Somewhere between the first cuddle and the first birthday, most of us start thinking about the little things we’d like our children to keep. A tiny silver bangle that once hung loosely on a newborn wrist. A star pendant from a godparent. A pair of heart studs chosen together for a seventh birthday.
Children’s jewellery isn’t really about the jewellery. It’s about the moment it marks, and the day, years from now, when your child opens a small box and finds a piece of their own story inside.
If you’re at the very beginning, wondering where to start, what’s safe, what will fit and what won’t be outgrown by spring, this guide is for you. As a family jeweller since 1888, we’ve helped generations of mums, dads, grandparents and godparents choose that first special piece, and we’ll keep it simple.
Why a child’s first piece of jewellery matters
A child’s first jewellery is a keepsake before it is an accessory. Babies don’t choose it and toddlers will happily ignore it, but years later it becomes a little proof of how loved they were from the very start. That’s why the best first pieces share three qualities: safety, sentiment and style.
What age should a child start wearing jewellery?
There is no single right age, and the occasion and your child’s stage matter more than the number on the birthday card.
• Newborn to first birthday: jewellery marks an occasion such as a birth, christening or first birthday. It’s worn for special moments and photographs, with an adult close by, and many families keep it safe in between.
• Toddlers and pre-schoolers: choose simple, smooth designs without small parts that could work loose, such as a plain bangle, a small pendant or a dressing-up ring.
• School age: children start to have opinions. Offer two or three options, because a piece they chose themselves is a piece they’ll look after.
• Pre-teens: ear studs, charm bracelets and the first “grown-up” pieces.
Five first pieces to begin a children’s jewellery collection
Our children’s jewellery collection brings together Little Star, Fleur, D for Diamond, Fred Bennett, THOMAS SABO, ChloBo and T.H.Baker. Here’s where we’d begin.
Baby Bangles
The classic first piece, and for good reason. It’s light, easy to put on and treasured long after it has been outgrown. Expandable styles leave a little room for growing wrists.
The T.H.Baker Sterling Silver 4mm Beaded Edge Expandable Baby Bangle is a lovely, simple place to start. For a touch more sentiment, the Sterling Silver Claddagh Baby Bangle carries the traditional symbol of love, loyalty and friendship, while the Little Star Gisele Silver Diamond Heart Baby Bangle adds a tiny diamond heart.
Explore our Baby Bangles collection
A pendant necklace
Pendants are a favourite for christenings and birthdays. Crosses and angels are traditional, while stars, moons and hearts suit everyday wear.
The Little Star Boys Thom Silver Cross Pendant Necklace and the Little Star Childrens Grace Silver Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace are both on adjustable chains.
For a sweeter, more playful choice, look at the Little Star Kirsty Silver Diamond Star Pendant Necklace, the Fleur Kids Sterling Silver Angel Pendant Necklace or the Fleur Kids Ballerina Necklace.
Simple stud earrings
Studs are a sweet first pair for children with pierced ears. Try the Fleur Kids Sterling Silver Heart Stud Earrings, the Fleur Kids Dog Stud Earrings or the Sterling Silver Dolphin Stud Earrings. Thinking of piercing? Read our note on ear piercing below first.
A playful ring
Rings are where imagination takes over. The Fleur Kids White and Pink Unicorn Ring, the Fleur Kids Cubic Zirconia Moon and Star Ring and the Fleur Kids Elephant Ring are small treats that suit pocket money and party-bag budgets alike.
A keepsake bracelet
A first bracelet often arrives with a first big birthday. The Little Star Girls Anja Silver Pearl Star Bracelet is delicate and special, and the Little Star Athena Girls Silver Multi Charm Bracelet is a lovely thing to build on over the years. For a gentler budget, the Fleur Kids Sterling Silver Heart Bracelet is a charming first.
Sterling silver, gold or something else?
Most of our children’s collection is sterling silver, with a smaller selection in 9ct yellow gold, stainless steel and gold plate.
