Baptism and Children's Jewelry: What is Suitable and Safe?
Christening jewellery and children's jewellery are particularly meaningful gifts – they accompany a child from the very beginning and are often kept for years and eventually worn with pride. But what kind of jewellery is suitable for babies and toddlers? What do I need to look out for? And what are the most beautiful christening gift ideas? This guide answers all your questions.
What is christening jewellery?
Christening jewellery is jewellery given to or worn by a baby or toddler at their christening. It is usually small, delicate, and symbolic – often featuring religious or protective motifs such as a cross, angel, or heart. Classic christening jewellery includes:
- Christening chains (very fine necklaces with small pendants)
- Christening bracelets (delicate bracelets in baby size)
- Christening rings (thin baby finger rings)
- Christening pins (small pins for christening clothes)
What materials are safe for baby jewellery?
With children's jewellery, safety is an absolute priority. Not all jewellery materials are suitable for babies and toddlers:
Recommended materials
- Sterling Silver 925 (rhodium-plated): Hypoallergenic due to the rhodium plating, durable, pretty. The most common choice for high-quality christening jewellery.
- 14-carat gold (585) or 18-carat gold (750): Soft enough for delicate skin, allergy-free and very durable.
- White gold (nickel-free): Elegant and modern, suitable for children if nickel-free and rhodium-plated.
Materials to avoid
- Nickel-containing alloys: Can cause contact allergies in babies. Always look for "nickel-free".
- Brass: Can leave green discolouration when exposed to sweat and cause allergies.
- Plastic or cheap alloys: May contain plasticizers or harmful substances.
Safety guidelines for children's jewellery
In addition to the material, there are important safety aspects:
- No jewellery for babies under one year: Small parts, chains, and pendants pose a choking hazard. Jewellery is recommended at the earliest from kindergarten age – and then only under supervision.
- No long chains: Chains for toddlers should be very short (35–40 cm) or have a safety clasp that opens when pulled.
- Safety clasps: For necklaces, look for break-proof clasps that open under strong tension.
- Smooth surfaces: No sharp edges or small removable parts.
Beautiful christening jewellery ideas
Children's chain with a cross
The most classic christening gift – a very fine chain (35–38 cm) with a small cross pendant. In gold or silver, often engraved with a name or date.
Christening bracelet with name
A delicate silver or gold bracelet with the child's name is a personal and lasting gift. Many parents keep it until the child can wear it themselves.
Guardian angel pendant
A small guardian angel pendant is a popular christening gift, regardless of denomination or religion – as a symbol of protection and care.
Birthstone jewellery
A small ring or pendant with the child's birthstone is doubly personal – connecting the jewellery with the birth date and the child.
Children's jewellery for older children (6–16 years)
From school age, jewellery can become a little more varied:
- Friendship bracelets and necklaces
- Earrings after the first ear piercing
- Initial pendants as a back-to-school gift
- Zodiac sign jewellery for teenagers
Christening jewellery as a lasting gift
Christening jewellery is one of the few gifts that truly accompanies you throughout your life. If you focus on quality when buying – high-quality silver or gold, secure clasps, beautiful workmanship – you are giving a keepsake that may even be passed on to the next generation.
Christening jewellery and children's jewellery at Corelune Jewellery
At Corelune Jewellery you will find delicate, high-quality pieces of jewellery that are wonderful for special occasions such as christenings. Discover our jewellery collection and find the perfect keepsake!
