Children's jewelry: materials and safety by age

Children's jewelry is not adult jewelry made small. The materials, clasps and proportions change and, above all, so does the safety.

Safety first #

• Small parts: a bead, a charm or a loose stone can be swallowed or cause choking.
• Magnets: small magnets are especially dangerous if swallowed; avoid them for young children.
• Button batteries: never in jewelry within the reach of babies.
• Chains and cords: they can tangle or catch. For sleeping and playing, it is better not to use them on babies and toddlers. Safety clasps that open under moderate pull reduce the risk.
• Edges and points: rounded shapes, no prongs or sharp edges.
• Strong clasps: that do not open on their own.
• Bracelets loose but not slack: they must not pinch or catch.

By age #

• Babies: the safest choice is no jewelry, except for pieces designed for that age and under supervision. Health authorities in several countries advise against teething necklaces.
• Early childhood (1 to 5 years): large pieces, with no detachable parts, and always under supervision.
• Children (6 to 11 years): design, durability and comfort; they can already look after their jewelry.
• Preteens (12 and up): first "grown-up" jewelry, personalization and style.

Materials #

It is unwise to promise that a material is "100% hypoallergenic": it depends on the person and the exact composition. See hypoallergenic jewelry and nickel.

What to avoid #

Cheap jewelry with no composition information, pieces that come apart or paint off, and any material that smells or flakes. Check that it meets the regulations of your country (in Europe, for example, those limiting nickel, lead and cadmium).

Giving a jewel to a child #

First jewel, baptism, communion, birthday: a jewel with a name or date can be a family keepsake. See jewelry for children and babies and children's earrings.