A couple who run a jewellery business have been fined for selling teething bracelets which could have choked infants using them.

Simon and Marie Clarke, of Haygreen Road, Witham, run Love Amber and were prosecuted by Essex Trading Standards.

Mr Clarke, 51, and Mrs Clarke, 36, faced two charges of breaching general product safety regulations at Colchester Magistrates’ Court today.

They were accused of supplying a 14cm cherry black amber braclet/anklet and an 11cm raw amber honey braclet/anklet which posed a choking hazard to youngsters aged less than 36 months.

Amber teething jewellery claims to soothe teething pain as the amber is alleged to contain a mild painkiller which is absorbed into the blood when worn against the skin.

Both of the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, which related not to these claims but to the small pieces involved in the jewellery.

Magistrates fined them £500 and ordered them to pay £2,198 costs and a £50 victim surcharge each.

Roger Walters, lead councillor for Trading Standards at Essex County Council, said after the hearing: “This jewellery was little and contained parts which were too small to give to a baby or toddler.

“Essex Trading Standards remains vigilant against traders who deliberately flout regulations which exist to protect the safety of children.”

Essex Trading Standards say there is currently no independent scientific evidence that amber provides any relief to teething infants, and suggest parents should consult with their child’s GP or health visitor for advice about pain relief.