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, blended with other metals for strength. It’s a popular choice for little ones because it’s durable, affordable and doesn’t rely on the nickel-heavy mixes behind many skin reactions. Nickel is the most common contact allergy in children, and most children who react to nickel cope well with sterling silver. No metal suits absolutely everyone though, so if your child has very sensitive skin, ask us before you buy.
9ct gold is hard-wearing and made to be kept, which is why it’s the choice for heirloom gifts. Gold plating gives the look of gold at a friendlier price, though plating naturally wears over time.
Getting the size right
Babies grow fast, so fit matters. Sizing guides vary between brands, but as a general guide, a newborn to six-month-old wears a bangle of around 4 to 4½ inches (10 to 11.5cm), and a six to twelve-month-old around 4½ to 5 inches.
To be sure:
• Measure your child’s wrist with a strip of paper or a soft tape measure.
• Check the fit: you should be able to slip one or two fingers between the piece and the wrist.
• Look at the size on the product page, as each baby bangle and bracelet lists its size.
• Choose expandable where you can, so the piece lasts a little longer.
• Re-check regularly as your child grows.
Keeping little wearers safe
Safety always comes first. Our baby bangles are designed with smooth edges and secure fastenings, and these everyday habits help too:
• Supervise babies and toddlers whenever they’re wearing jewellery.
• Take jewellery off before sleep.
• Keep pieces away from little mouths.
• Check clasps, backs and settings every so often.
• Remove jewellery for swimming, PE and rough play, which also keeps it looking its best.
Ear piercing: a family decision
There’s no legal minimum age for ear piercing, so it’s down to you, your child and the studio. Every family feels differently, and that’s fine. If you do go ahead, choose a reputable, licensed piercer or jeweller, ask about aftercare, and check your child’s school policy on earrings.
Buying for someone else’s child
Godparent, grandparent, auntie or family friend? A quiet word with the parents saves a lot of guessing: silver or gold, religious or not, pierced ears or not. Then follow the occasion.
• Christening: crosses, angels and baby bangles. See our christening gifts.
• New baby: a first bangle to welcome them. See our new baby gifts.
• Birthdays and Christmas: rings, studs, pendants and bracelets. Browse gifts for children.
A first piece doesn’t have to be expensive to be remembered, and a thoughtful pick beats a big price tag every time.
Growing the collection, one milestone at a time
The loveliest children’s jewellery collections aren’t bought in one afternoon. They’re built slowly.
• Welcome or christening: a baby bangle.
• First birthday: a small pendant.
• Starting school: a pair of studs or a favourite-animal ring.
• A special birthday: a charm bracelet to add to.
• A big achievement: something a little more grown-up.
Years later you’ll have more than jewellery, you’ll have a quiet timeline of your child’s growing up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best first piece of jewellery for a child?
For babies, a baby bangle is the classic choice. For toddlers and school-age children, a pendant, a simple ring or a pair of studs are lovely first pieces.
What age can a child start wearing jewellery?
There’s no fixed age. Babies can wear pieces for special occasions with supervision, and everyday wear is best once children are old enough to look after it.
What size baby bangle do I need?
As a general guide, around 4 to 4½ inches for newborns up to six months and 4½ to 5 inches for six to twelve months. Measure the wrist and check the size on the product page.
Is sterling silver safe for babies and children with sensitive skin?
Sterling silver is a popular choice for children and most people who are allergic to nickel can wear it. If your child has very sensitive skin, ask us before buying.
What should I buy for a christening, for a boy or a girl?
A baby bangle, a cross or an angel pendant work beautifully for both. See our christening gifts.
How much should I spend?
There’s no right amount. Our collection starts well under £10 and runs through to heirloom gold, so you can choose what feels right.
Can I return a gift if it doesn’t fit?
Our returns advice explains how it works, or you can call us on +44 (0)1562 312 224.
How do I keep silver looking its best?
Store pieces in a jewellery box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth, and see our jewellery cleaning products.
Final thoughts
Choosing your child’s first jewellery is one of those small, happy decisions you’ll remember. There’s no perfect age and no perfect piece, just the one that feels right for your family, your occasion and your little one.
Start small, choose with care, and let the collection grow as they do.
Explore our Children’s Jewellery Collection
