Baby jewelry has become increasingly fashionable in the last ten years, even though there are many references to the wearing of baby jewelry throughout history.
Word jewelry originates from the Latin word “jocale”, which means plaything. It looks like babies always knew that.
The art of making jewelry started in Mesopotamian kingdoms. Egyptians used gemstones because they believed in their magical powers. Greek worked with gold and silver wire, forming beautiful decorations called filigree. Romans used gold settings but placed greater emphasis on precious stones. And the story goes on…
For centuries, jewelry has been part of human life. The earliest known jewelry (three little shell beads) was crafted in Israel and Algeria between 90.000 and 100.000 years ago. In those days, baby jewelry was made from shells, bits of wood and bone, animal teeth, and leather.
Early pieces of baby jewelry were worn for protection as well as decoration. Some of them had a specific purpose. For example, parents in Cambogia put a silver string with tiny bells on the ankles of their babies so mothers could always know where their babies were. Another purpose of this baby jewelry was to ward off evil spirits.
Throughout history, jewelry has been used for more than one reason: to show social status, wealth and power, affiliation to a particular group, and bring protection to those who wear it. Some of the earlier pieces of jewelry were created as purely functional items (brooches, buckles). In time, jewelry evolved into decorative magnificence.
Nowadays, we have hypoallergenic baby jewelry made from precious metals, insured with safe clasps. So, as you can see, it was a long journey from those three little shell beads to nowadays modern baby jewelry.
One thing that never changes is Belief. That is something we carry within, a thing that keeps us going.
We believe that some objects have the power to protect and bring luck to our children and us. That is why this type of baby jewelry will always be popular. Symbols like a cross, a heart, an anchor, a key, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe, a frog, an elephant, a turtle, a dolphin, are meant to bring baby luck, love, hope, health, prosperity, etc.
Giving this kind of baby jewelry to newborns in the best way shows your good wishes and presents much more than just a simple gift.
Modern jewelry is made of various kinds of precious metals. Precious metals such as gold, silver, sterling silver, platinum, pearls and gemstones, are safe materials for baby jewelry making. One more thing you have to pay attention to when buying gold baby jewelry is regardless of the gold you choose (white gold or yellow), it must be 14K gold.
Gold jewelry is made of gold alloys, which purity is stated in karats (K or kt). What does it mean?
10K gold is the minimum karat designation that can still be called gold in the US, while in the UK, that number is 9K - 37.5% gold.
The silver used in baby jewelry is usually sterling silver, which means 92.5% silver.
Many precious and semiprecious stones, called gemstones, are part of baby jewelry. Each one is unique in its color and its special meaning. Amber - a bit of the Sun with the power to bring good fortune. Jade - the stone of heaven. Sapphire - a symbol of good luck.
Some of these stones are also birthstones. Each one represents the month of baby birth and is believed to bring good luck. Garnet (January) - protects from evil and nightmares. Aquamarine (March) - the stone of divine beauty and love. Diamond (April) - love, romance and eternity. Sapphire (September) - purity and faith.
The first thing you should know is; that under the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, it is against the law to sell items containing lead as items intended for children because they are considered dangerous. So, when you decide to purchase baby jewelry, make sure that you are buying from a reputable retailer. On their website, they should have a published statement regarding the lead content in their children’s products. If they do not have that, call them and ask before ordering.
As we already said, precious metals such as gold, silver, sterling silver, platinum, pearls ,and gemstones, are safe baby jewelry materials.
Avoid plated baby jewelry as it can cause allergic reactions to the baby's skin.
If your choice is a necklace, you should think about one with an extension chain. The same goes for bracelets.
Safety Earrings are also very popular baby jewelry, but first, check whether the parents plan to pierce their baby's ears.
Although children at first will not understand the meaning of their gift, they will almost certainly enjoy wearing their baby jewelry in years to come.
It is a fact - kids will always be kids. They will take anything they can get their hands on and usually put it in their mouth. So, each charm or pendent mast be securely attached. Anything with sharp or pointed edges must be avoided. Also, avoid long necklaces (get one with an extension chain). Baby jewelry should always have safety clasps, which children cannot open by themselves.
Could you go back to your childhood for a moment? Look at the world through the eyes of a child again. Isn't that feeling so special?
Give one tiny piece of jewelry to your babies and create a lifelong memento. Teach them how to stay forever young and never stop playing. Let your children have a strong connection with the early days and keep that moment of happiness forever alive.
There are many interesting things you can choose from, and we did not even scratch a surface. But do not worry; everything starts with baby steps.
Please come, and allow us to introduce you to the magical world of baby jewelry. We hope that you will enjoy your stay here and visit us again.