itching occurs, remove the necklace for good.

Basic safety rules

Each necklace is made out of rounded and polished beads. Each bead has been individually knotted for additional safety - if the necklace breaks only one bead should escape. The safety clasp is in anti-allergy resin (no metal anywhere) and very safe. However, it is designed to break if put under pressure for safety reasons. If, for whatever reason, the necklace were to break, there is a slight chance of one small bead being swallowed. In the event that a child does swallow a bead, amber is a natural non-toxic product. We do not advise that a baby wears a necklace with larger sized beads as these may pose a chocking hazard.

Disclaimer

Our business partners in Europe have been operating for many years and there has never been any incident resulting in harm to children wearing amber necklaces reported. Each baby necklace should be worn following the recommendations for use. Use of your amber baby necklace is at the user’s own risk. If any harm should come to a child due to misuse of an amber baby necklace, Comme les grands (A brand of Must Haves Australia Pty Ltd ABN 91 112 189 634) will assume no responsibility.