Have you ever wondered which teething remedies work and which ones don’t? Baltic amber necklaces may seem silly, but actually the way they work is pretty simple. Amber resin contains succinic acid, a natural analgesic that is released when warm skin touches the beads.
Unfortunately baltic amber is pretty easy to counterfeit, so if you’ve found your baby’s amber necklace doesn’t work it may not be authentic. If your necklace is cool to the touch like glass, it’s counterfeit. However, if it’s warm or neutral it could be plastic, a young tree resin called copal, or another material. If you’re not sure the necklace you bought is authentic, try one of these simple tests:
The Heat Test
This tip comes from Dana Seilhan, who shared it on this thread. (Thanks Dana!) Basically, you want to touch a bead to something very hot to release it’s fragrance. As Dana put it, “If you smell pine resin, it’s amber. If you smell burning plastic… well. ” Of course, if it’s glass it may not smell like anything at all . . . what you’re looking for is the pine smell.
After looking around on different jewelers websites and such, I found that most recommend this method:
Heat Test: Heat a needle point in a flame until it is very hot (after a long while with a long-handled kitchen lighter I finally got mine to glow a little), then touch the tip of the needle to a bead in a non-obvious area. If it smells like pine resin – aka a Christmas tree – it’s likely to be true baltic amber. Now, the smell is not necessarily particularly pleasant and could be confused with plastic for that reason. What you’re looking for is a pine odor within the overall fragrance – that’s the key. Please be aware that you will have a small hole and maybe a little discoloration where the pin was placed.
What if it doesn’t have much of a smell at all? If you’ve been using the necklace for awhile it’s possible that it is genuine amber that has lost potency. On the other hand if you do smell pine, there’s a possibility that it’s something other than amber. Copal is an immature tree resin that smells like amber but doesn’t have it’s properties. Fortunately, the next test can help you distinguish between amber and copal.
The Rubbing Test
“This is the simplest and safest test,” writes DragonFly amber. Wrap the necklace in a soft cloth and rub rub rub – if it’s true amber it will become electrostatically charged enough to pick up small pieces of paper. Copal will not take on an electrostatic charge and may become sticky.
The Alcohol Test
Both copal and plastic will deteriorate when they come into contact with a solvent. (source) “Plastics are quickly attacked by alcohol (95% ethyl alcohol), acetone (100%), and ether. A few drops of acetone (fingernail polish remover) or alcohol dripped over the surface of the piece will reveal if it holds up to the solvent. If the surface becomes tacky, it’s not amber. Amber will not feel tacky or dissolve under these solvents.” (source) Because my “natural” nail polish remover is acetone-free, I did not do this test. Perhaps the vodka I keep on hand for making vanilla and mint extract – I’m not sure. Also, glass will not be affected by the alcohol test, but it will fail the saltwater test.
The Saltwater Test
Amber is so light that it will float in salt water. To test your necklace, mix together a solution of 1 part salt to 2 parts water. (For example, you could use 1/3 cup salt to 2/3 cup water.) Dissolve the salt completely and drop your necklace in the mixture. Plastic and glass will sink, true baltic amber and some types of copal will float. If you’re not sure whether your necklace is amber or copal, try the rubbing test.
Where Can I Find Authentic Baltic Amber Necklaces?
I’ve misplaced several necklaces over the course of raising three babies. I would order another one and then later find the lost one, so I have a bit of a “stash” from several companies.
When you’re shopping around keep in mind that some say amber which is light in color contains the most succinic acid. Also, necklaces are not “supposed” to be worn at night, but obviously that’s when babies are usually most uncomfortable when teething. Many moms leave them on all the time (except bath time) and just make sure that the necklace fits snugly so that it’s not likely to get caught on anything. Other moms wrap it around a wrist or ankle instead, though those areas tend not to generate quite as much warmth. Here’s what I personally look for in a necklace:
Safety knotted – The necklace is knotted between every bead to prevent beads from spilling everywhere should the string break
Tension release clasp – The necklace has a clasp that will break under pressure for safety reasons.
