What does real beeswax smell like?
Real beeswax smells gently of honey, with a hint of propolis, even when the candle is not burning. A strong added fragrance, on the other hand, can mask the scent of the wax.
What colour is real beeswax?
Natural beeswax ranges from pale cream through honey yellow to deep amber. It is not a sharp, glaring yellow, and it need not be perfectly even. The shade can differ even between candles from different batches.
What does the surface tell you?
Pure beeswax is fairly hard, and becomes pliable when warmed in your hands. Over time a fine whitish bloom may appear on the surface. It is not a flaw but a natural trait of the wax, and a soft cloth will buff it away.
How does a beeswax candle burn?
A beeswax candle usually burns with a calm golden flame, and more slowly than a candle made from softer wax. The wick, the size of the candle and the surroundings, such as a draught, also play a big part.
Do price and origin matter?
Beeswax is rarer than paraffin, so a candle made from it tends to cost more. Ask the seller about the composition and origin of the wax; an honest maker will gladly tell you.
None of these signs is proof on its own. The surest way is to know the maker. For Jantarová včela I obtain pure beeswax through a beekeeping shop near Pardubice that is connected with local beekeeping.
