In some countries, like Mexico, it’s not unusual to get a newborn’s ears pierced while they’re still babies. Since babies can be sensitive to anything other than gold, little gold studs are used to keep the piercings open. In fact, children do have some requirements for jewelry that don’t apply to adults. If they are still at the stage of mouthing everything, they should never have bracelets with charms or anything that can be swallowed. While some parents may choose to give children in elementary school their first piece of diamond jewelry, others wait until they’re in their teens to give them a genuine diamond. Test to see how mature your child is in caring and maintaining their jewelry, by slowly building up to the genuine diamond jewelry. There are simulated diamonds that can be bought at far less cost, so that a child can wear and learn to care for jewelry long before they get the real thing.
To Pierce or Not To Pierce?
That does seem to be every parent’s dilemma. Whether it’s a traditional way to celebrate the birth of a girl child or your child’s third or fourth ear lobe piercing, some people don’t like the idea of piercings in children. It’s a very personal matter, and can depend on the family and ethnic traditions. If you do choose to use jewelry for your babies, just be careful to keep it safe, safeguarding both against skin sensitivities and possible swallowing.
Elementary School
Once children are in elementary school, children both female and male will start expressing their personalities at school through the clothing and accessories they choose to wear. This is a perfect time to help them create a solid identity by gifting them with themed watches and jewelry. Birthstone jewelry is very popular at this stage, and also names and initials. Help them to celebrate who they are, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be gold. They will appreciate a glittery pendant whether it has real or fake diamonds in it. You can use genuine birthstones and cubic zirconium in the jewelry, to keep the cost of the item low while delighting your child, regardless.
High School
Jewelry comes out in multiple fashion statements in high school. Of course, by now they’re learning to appreciate what things cost, and the more expensive a piece of jewelry, the more likely they’ll take a shine to it. While everyone is seeking status in high school, there are other forms of jewelry, like jelly bracelets, that also are part of an underground teen culture. The bracelets can be used to identify aspects of their sexuality to their peers, so be careful before you end up giving your kid jelly bracelets because everyone else is wearing them.
At Graduation
Graduation is the perfect time to give your child their first piece of genuine diamond jewelry, if they haven’t received it by then. It can be a sign of accomplishment and something to mark the occasion. Even male children graduating can get diamond faced watches for graduation and have them inscribed on the back with the event you’re celebrating. Many children will also want class rings which are done in gold or silver, as another memento of their time in high school. By then, they will already know how to take care of their valuable jewelry and it will be a source of pride for them for years to come.