I’ve purchased from several companies on Amazon. I’ve also bought some locally that were good. My personal favorite is the raw 100% baltic amber teething necklace.
Have you ever used an amber teething necklace with your little one? How did it work for you?
I think it’s in your teething remedies post where you link to an Inspired by Finn necklace. I remember you talking about the different colors they offered, and that’s where I bought my first necklace for my daughter based in your recommendation. Are theirs fake? It seemed to help my daughter, but I recently bought another one because she was having a HORRIBLE time with the 2 year molars. I’ve definitely noticed a difference this time.
I had the same experience. Bought a necklace from Inspired by Finn when I read a post by Mommypotamus. Terrible experience with molars. I’d also like to know if Inspired by Finn is authentic
Oh, I wish I still had my Inspired by Finn ones to test. They were the ones I lost, unfortunately. I do think they were authentic. but I wonder if maybe they lose potency over time as more and more succinic acid is released.
Yes it definitely worked at first. Wouldn’t any necklace wear out over time?
i just did a few tests on my 2 year old inspired by finn one that my 18 month old is wearing and it passed all of them! 🙂 the only one that didnt seem to work really well was the rubbing test. it didnt pick up the small piece of paper but did cling to itself with a small charge. hope this helps!
I was told that the necklaces seem to wear out but really they just need to be cleaned because the daily oils and pollution get to them and don’t react with the body anymore. They told me to clean it every so often but I don’t remembed what with. But also letting it sit in the sun would do the same thing and reactivate the resin. Hope that helps.
I know Kate. She wouldn’t sell fake amber and is an awesome person.
Monica, Heather wishes she still had her Inspired by Finn ones to test. They were the ones she lost, unfortunately. She does think they were authentic. But she wonders if maybe they lose potency over time as more and more succinic acid is released.
Thanks for the post! Just in time, as I am leaving to buy an amber teething necklace in an hour or so!!! Good things to look for!
I loved the teething necklace for my son (now 3yrs old). He has a high tolerance for pain and the necklace made teething a non event. Seriously I didn’t know he was teething until I saw teeth. With my daughter (1yr old) teething hurts a lot more. The necklace does help quite a bit. In both exeriences the necklace takes about 2-3 days to “kick in” and defiantly takes the edge off of teething. The new one I bought for my daughter didn’t work at all so found my sons and it still worked. Wonder is the one I got my daughter was a fake. I did notice the difference between one necklace working and not the other. So I do believe that they are helpful with pain.
Thanks for this post! I just started using an amber necklace by The Art of Cure. I definitely think it has been helping.
thanks so much
It’s interesting to read the comments in regard to Inspired by Finn. I was recommend to try them for a teething necklace. I didn’t get mine until my daughter molars were just starting to come in. Unfortunately I would not be home for a month & couldn’t get it shipped to me. I was shopping at a local baby boutique and noticed they had some so I thought, “what the heck, why not”. I forget the name of the company that made them but the shop owners had a great response to them from other moms & had reordered from that company several times. What a difference it made!!!!!
This past Feb I had to get another one as I had misplaced the original. Luckily I have Amazon Prime so I decided this time to order one from Inspired by Finn as it did come so recommended. Well, it didn’t work!!! I felt so bad for my daughter! I searched high and low for the original & finally found it. I put it back on her and voile- perfect! She is still getting teeth in & this time I make sure I do not lose it.
Dear could u pls tell me the brand of the necklace whih worked for u.thx for sharing
Who made this necklace that you finally found again?
What brand and what website can I use to order?
Does anyone know if BornSavage sells real or fake baltic amber teething beads?
Thanks for the post Heather! I am pretty sure the necklace I purchased is real, but I am going to do a test as soon as my baby wakes from his nap. I am in the camp of putting the necklace around his ankle at night, but it’s mostly just because his neck is SO fat that it “eats” the necklace, and pulls it tight against his neck in the front. I do know that the necklaces lose their effectiveness over time, so around the two year old molar time, it makes sense that a new necklace would work better.
My grand daughter is almost two and has had the same necklace since she was about 4 months old. Her mama made two anklets out of the necklace and she wears one on each leg 24/7. It is still working as well today as ever.
