Frequently Asked Questions

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Why wear crystals & Baltic amber?

Benefits of Crystals

Crystals have their own vibrations and frequencies which are unique to their molecular makeup. They can absorb and transmute negative energies, allow positive energy to flow within the body, and act as a tool for healing our bodies and minds from the inside out. 

Crystals have been used for tens of thousands of years, all the way back to the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia who used them to attract prosperity and wealth. Records show Ancient Egyptians, Indians, Greeks, and Romans used crystals for protection and treating illness. Leonardo da Vinci even kept an amethyst in his workspace because it “dispels evil thoughts and speeds up thinking”. 

Modern crystal healing practices are largely based on traditional concepts borrowed from the Chinese concept of life-energy (chi or qi), as well as the Hindu and Buddhist concepts of chakras (vortices of life-energy, thought to bring the physical and supernatural elements of the body into alignment). 

It is thought that crystals can redirect and re-channel energy flow within someone’s body with their unique energy vibrations, helping to unblock areas of the body or energy field that are "stuck" or need energetic cleansing. 

We've seen (with uncanny accuracy) that when people use their intuition, they’re often drawn to crystals that are known to help with the ailments they’re actually dealing with, even when they have no prior knowledge of the “typical” uses of the stone. We see this happen constantly, especially with our custom jewelry requests! I can’t tell you how many times a client has told us their intentions for the piece, and their preferred colors directly match up with the stones indicated for their needs. It actually happens more often than not!

We also believe that intention is just as important as the meaning or purpose assigned to a crystal. A crystal paired with a strong intention and focus is a powerful tool. This is why we highly recommend clearing your crystals often to rid them of old, stagnant, or negative energy, then recharging them with your desired intent. It brings you and your crystal(s) into alignment and allows you to work in tandem towards manifesting your intention.

Benefits of 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.

Is Funky Birdie jewelry safe for my child to wear?

Safety is of utmost importance to me. Please use care & common sense when using jewelry on children. Jewelry is to be used under supervision only! I recommend inspecting your child's jewelry regularly for any broken pieces or other issues.

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. 

Break-Away Points

My jewelry contains safety break-away points at the clasps of each necklace. If pulled on with force, the jewelry is designed to break open. Please keep this in mind for getting the longest use out of your jewelry & treat it with care.

Proper Sizing

If your child's necklace can reach their mouth, it is too long! Amber jewelry is NOT intended to be chewed. Ensure your child cannot put their jewelry in their mouth. See below for information on choosing the correct size for your child.

How long will it take to get my Funky Birdie jewelry? 

Current turn-around-time for in stock jewelry & crystal orders is 1-2 weeks. Any order containing custom jewelry will ship within 2-4 weeks of placing your order. Ship time on pre-orders varies, please refer to the specific listing for details on ship time. I ship via USPS Ground Advantage 2-6 business day shipping.

*Please note: Once your package is in the hands of the shipper, I cannot be held responsible for any delays, lost or missing packages.

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 will usually fit years to come.

Teething Anklets

Measure your child's ankle size exactly, then add 1/2" to 1". Keep in mind that the stones add some "bulk" compared to the measuring tape; the additional length will account for that. If they are between sizes, I recommend going up a half-inch. I offer teething anklets in half-inch increments. I am unable to customize size smaller than by half inch increments.

Clasping 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 add some "bulk" compared to the measuring tape; the additional length will account for that. If you're between sizes, I recommend going up a half-inch. I make bracelets & anklets in half-inch increments. I am unable to customize size smaller half inch increments.

Stretchy Bracelets

For stretchy bracelets, I recommend measuring your wrist & adding 1/2" to 3/4" to determine what size to order. If you're between sizes, go up a half-inch.

Adult & Older Children's Necklaces

Sizing for these pieces is based on personal preference.

Important Note: Jewelry containing Baltic amber with the goal of therapeutic pain relief must be in contact with the skin as much as possible to experience maximum pain relief benefits. 

If you're ordering a necklace as a gift, I can suggest my 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"

Read more on What Size Should I Order

Which clasp should I choose?

Screw clasp

#1 most popular clasp choice! Super durable, plastic screw clasps are available in a variety colors to coordinate with your amber & crystal jewelry. More force is required to activate the safety features of this style of necklace. For this reason, I don't recommend them on necklaces for very young children. I recommend plastic screw clasps for children'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. Utilizing the break-away feature on pop clasping jewelry will not result in actual breakage of the jewelry.

*Important note: Pop clasps should be opened by pulling on the clasp itself & NOT on the strand of beads or you risk separating the strand from the clasp which is not covered by warranty.

