Why Can't Amber Stones be Listed on Etsy?

[EAforDesign]

Hello,

I need your help regarding a matter related to amber stones. Amber stones cannot be listed on Etsy and fall under the category of prohibited items. However, I couldn't find a clear explanation on this matter. I would like to learn why amber stones cannot be listed on Etsy and if there is an official policy regarding this.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with amber stones or anyone knowledgeable about this topic. If there is an official policy on this matter, could I please receive a clear explanation on why amber stones cannot be listed on Etsy?

Thank you.

[Adorabilities]

There is a very specific circumstance where they cannot be sold: strung amber beads under a certain width (something big, like 3/4 inch in diameter).

However, most listings using the word "amber" will be flagged for review, and will likely be reinstated after that process, if they don't fall into the prohibited category.

Etsy was sued due to the death of a child who was strangled by a necklace made of amber beads. Although the beads themselves were not the issue (the problem was the clasp of the necklace, which did not break under pressure), Etsy has decided to focus on amber beads.

[EAforDesign]

So how should I state the description when listing the product?

[Adorabilities]

If it were me, I'd probably sell it somewhere else.

But if you don't mind having the item immediately taken down and reviewed, describe it accurately. (If someone is just using amber as a color, I'd use a different word.) If it doesn't fall into the prohibited category, it may be reinstated on its own, or you may have to contact Etsy for more information.

[GroundZeroCreations]

Read the article. Getting sued resulted in Etsy instituting regulations for their own protection that are way too broad.

https://www.scarymommy.com/mom-sues-etsy-amber-teething-necklace

[Amaradorn]

The FDA issued a warning here: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-about-safety-risks-teething-necklaces-...

As far as I can tell Etsy has no written policy regarding Amber teething necklaces however in the past sellers were sent an email which explained the prohibition when their listings were deactivated.

Etsy also have help pages regarding child safety which mention teething products: https://www.etsy.com/legal/policy/childrens-clothing-and-products/239344787532

Small Parts and Choking Hazards
Etsy prohibits items intended for children under age 3 that present a choking hazard. This is inclusive of, but not limited to, the following:...

Teething or teether items with small parts that are intended to go into/near a child's mouth, including loose beads, nursing necklaces, rattles, and dummy clips.

[JMOldeVintage · Accepted solution]

Over two years ago (I think) Etsy had sent out an email regarding amber beads. I'm guessing it was mostly jewelry shops that received the email.

Anyway, I believe the size of an amber bead(s) had to be a minimum of 1 & 1/4" - I don't remember if this was diameter or circumference.

I don't think the size of the amber piece/bead applied to earrings or pendants since these are often individual pieces/beads & are usually in some sort of setting. But as mentioned even listings that use the word amber as a color can get flagged by a bot.

You can try and read thru Etsy's legal pages on prohibited items, though I don't think there is a specific mention of amber beads & sizes.
There are still a ton of listings for loose amber beads of all sizes - these are classified as supplies though & often sold in bulk. 

[TandemElementsShop]

i see a few baltic amber bracelets in your shop.... what happened that made you think they could not be listed? were some others deactivated?

[EAforDesign]

Etsy disables the item when I first list it, which I think hurts my algorithm.

[EAforDesign]

When I first list it, it disables it and I think this affects my algorithm. Do you have any solution suggestions?

[irmaKdesigns]

I use raw pieces of Baltic amber sometimes in my mosaics, but I don't mention it in my titles or descriptions. I'd take one close up photo of the piece and write "amber" within the photo (never first photo). With bots getting smarter in reading images, I stopped doing that too and don't use amber altogether.

@EAforDesign if your listings haven't been deactivated yet, perhaps Etsy bots learned to read amber within the context. Beautiful jewelry btw. Best of luck.

[heavyistheheart]

It's too bad I have beautiful amber beads and stones I would love to use

[EAforDesign]

We need to find a solution to this

[EAforDesign]

Your store is very nice. I'm happy to follow you. I would be happy if you follow my store too.

[HeatherJordanJewelry]

I currently have an amber pendant in my shop. When I listed it, Etsy's bot automatically deactivated the listing. Less than 24 hours later, a human reviewed that listing and reinstated it. Amber can be sold here, so long as it adheres to Etsy's guidelines regarding size. Just bear in mind, the listing will be deactivated for a day or two, then reinstated. It's just routine. 

[EAforDesign]

The same thing happened to me. Do you think this will affect the algorithm?

[BagmakerSupply]

@EAforDesign: Etsy adopts a "better safe than sorry" attitude. Based on other posts in this forum, Etsy seems to have gotten better at context for certain terms, but 'amber' and 'jewelry', for example, still appear to be an automatic trigger to flag the listing.