Raw Vs. Polished Baltic Amber
Baltic amber or succinite is fossil resin, which due to its molecular configuration, and original structure, has healing properties which have been approved by numerous centuries. The name mainly refers to amber coming from the coast of the Baltic Sea. In these deposits, amber can be found accompanied by sands from the bottom and wave-rounded cobbles covered with regular wave patterns.
Contrary to popular belief, amber is not a gem, but the fossilization of a prehistoric tree, containing succinic acid. This acid contains useful therapeutic properties that could soothe the pain of teething babies, making them the most popular teething remedy for generations.
You can find both unpolished and polished amber on the market. The fundamental difference is the unpolished type looks earthier and coarser than the polished one, but it still retains its natural beauty with an untouched appearance. On the contrary, polished amber has undergone an intricate manufacturing process, so it’s usually clear and sometimes even transparent, which gives it a premium look and allows it to double as a stylish accessory. Both kinds of amber are equally safe and contain the same amount of healing properties for your baby, so which one to choose is ultimately up to your personal preference.
There are several areas where raw and polished amber differs. Here are some of the significant differences that you should know:
- Treatment – Raw amber isn’t treated at all. Jewelers select them very carefully according to their size and appearance before fitting them in necklaces. You may notice slight differences in the dimensions of the raw amber beads if you look at them carefully. This is because jewelers use them directly after picking them from their deposits. Polished amber, on the other hand, is exactly how you imagine it. It goes through several rounds of treatment to give it a proper structure. This removes the oxidized amber on the outer layer.
- Design– Untreated amber doesn’t look as good as polished amber once the polishing process is over. If you want to treat it as a piece of jewelry for your child, then go for polished amber. It comes in different designs and looks good on children. Raw amber doesn’t have too many variations in design. They look like simple necklaces for kids. Again, both have healing properties for teething issues in children.
- Healing effect– This is where raw amber is slightly ahead of polished amber. Raw amber has a faster absorption of healing properties than its polished counterpart. The unprecedented interaction with the skin ensures that your kid doesn’t suffer from teething pains anymore. Polished amber looks good on children, but they have a slower absorption rate of healing properties. The necklace may look shiny and glistening, but when it comes to reducing teething pain, it falls behind raw amber. Raw amber contains more succinic acid than polished amber, thus reducing teething pains more quickly.
