THINGS THAT INSPIRE
From the Earth: Baltic Amber
Pieces of the earth that have waited millions of years to be rediscovered. Exploring Baltic Amber healing roots, spiritual energy, Lithuanian folklore, and the inspiration behind our first collection, From the Earth.
I. PROLOUGE
Baltic amber is essentially fossilized sunshine gifted to us on the seashore from mother nature herself. Not only are these golden gems beautiful, they hold spiritual and physical properties.
In ancient Greek, the name “amber” translates to “beaming sun,” paying homage to the way light pours down from the sky to warm the earth.
But where did baltic amber come from? What is the story behind it? How can one work with it?
II. Baltic Mythology
In Lithuanian folklore, Jūratė, the Goddess of the Sea, lived in a magnificent amber palace beneath the Baltic waves. Though powerful and immortal, she fell in love with a mortal fisherman named Kastytis. Each day she brought him to her underwater kingdom, where they spoke, laughed, and grew deeply in love.
But the Thunder God, Perkūnas, jealous and enraged, punished them for defying the laws of the gods. He shattered Jūratė’s amber palace with lightning and chained the lovers to the sea floor. Kastytis drowned, and Jūratė, immortal, was left to grieve.
It is said that the pieces of her broken amber palace still wash ashore as Baltic amber, and that during storms, you can hear her sorrow in the wind and waves, a reminder that true love is both brave and powerful enough to defy even the gods. Carry her legacy with you to inspire yourself to go against any odds in life to find your love.
III. The Formation of Baltic Amber
Baltic amber began in ancient forests that existed over 40 million years ago. When trees were wounded, by wind, weather, or insects, they released resin as protection. That thick, golden sap slowly dripped down bark and branches, sealing and preserving. Over time, it fell to the forest floor, where it was buried beneath soil, sand, and layers of sediment.
As pressure built and years turned into millions, the resin hardened and fossilized.
It transformed through heat, time, and the quiet work of the earth into what we now know as Baltic amber. Eventually, glaciers, rivers, and the Baltic Sea carried these pieces to shore, where they are still found today.
What began as protection became preservation. What began in softness became something enduring, shaped entirely by nature, time, and the elements. After storms, the Baltic sea often spits back these treasures, and it can still be found on the shores of Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia.
IV. History of Baltic Amber
Baltic amber, known in Lithuanian as gintaras, has been treasured in the region for millennia, valued not only for its beauty but as an important part of cultural identity. Archaeological excavations show that ancient Baltic tribes in Lithuania were making and wearing amber ornaments, from beads and pendants to buttons and amulets as far back as the Neolithic period (around 4000–1600 BC).
Many amber objects have been found in burial sites across the region, reflecting their use in rituals, spiritual practices, status marking, and personal adornment long before written history.
Amber from Lithuanian shores also travelled far beyond, becoming a prized trade item along the ancient Amber Road that stretched from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.
Today, Lithuania continues to celebrate this legacy, towns like Palanga honor the legend of Jūratė and Kastytis in public monuments and in the town’s coat of arms, while the Palanga Amber Museum preserves tens of thousands of amber pieces, from ancient inclusions to historical jewelry, reminding us of amber’s enduring role in Lithuanian history, folklore, and heritage.
V. Healing Properties
Worldwide, civilizations throughout time have been able to recognize the magic of amber.
The healing properties of amber were first recognized thousands of years ago by the Greek physician, Hippocrates, during 460-377 B.C., who was one of the first to suspect that diseases occurred naturally, and not by way of gods and superstition.
Succinic acid, a chemical compound naturally found in fossilized amber, known for its healing properties for the skin, hair, and inner systems. The name is rooted in the Latin term “succinum”, meaning amber. Traditionally extracted by distillation of amber, it is anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating, and acts as a gentle exfoliant.
Amber extract is used to aid with immunity, and physical wounds. Necklaces of amber are believed to heal ailments like colds, asthma, thyroid issues, and even heart issues. Bracelets of amber believed to aid in inflammatory issues relating to joints, tissues, and muscles.
The warming nature of amber is also believed to aid in circulation. It is also common to see babies wearing amber necklaces and jewelry, as it is believed to lessen teething pain.
Even in Eastern cultures, amber oil, extract, and even incense has been used for thousands years for numerous different purposes. In recent studies, positive associations of amber have been identified for allergies, collagen production, and even protection against neuronal cell apoptosis, a hallmark trait of degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
VI. Spiritual Properties
Transcending just the physical and decorative benefits, amber has held significant spiritual energy amongst various cultures in time.
The energetic work of amber can be witnessed “in both traditional wisdom and contemporary experience.”
Amber is best known for its ability to absorb negativity, helping rid any disharmonious energy from the aura. Symbolizing the fire element, its warming nature works to stabilize the nervous system. The vibrant hues of oranges, yellows, and deep maroons, believed in the warding off of evil.
It is also associated with both the sacral (svadhistana) and solar plexus (manipura) chakras, governing emotional intelligence and creativity, and personal will power, confidence, and our sense of self, respectively. With these chakras in harmonial balance, we feel a sense of ease expressing our authentic selves, and interpreting the world around us through our own thoughts and emotions.
For integrating amber into daily meditation:
“…amber bracelets or rings can serve as “awareness triggers” that remind you to pause and center yourself. Establish a simple practice of taking three conscious breaths whenever you notice your amber jewelry, gradually training your mind to return to present-moment awareness more frequently.”
I. How to Work with Amber
For centuries, people have worn Baltic amber close to the skin, not only for its beauty, but for what it was believed to carry. It has been treasured as something protective, warming, and alive with the memory of the earth.
We wear our raw amber every day. Roberta and Justina rarely take their rings off, they move with us through travel, ocean swims, long work days, and slow mornings.
The beauty of it is that it is life proof. It softens with warmth, deepens in tone over time, and becomes even more personal the more it’s worn. These pieces are meant to live with you.
We invite you to wear raw amber against your body, for its natural energy and its quiet, steady presence. We would love to introduce you to Siela’s raw amber collection…
FROM THE EARTH
Made by Mother Nature
These pieces are made with genuine raw Baltic Sea amber, sourced in Lithuania and crafted in Florida by artisan Nicole Furlano, who uses techniques that have been passed down through generations.
The amber is kept as natural as possible, untouched, imperfect, real, honoring the way it was formed by time, pressure, salt, and earth.
With the raw ambers properties and the unique mix of crystals, there is magic in each hand-strung with love piece… Explore the crystal + amber properties here.
Explore the Store
We’re excited to share these treasures with you. This has been in the works for a while and it’s finally out in the world! Your support means so much to us and we are thankful to every single one of you.
From,
Roberta and Justina
If you have any questions about these pieces, shipping, or hand-delivery feel free to email or dm us insta.