Im so disapointed 🙁 i ordered 2 inspired by finn for help my migraine …. i didnt receved Yep but is à chance that they are not real !!!! somebody have it and know if they are ???
Does anyone know if Spark of Amber is fake? I bought some from them, one for myself even, and I don’t notice any pain reduction in my lower back. I never smell anything when its on me. Does the heat source need to be really hot or will you smell pine from your body heat being on it?
I just can’t find any research that says these work.
There isn’t any. I bet there are just as many fake necklaces that ‘work’ as there are real ones. In my opinion.
They are potentially dangerous to a baby, why test fate?
all of my babies have worn amber necklaces from Inspired By Finn – 3rd baby is wearing one now – i swear by them and IBF is the only place i’ve ever purchased from
Thank you for your comment i thought that it was fake
Heather, your sweet boy is so cute. Perfect model for the amber necklace!
Thank you, Em!
What age is your child when you put this necklace on? The info said not for children under 3 years of age.
There are many warnings about these necklaces. They are a strangulation and choking hazard. You should never put anything around a baby’s neck!
Great article, thanks for posting! I make and sell Amber & Hazelwood necklaces and always do the salt and burn test with all my batches I receive from Lithuania. I think I’ll start doing the static one too for now on! My company is AmberBelle Beads (www.amberbellebeads.etsy.com) if anyone is interested, not sure if that is too spammy for this feel free to delete if so!
I’ve been using one on my 15mo old, and what I’ve noticed is nightime wakeups and more chewing on thumbs where his molars are coming in, when he does not wear it. I’m ok with it being on at night since it has the safety clasp, but the thing with my son is for the last 3 weeks or so, every single time he’s in bed, he rips it off! He does it for fun and throws it behind his crib. I’ve sent my 3yo or 5yo under the crib many times to fetch it out…
So I wish it was shorter to be more like a choker length so he can’t grab it.
put it around his ankle under footie PJ’s, its not near his neck but it should still work better than not wearing it at all
Have you tested hazelaid?
Awesome post, I always try the salt test and the hot pin test when I get a new batch of amber in 🙂 it’s scary how many fake beads there are out there. I make amber and hazelwood combo necklaces, and idea on how people can test the amber on a combination necklaces without damaging the wood? Obviously the salt water test won’t work because of the weight of the wood and the heat test may burn the wood bead next to it. Any ideas?
For anyone looking for a hazelwood and amber combo my company name is Pixie and Me Diapers, based in Canada 🙂
Where can I find you on etsy???
I have 6 kids and would NEVER put anything around the neck. Js
I bought one from Kezzi baby and did the salt water test. It passed. I really hope it works. my little guy is 4 months and started teething, it hurts so much in the nights he refuses his bottle.
What kind of necklace is best, honey, raw, etc?
You mention you purchased from two companies, but they both link to what seems to be Art of Cure on amazon?… Is this a mistake?… I just got one from Art of Cure and am pretty sure it’s fake! (Not saying anything about your recommendation… I realize that companies, especially those that do not mine themselves, could be sold fakes or sell fakes sometimes… sad.) But just thought to ask and also let you know!
My daughter in law bought hers for thier baby from Art of the Cure on Amazon and it works perfectly. Try the tests mentioned in this blog to be certain.
Oh heavens this is Jennie Vaughn The CEO of The art of Cure, I have all the legal testing documents from Washington State University proving it’s authenticity. I have Certification from the CPSC, I also have safety testing documents. I can provide all this. Would anyone like to see it? NO other company has gone through all this process.
I am looking for a necklace or anklet that has a natural, authentic Baltic Amber. I have been fooled before with fake Amber, is your product natural and authentic?
Did she not say the had all the documents and testing?!
Who tested it at WSU? I live in Pullman and work at the university, so I’d love to check into this. That’s really wonderful that you do so much!
I bought 2 from amber24.com and they are both real 🙂
There are lots of claims that there is a lot of fake Baltic amber out there and yes there is. Most of the fakes are the large pieces, beads with inclusions (bugs etc) inside. These pieces are very expensive. The amber teething necklaces are made of small amber pieces, so there isn’t any real reason to create fakes for them.
