A good first piece of real jewelry for a child or teen is small, sturdy and solid gold: a baby bracelet, a pair of small gold studs, a first nameplate or a thin first chain. Choose 10K or 14K gold, keep the size simple, and pick something they can grow with.
Why give a child real gold?
Real gold lasts. A first bracelet or pair of studs can be kept for years and passed down. Solid gold also does not flake or change color the way plated costume jewelry can. For a christening, a birthday or a milestone, it becomes a keepsake.
What are good first jewelry gifts by age?
| Age |
Idea |
Why it works |
| Baby |
Baby bracelet |
A classic keepsake for a new arrival or christening |
| Young child |
Small gold studs |
Smooth, small and easy to wear |
| Preteen |
First nameplate |
Personal, and a style they will not outgrow |
| Teen |
First chain or hoops |
A step toward grown-up jewelry |
What earrings are best for kids?
Small, smooth studs are the best fit for kids. They sit close to the ear and are less likely to catch on clothes or hair. Our smaller 10K gold studs, like the 0.3 inch lion studs and 0.4 inch CZ studs, are a good size. Shop studs
Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us. We also do ear piercing in store. Call or text (973) 673-3800 for details.
Is a nameplate a good first piece?
Yes. A nameplate is one of the most personal first pieces a young person can own. A short name or nickname in a simple style suits a child or teen. Each one is made by hand in solid gold and made to order in 10 to 14 business days. Double check spelling before you order, since custom pieces are final sale, but we will work with you to make sure you are happy with it. See nameplate styles
What about a first chain for a teen?
For a teen, a thin chain is the right start. A lighter chain is comfortable and easy to pair with a small pendant. Shorter lengths, around 16 to 18 inches for a younger teen or 20 inches for an older teen, usually sit well. Shop chains
For a teen who prefers earrings, small or medium gold hoops are a good first step. Shop hoops
Which karat is best for kids?
-
10K (41.7% gold): the hardest of the common karats, so it stands up to play and everyday knocks.
-
14K (58.3% gold): richer yellow color, still durable.
We suggest 10K or 14K for kids. 18K (75% gold) is softer and better saved for when they are older. Each listing shows the karat, and gold-plated items are labeled as plated.
How do I help a child take care of it?
- Take jewelry off for swimming, sports and bath time.
- Keep it in its own box or pouch when not worn.
- Check clasps and earring backs now and then. If anything needs fixing, we do repair in store.
As they grow, a bracelet or ring may need adjusting. Ring sizing is done in store; call or text for details.
What fits my budget?
Most first pieces fit within our gifts under $500 collection. For a graduation milestone, see our graduation jewelry gift ideas.
Visit or text us
We are a family-owned jeweler with 30 years in business at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open seven days. Bring the kids in to try things on, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Start with our gold studs.
A First Piece of Real Jewelry: Gift Ideas for Kids and Teens
A good first piece of real jewelry for a child or teen is small, sturdy and solid gold: a baby bracelet, a pair of small gold studs, a first nameplate or a thin first chain. Choose 10K or 14K gold, keep the size simple, and pick something they can grow with.
Why give a child real gold?
Real gold lasts. A first bracelet or pair of studs can be kept for years and passed down. Solid gold also does not flake or change color the way plated costume jewelry can. For a christening, a birthday or a milestone, it becomes a keepsake.
What are good first jewelry gifts by age?
What earrings are best for kids?
Small, smooth studs are the best fit for kids. They sit close to the ear and are less likely to catch on clothes or hair. Our smaller 10K gold studs, like the 0.3 inch lion studs and 0.4 inch CZ studs, are a good size. Shop studs
Many people with sensitive ears do well with solid gold; ask us. We also do ear piercing in store. Call or text (973) 673-3800 for details.
Is a nameplate a good first piece?
Yes. A nameplate is one of the most personal first pieces a young person can own. A short name or nickname in a simple style suits a child or teen. Each one is made by hand in solid gold and made to order in 10 to 14 business days. Double check spelling before you order, since custom pieces are final sale, but we will work with you to make sure you are happy with it. See nameplate styles
What about a first chain for a teen?
For a teen, a thin chain is the right start. A lighter chain is comfortable and easy to pair with a small pendant. Shorter lengths, around 16 to 18 inches for a younger teen or 20 inches for an older teen, usually sit well. Shop chains
For a teen who prefers earrings, small or medium gold hoops are a good first step. Shop hoops
Which karat is best for kids?
We suggest 10K or 14K for kids. 18K (75% gold) is softer and better saved for when they are older. Each listing shows the karat, and gold-plated items are labeled as plated.
How do I help a child take care of it?
As they grow, a bracelet or ring may need adjusting. Ring sizing is done in store; call or text for details.
What fits my budget?
Most first pieces fit within our gifts under $500 collection. For a graduation milestone, see our graduation jewelry gift ideas.
Visit or text us
We are a family-owned jeweler with 30 years in business at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open seven days. Bring the kids in to try things on, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Start with our gold studs.