An amber teething necklace is a piece of jewelry made from small amber beads, most commonly natural Baltic amber. These necklaces are typically designed for babies and toddlers and are worn around the neck rather than used as something to chew.
Baltic amber itself is fossilized tree resin that formed naturally millions of years ago in the Baltic Sea region. It is known for its lightweight feel, warm natural colors and the unique appearance of every bead.
Amber teething necklaces are available in a variety of colors and finishes, including honey, cognac, lemon, cherry and multicolor amber.
What Are Amber Teething Necklaces Made From?
Most traditional amber teething necklaces are made from genuine Baltic amber beads threaded together to create a lightweight necklace.
Natural Baltic amber can vary considerably in appearance. Some beads may be clear or translucent, while others are cloudy or almost opaque. Colors can range from pale yellow and warm honey tones to deep cognac and dark cherry shades.
Because amber is a natural material, slight differences between individual beads are normal and are part of the character of genuine amber.
Some Baltic amber necklaces are individually knotted between the beads as part of their traditional construction.
What Is Baltic Amber?
Baltic amber is fossilized tree resin associated with the Baltic Sea region. It formed over millions of years as ancient tree resin became buried and gradually transformed through natural geological processes.
Unlike traditional gemstones, amber is not a mineral. It is an organic material and has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for centuries.
Lithuania, Poland and other parts of the Baltic region have a long history of amber craftsmanship.
Learn more about Baltic amber.
Why Are They Called “Teething” Necklaces?
The term “amber teething necklace” has become the common name used for this type of baby amber jewelry.
However, an amber necklace should not be used as a chew toy or teether. The beads are not designed to be bitten or placed in a child's mouth.
There is no reliable scientific evidence that wearing amber relieves teething pain, so amber jewelry should not be presented as a medical treatment or pain-relief product.
What Does an Amber Teething Necklace Look Like?
Amber teething necklaces usually consist of many small polished or raw amber beads.
The most common Baltic amber colors include:
- Honey amber — warm golden and yellow tones.
- Cognac amber — deeper golden-brown shades.
- Lemon amber — lighter and brighter yellow tones.
- Cherry amber — darker reddish-brown shades.
- Multicolor amber — a mixture of several natural amber colors.
Honey Baltic amber
Cognac Baltic amber
Multicolor Baltic amber
Some people prefer the smooth appearance of polished amber, while others prefer the softer, more natural texture of raw amber.
Raw vs Polished Amber Teething Necklaces
Both raw and polished amber can be genuine Baltic amber.
Raw amber retains more of the original surface texture and often has a matte appearance.
Polished amber has been smoothed and polished, giving the beads a shinier surface and sometimes making the color and transparency more noticeable.
The difference is mainly the finish rather than the authenticity of the amber.
How Can You Tell If an Amber Teething Necklace Is Real?
Genuine Baltic amber usually shows natural variations in color, texture and transparency.
Individual beads may look slightly different from one another, and some pieces can contain small natural inclusions or variations inside the amber.
However, appearance alone cannot always confirm authenticity. Plastic, resin and other imitation materials can sometimes resemble natural amber.
For that reason, one of the most important things when buying amber jewelry is choosing a seller who clearly states the origin and material of the product.
At Baltic Amber Stones, our amber jewelry is made using genuine natural Baltic amber and handcrafted in Lithuania.
For a more detailed guide to authenticity, read How to Tell If Amber Is Real.
Explore our genuine Baltic amber teething necklaces.
How Should an Amber Teething Necklace Fit?
An amber necklace should fit comfortably without being excessively loose.
The correct size depends on the individual child, so parents should always check the product measurements before purchasing.
A necklace that is too long may be easier for a child to grab or place into the mouth, while a necklace that is too tight may be uncomfortable.
The necklace should never be treated as a toy.
Amber Teething Necklace Safety
Amber necklaces are wearable jewelry and are not designed to be chewed or used as teethers.
Health authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warn that teething necklaces can pose choking and strangulation risks for infants and young children. There is also no reliable scientific evidence that wearing amber relieves teething pain.
For this reason, amber jewelry should not be presented as a medical treatment or pain-relief product.
For current safety guidance, see the FDA pediatric medical device guidance and the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on teething necklaces.
How to Choose an Amber Teething Necklace
When choosing an amber necklace, consider the quality and origin of the amber, the necklace size and the construction of the jewelry.
Natural Baltic amber comes in many colors, so choosing between honey, cognac, lemon or multicolor amber is mostly a matter of personal preference.
You may also choose between raw and polished amber depending on the appearance and texture you prefer.
For buyers looking for natural Baltic amber, the seller should clearly explain where the amber comes from and how the jewelry is made.
Explore Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces
Our Baltic amber teething necklaces are handcrafted in Lithuania using genuine natural Baltic amber.
Explore honey, cognac and multicolor designs and discover the natural colors and character of Baltic amber.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an amber teething necklace?
An amber teething necklace is a piece of jewelry made from small amber beads, usually Baltic amber, and designed to be worn around the neck.
What are amber teething necklaces made from?
They are typically made from natural amber beads, with Baltic amber being one of the most widely used types.
Is an amber teething necklace meant to be chewed?
No. Amber necklaces are wearable jewelry and should not be used as chew toys or placed in a child's mouth.
Is raw or polished amber better?
Both can be genuine natural amber. Raw amber has a more matte, natural surface, while polished amber is smoother and shinier.
How do I know if an amber necklace is real?
Natural variation in color and texture can be a sign of genuine amber, but appearance alone cannot prove authenticity. Buying from a seller that clearly identifies the material and origin is more reliable.