Hi
I am highly concerned that little children are wearing necklaces, this is a huge risk to take, and I think parents need to know. Babys should never wear the necklace, but have their parents giving it to them under supervision.
Pls. inform parents, so that the beats never will result in any deaths of children.
Best regards
A very very concerned daycare mom from Denmark
It is a good point about the necklace being a choking hazzard. My daughter in law made anklets, one for each leg and my grand daughter wears them 24/7. When she first got the necklace the baby was much younger and so she would take it off of her. She misplaced it once and my grand daughter screamed in teething pain. When she found the necklace she made it into the anklets for safety reasons. My grand daughter is never in teething pain anymore. The amber works wonderfully.
Those little pieces are very dangerous though!
Hi
Do you have any idea where can I find these neck lace in Denmark ??
Regards
I have use both and it is really original and it work.
My daughter in law made two ankle bracelets out of the necklace for my grand daughter. I am old fashioned and skeptical so I didn’t think the amber necklace would work, but now I am a believer. The anklets stay on, even during bath time (so that must be how they stay clean and useful). When the necklace comes off my grand daughter is in pain. She also has a rare condition of baby migranes and vertigo so the necklace helps with that too. I am beginning to wonder if it would help my fibromyalgia if I wore one. Thanks for the tips on knowing a fake from a real one, baby number two is due soon.
Who did your daughter necklace from? Thank you in advance. I need to order one for my three month old grandson who is going threw hell with his gums….would like to get him a necklace without having to worry that it isn’t authentic natural amber. Bobbie
I ordered a bracelet from inspired by Finn. The amber necklace came highly recommended to me from someone who put it on her daughter for teething. Being skeptical I ordered a bracelet, for arthritis pain, knowing that it carried a money back guarantee. Just received my Amber bracelet and I immediately did a test to see if it was real Amber. I did the salt/water one and as soon as I placed in cup it never even hit bottom. I will do a follow up as to pain reduction in a few weeks. Hope it truly works. I know a lot of people waiting for results so they can order necklaces/bracelets.
Joan,
I know it’s only been a week, just wondering if you’ve noticed any reduction in pain. I was looking for arthritis pain relief as well. 🙂
I just bought an amber necklace by momma goose brand that seams to look real.
I do believe it’s amber and will try the salt water test.
However when I try the static test it doesn’t work or maybe I am doing it wrong.
Has anyone tried the static test with success? If so any pointers.
Thanks
Hi. A couple months ago I bought two strands of the beads from a seller on Amazon to make a necklace for myself. But I never got around to it & have just been wrapping them around my wrist. I did the rub test with them & it worked. I had just placed one end into a handkerchief, rubbed it around & it worked right away.
More recently I bought a necklace for a friend. When I tried the rub test on it & it didn’t seem to do the same thing. So I tried the salt water test. It didn’t float but when I put my strands of beads in it, they didn’t either! I didn’t measure the salt or water. I don’t know if that would make a difference or not.
I tried the fingernail polish remover on both sets. The only thing that I could tell happened for sure was one of the necklace’s beads that was used for the clasp (the screw together kind) fell apart. I figured that part was plastic.
My questions for Heather is would the rub test produce a charge in the beads if it was not the real thing? and would it still work if the salt water ratio was different than what you recommended?
I don’t want to try the burn test since I may end up returning it.
I appreciate any recommendations.
Thanks!
One of the links comes up with a few different Amber necklaces on Amazon . Which brands specifically do you recommend
Thank you so much for these tips! When I first got our teething necklace, I was a bit concerned that maybe it was a fake. But now, after 7 months of use, I can definitely tell the difference between when my son has it on and when he doesn’t. Too many times though, I see people dropping cash on necklaces I know are fake, so this is a great resource! Thank you so much for sharing <3
So when I tried the hot needle test i smelled what reminds me of incense burning… not plastic burning, but pine is hard for me to notice… lol i know it doesn’t smell like plastic for sure. i got mine from amberbeata on amazon, but i see others say what they got was fake… Ugh. why does aquiring things for our families have to be so difficult. sifting through liars and cheats to keep our kids safe…
Hi Joan, any improvement with your joints? My daughter suffers from inflamated joints, though it’s unclear what exactly she has. I’ve tried at least a dozen natural substances to ease her pain, which recently grew much worse. I’d really appreciate your input. Also, does raw amber work as well?