Sterling silver clasp

Our sterling lobster clasps are made with .925 sterling silver, great for those with sensitive skin. Silver clasps have multiple safety breakaway points, both at the lobster clasp itself & the "clamshell" findings on either side. Durable enough for everyday use, when the piece is pulled or yanked with force, the clasp or the clamshells will break open - just as they are intended to do. Once the breakaway features on a sterling silver clasping piece of jewelry have been activated, the jewelry will no longer be usable and will require replacement.

Stretchy bracelets

Our premium stretch cord is extremely strong. These pieces can last indefinitely with proper care. Stretchy bracelets are never recommended for young children.

How should I care for my Funky Birdie Amber jewelry?

Get the most pain relief & healing from your jewelry & maximize its life: 

  • Clean as needed, gently with a washcloth or baby toothbrush. Mild soap is okay — be sure to rinse well. Chemicals & electric jewelry cleaners are not your friend!
  • Remove jewelry before swimming & bathing! Water & body care products can damage beads, findings & thread, also reduce pain relief capacity. Wetting to clean occasionally is fine. 
  • Handle with care! FBA jewelry is designed to break away with force as a safety measure — avoid pulling/yanking on your jewelry. 
  • NOT A SUITABLE FIDGET TOOL! Do not spin/play with heads to avoid damage to the thread/cord. 
  • Do not store your amber & crystal jewelry with metal jewelry as it may cause the beads to chip, crack & break.

Workmanship Guarantee & Warranty

The Funky Birdie Guarantee

I guarantee the workmanship of each piece of Funky Birdie Amber jewelry to be of the highest quality & construction. I have very strict quality control standards as each piece of jewelry is made by me which allows me to inspect closely for naturally occurring issues with beads. The construction of each piece of jewelry is only performed by me personally, so I can guarantee the methods and materials are time-tested and solid. The same care goes into inspecting each crystal I sell. If flaws are found, they are disclosed in the listing or removed from stock if they are below my standards. I am committed to providing the best, most beautiful Baltic amber & crystal jewelry and crystal specimens on the market & being the company you trust with your healing jewelry/crystal needs.

Warranty

Broken beads are covered for 30 days from date of delivery.

Thread, cord & clasp issues are covered for 60 days from the date of delivery.

Crystal specimens are not covered under this warranty as they are pre-inspected thoroughly prior to shipment. If you receive a crystal specimen damaged from shipping, please contact me within three days of delivery date with detailed photos of the crystal & the break. I will work with you to file your claim with the shipper & make it right for you. Amazing customer service is always my top priority!

If you experience a covered break* on your jewelry within the warranty period, simply ship it back & I will repair it free of charge.

Please email me at customerservice@funkybirdieamber.com with a clear picture of the flaw & I will issue a return authorization number & shipping details. Please use original packaging materials or a bubble mailer & additional cushioning around the jewelry (bubble wrap is recommended) & include your return authorization number. Items without a return authorization and/or in original or adequate packaging materials will not be covered under the workmanship guarantee.

*Broken jewelry due to the activation of safety breakaway features is not covered by warranty. Broken jewelry due to misuse is not covered by warranty. (Please refer to care instructions included with each piece of jewelry as well as "How Should I Care For My Funky Birdie Amber Jewelry" in the above section for information on proper care and handling of Baltic amber & crystal jewelry.) If a piece of jewelry is returned for a warranty repair & is found to be broken due to these reasons, the jewelry will not be repaired & the cost of return shipping the jewelry in as-is condition is the responsibility of the customer.

***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 in the cost of return shipping for warranty work.

Terms & Conditions

Current turn-around-time for most orders is 1-2 weeks. Any order containing custom jewelry will ship within 2-4 weeks of placing your order. Ship time on pre-orders varies, please refer to the specific listing for details on ship time.

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

Return Policy

In stock jewelry and all non jewelry wares are returnable when you contact me within 14 days of delivery. Please contact me before returning any items to obtain your return authorization number and shipping instructions. Any products returned without a return number will not be eligible for refund. All items must be received back within 30 days of original delivery in new unworn/unused condition, in original packaging and shipping materials. Failure to meet these requirements will void eligibility for refund. Any items broken in transit back to the seller are at the cost of the customer. Customer will be responsible for cost of return shipping to seller. Once items are received, you will receive a refund to your original method of payment for the item value minus 10% restocking fee. Shipping fees are not eligible for refund.

Bracelet of the Month subscription box jewelry & accessories, as well as custom jewelry & special order jewelry & crystals are not eligible for refund. If any of these items arrive damaged or defective, please contact us within 3 days of delivery & we will absolutely work with you to make it right.