Everything You Need to Know About Baltic Amber
There are so many different natural, organic substances out there, and many have unique qualities that could be beneficial to you! Some are energy-boosting and meant to be eaten, while others help with body aches but are intended to be used topically. One of our favorite substances is Baltic amber.
What is Baltic Amber?
Baltic amber is an organic substance that is produced by pine trees. It was first discovered in Northern Europe and spanned from southern regions of Scandinavia to nearby regions of the bed of the Baltic Sea. As the climate in those areas grew warmer, the pine trees started to emit resin in large amounts. That resin turned out to be Baltic amber.
Amber itself is made up of 79% carbon, 10.5% hydrogen, and 10.5% oxygen. The color of amber ranges from bright yellow to dark yellow or brownish-orange. This depends on the age of the amber and where it’s found. Baltic amber has softer qualities, as it ranks right around 2.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. One fun fact about it is that it floats in salt water, but sinks in freshwater!
What’s is Baltic Amber Used for?
Baltic amber has far more uses than you may think! It’s most popular uses include making jewelry, teething necklaces for babies, creating perfumes, and in folk medicine.
- unique jewelry
- teething relief
- fantastic scents
- healing
Baltic Amber Jewelry
There is no better "go-to gift" than jewelry! Whether it's a bracelet, a pair of earrings, or a necklace, there is a piece of jewelry out there for everyone. On the Hawaiian Islands, there is a focus on handmade jewelry. It can sometimes be a challenge to find the perfect handmade piece, but when you do, it means you’ve found something unique. We recommend choosing a Hawaiian gift when you're looking for a jewelry gift for someone you care about.
Those that make jewelry in Hawaii have a love for Baltic amber! Check out some of our favorite pieces that incorporate this beautiful substance:
As we mentioned earlier, amber can be found in a range of colors. This bracelet’s pattern utilizes three different shades of amber, making it a very versatile accessory! Pair it with a cream sweater and brown boots if it’s cold out, or with a white shirt and gold sandals if it’s warm. It can pull an outfit together in a simple, but still fashionable, way.
Did you know that Hawaii’s state insect is the Kamehameha butterfly? This butterfly is one of two species native to the islands. Using Baltic amber, our designers crafted this pendant in the shape of the state insect, making a stunning piece. Amber is a healing substance, and the butterfly symbolizes change, hope, and life. Presenting someone with this one-of-a-kind Hawaiian gift will show you wish them a happy and healthy life!
Soothe Sore Gums with Baltic Amber
One of the more difficult stages in a parent’s life is when their baby starts growing teeth. This is a painful experience for a child, as the tooth is pushing through their little gums. Babies tend to want to gnaw on anything they can get their hands on during this time, which is why teething rings were created.
While teething rings are a safe outlet for a child’s chewing, they don’t always calm the baby down. Baltic amber teething necklaces were introduced to help with this. Unlike teething rings and toys found in typical retail stores, these necklaces are not meant to be chewed; instead, they should be worn against the skin. The idea is for the amber to help soothe the infant. While the main point of the necklaces is to calm teething babies, they can also be used for those suffering from colic. To put it simply, Baltic amber teething necklaces are a parent’s best friend!
Please note that a baby should always be supervised when wearing one of these necklaces, and the necklace should be removed when the child is unattended.
Perfume with Baltic Amber
Baltic amber perfumes give off a sweet, yet woody and earthy scent. Ambergris perfume is perhaps the most chased after in this realm, but it retails for a high price. The resin blend resembles ambergris at a slightly lower cost, making for a fantastic alternative.
Baltic Amber in Folk Medicine
Folk medicine is a fancy phrase for traditional medicine, which means treating diseases or injuries naturally rather than based on modern scientific practice. Usually, this utilizes plants and other natural sources as remedies.
Baltic amber is known for its healing properties, which is why it was, and still is, used in the natural medicine world. In Hawaii, there is a focus on the body, mind, and spirit — which pair perfectly with Baltic amber’s healing characteristics. Looking for a Hawaiian gift for the essential oil-loving friend in your life? Look no further than Baltic amber.
This organic substance can be used as an antibiotic to support the body’s immune system. It heals and stimulates tissue revitalization, as well as helps relieve ailments of the stomach, respiratory system and lungs, endocrine system, spine, thyroid, spleen, and neurological system. Moving away from the physical health focus, Baltic amber also helps with mental clarity, mood balance, and confidence. If you can’t clear your mind by being at the beach, purchasing a Hawaiian gift for yourself that contains amber might be the next best thing!
As you can tell, Baltic amber is quite the hidden gem. We at Whaler’s Locker believe more and more people should know about this incredible substance and all it has to offer! The easiest way to get your hands on it right away is through jewelry. Amber rings, necklaces, as well as plenty of other unique Hawaiian gifts, can all be found on our website.