Eyal, have you tried dietary restrictions? Maybe it sounds crazy, but when I read your comment about your daughter, the first thing I thought of was a wheat/gluten allergy. I’m not sure how old your daughter is, or if you’ve since found the cause of her inflamed joints since your comment was posted back in April. I hope she’s doing ok!
My girlfriend is from Poland. Is Polish amber one in the same as Boltic amber. She said the Polish amber will help heal my parathyroid glands.
Teresa
Our daughter was in the middle of cutting a tooth when amber necklace arrived and very fussy (with every tooth, it’s been a battle). Full tears all week, within a few hours of wearing it, our baby was all smiles! We haven’t had to use medicine since and she’s cut 2 more teeth since then. I definitely recommend it! we bought it from iamber.me online shop. They have widest offer i have ever seen. Looks are real.
Design by Finn is authentic. However over time they lose potency. Just put them in the sun for a few hours to reactivity. I left mine on my son 24/7 for 3 yrs.
I’m curious to know if anyone has purchased an amber necklace from the Etsi shop Beautifulamber
Has anyone tried Powell’s Owls? Sold on Amazon. They have great reviews but I’m just wondering if anyone has tested these ?? Thanks so much!!
I recently purchased a Powell’s Owls necklace. I was skeptical about the effects that the amber would have on my teething baby girl but I must admit I am now a believer! Their products really work and also look super cute! They also have great customer service which is a bonus these days
I tried this with a known plastic bracket and the suspected fake amber necklace- both floated in salt water and both sank in plain water. I think most things would actually float in a 2:1 broke solution. I think this method of testing is inaccurate.
Hi! I live reading everything you have to say. If I ever need to know something that has to do with my hippie ways- I come to your website. I Just wanted to let you know that I took your recommendation on buying the Natural Mama necklace several months ago. When I noticed an awful rash around my baby’s neck I ran it through some tests. The tests were hard to decipher between, so I reached out to a friend who works with stones told me to hold a flame to it (knowing I was risking my necklace). When I did the “amber” went up in flames, melted into a tar-like liquid and basically turned to dust. The necklace is not up for sale anymore because I am assuming other people complained to Amazon. Just wanted to give you an update, so you could possibly change your recommendation. I have pics and videos if you need to ever see them for any reason. Thanks.
Oh wow, thank you for letting me know! I’ll reach out to Genevieve and ask her about it. I know she worked very hard to source authentic amber and she’ll definitely want to hear about this.
Hi there! Sorry to hear to hear that your baby may have reacted to our genuine Baltic amber teething necklaces.
However, what you’ve described in your comment is exactly what genuine amber should do.
If you hold a flame to natural amber, it will start on fire after a few seconds. Even when you take the amber away from the flame, it will continue to burn on its own, quite intensely, and emit black smoke.
Amber is a resin, after all. And resins burn.
The point of the heat test that Heather mentions is to smell the smoke of the burning amber. If it smells like pine resin – aka a Christmas tree – it’s likely to be true Baltic amber.
The Baltic amber used in our necklaces is tested by the Lithuanian Assay Office (Lietuvos Prabavimo Rūmai) and certified to be 100% genuine and authentic. It is also guaranteed to be truly raw, unpolished, and completely unadulterated. We offer a 30-day no hassle money back guarantee.
Again, sorry to hear you had concerns about our genuine Baltic amber teething necklaces.
There are times when dressing babies with pieces that are not cotton gives us fear, especially that they can cause an allergic reaction, that produces a rash and that the remedy is worse than the disease. Fortunately, when it comes to true baltic amber, these reactions reduce to the minimum and we can take advantage of all their properties for the little ones, and especially in this process so uncomfortable for them.