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Amber Bugs FAQ
1. Who is Amber Bugs?
AmberBugs is an online retailer of authentic amber fossils. We are dedicated to providing high-quality specimens to a wide range of individuals, from passionate collectors to those simply looking for a unique gift. We strive to offer a diverse catalog of genuine amber fossils at fair and accessible prices.
2. Are your fossils real?
Yes. All of our amber is real. We only sell authentic amber fossils, and we guarantee that every specimen we list and sell is genuine, original, and accurately described.
3. Do you have a physical location or storefront?
No. AmberBugs is an entirely online business. This allows us to keep overhead costs low and offer better pricing to our customers.
4. Were your fossils legally collected?
Yes. All of our fossils were legally collected and legally sold.
5. Is your amber ethically sourced?
Yes. All of our amber is ethically sourced, primarily from small family operations and artisanal producers.
6. What types of amber do you sell?
We sell Baltic amber, Burmese amber, Dominican amber, Mexican amber, and Indonesian amber.
7. Can amber contain insects and still be affordable?
Yes. Amber can contain insects and still be affordable. Some genuine amber specimens with insect inclusions are priced under $25.
8. How can I tell if amber is real or fake?
You can learn how to identify real amber and avoid fakes by reading our educational blog post on amber authenticity.
9. Do you sell fake or reconstructed fossils?
No. We do not sell fake or reconstructed fossils. Everything we sell is 100 percent real.
10. Do you verify fossil authenticity?
Yes. We verify the authenticity of our fossils. Each piece comes with an information card describing the specimen.
11. What comes with a fossil when it is purchased?
Every fossil purchase includes an information card. Pieces priced over $100 also include a display case.
12. Do orders come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes. Orders include a certificate of authenticity along with an identification card.
13. How do you accept payment?
We accept PayPal, major credit cards, Apple Pay, and other standard online payment methods.
14. Can I cancel an order?
Yes. Orders can be canceled if they have not yet shipped.
15. Can you combine multiple orders into one shipment?
Yes. We combine multiple orders into one shipment. If you order multiple items, shipping is charged only once.
16. Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship internationally. International shipping is $25.
17. How long does shipping take?
Shipping typically takes three to five business days.
18. Do you insure your shipments?
Yes. All shipments are insured.
19. What happens if a package is lost or damaged?
We offer refunds for packages that are lost or damaged during shipping.
20. How long before a package is considered lost?
A package must be delayed for at least one month to be considered lost. International shipments may require additional time.
21. What is your return policy?
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may contact us within seven days of delivery to request a return. Once approved, we will schedule the return.
22. What is your refund policy?
We offer full refunds once the item is returned and inspected, provided it is returned in its original condition.
23. What is amber and how is it formed?
Amber is fossilized tree sap. It is produced by trees and becomes fossilized over millions of years through burial, pressure, and time. Read more on our blog here.
24. How old is amber?
Some of the amber we sell can be up to 100 million years old.
25. What is the difference between amber and copal?
Amber and copal are both tree sap, but amber is older and fully fossilized. Copal is younger and not fully fossilized. Copal will dissolve in alcohol, while amber will not.
26. Does amber preserve DNA?
Amber can preserve DNA, but it is highly damaged and not usable for cloning or genetic recovery.
27. Can insects survive being trapped in amber?
No. Insects cannot survive being trapped in amber.
28. Why are some amber pieces clear and others cloudy?
Some amber is clear because the resin formed in clean, open conditions. Other amber is cloudy because the resin formed inside the tree trunk, where it mixed with organic material.
29. What are flow lines in amber?
Flow lines are visible layers created as resin flowed and hardened over time.
30. What is an enhydro bubble in amber?
An enhydro bubble is a trapped pocket of water and air inside fully fossilized amber. In many cases, the liquid and air inside can still move freely.
31. Does amber glow under UV light?
Yes. Amber glows under 365 nanometer UV light.
32. Is blue amber real?
Yes. Blue amber is real. Blue Dominican amber is caused by forest fire smoke interactions, while blue Indonesian amber is associated with coal deposits.
33. Why is amber priced so differently from piece to piece?
Some amber contains rare or well-preserved inclusions that increase its value. Other amber contains no inclusions or has lower clarity, which makes it less valuable.
34. What makes an amber piece museum grade?
Museum-grade amber typically has clear composition, large or multiple insect inclusions, excellent preservation, and features that make the specimen easy to examine and study.
35. Are your amber pieces one of a kind?
Yes. All of our amber pieces are one of a kind.
36. Will I receive the exact piece shown in the photos?
Yes. You will receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
37. How do I care for amber?
Amber can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. You can apply a small amount of oil to restore its natural shine.
38. Can amber get wet?
Yes. Amber can get wet without any issues.
39. Can amber be polished or repaired?
Yes. Amber can be polished if it loses its shine.
40. How should amber be stored long term?
Amber should be stored in a jewelry box or display case, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes.
41. Is amber durable enough for rings?
Yes. Amber is durable enough for rings and makes excellent jewelry.
42. Can amber be worn every day?
Yes. Amber can be worn every day without issue.
43. Are amber teething necklaces safe?
Amber teething necklaces are safe when worn correctly. Children should not chew on the necklace. The necklace should fit snugly enough to prevent chewing, while remaining loose enough to avoid choking.
44. Can amber be shipped internationally without issues?
Yes. Amber can be shipped internationally without issues.
45. Do you provide provenance or locality data?
Yes. We provide provenance and locality data with every piece.
15. Can you combine multiple orders into one shipment?
Yes. We combine multiple orders into one shipment. If you order multiple items, shipping is charged only once.
46. How can I contact you with questions?
You can contact us at amberimports@gmail.com.
47. Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes. We offer wholesale pricing. Please email us with your request.
48. Do you offer discounts or promotions?
Yes. We offer discounts and promotions through our newsletter.
49. Do you have a mailing list or newsletter?
Yes. We have a newsletter, including a paid subscriber section with VIP deals.
50. How often do you add new amber pieces?
We add new amber pieces every week.
51. Where can I buy real amber online?
You can buy real amber directly through our website.
52. How do I avoid fake amber sellers?
We recommend reading our blog post on how to shop for amber safely and avoid fake sellers.
53. Why should I buy amber from AmberBugs?
You should buy from AmberBugs because we specialize in authentic amber and focus on high-quality specimens at competitive prices.
54. What makes AmberBugs different from other amber sellers?
AmberBugs sources amber from every major deposit in the world, while many sellers focus on only one location.
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