Children’s jewelry is nothing new: in fact, it dates back to ancient cultures. In the great African, European, American and Asian civilizations that flourished thousands of years ago, young children were often decorated with jewelry upon their birth as a way of attributing them with luck and status. Certain symbols, such as amulets, or gemstones, such as moonstone, had special significance for children, and were common gifts among families who wished to spiritually protect their young.

 

In the Mediterranean world, many families still pierce their babies’ ears so that they can decorate them with gold hoop earrings – a tradition that dates back to the ancient world. They also frequently gift newborn babies with crucifix necklaces in gold – a practice that recalls that region’s ancient tradition of giving children protective amulets.

 

With the passage of time, children’s jewelry took on new and varied meanings. A common tradition was to pass down special family jewelry to children upon their birth or on birthdays. This family jewelry was often precious metal, or set with gemstones, and giving it to a child was a way of commemorating the passing of generations.

 

The idea of birthstone jewelry dates back hundreds of years – even, as in the case of Indian Aruveydic philosophy – thousands. Many people believed that birthstones had the effect of bringing luck to their wearer. In Europe, birthstone jewelry became a popular gift for children in the 19th and 20th centuries. Birthstone rings sized especially for babies became a particularly popular gift to commemorate a child’s birth.

 

While in North America, kids’ rings are associated with female babies and girls, many African cultures gift baby boys with rings, as well as bracelets, body jewelry, and necklaces. When the 20th century American tradition of hip hop was born, a new trend toward jewelry for males came with it. It is not uncommon for North American parents to give gemstone and gold rings to baby boys and children on birthdays or other special occasions.

 

Still, the most popular form of jewelry for children remains the birthstone ring, which is sized to fit a newborn baby. Not only does the ring commemorate the child’s birth and individuality, but it becomes a special keepsake that the child, once grown, can have re-designed into a new piece that will always have a special significance.