Do you find it difficult to buy jewellery for children and young adults? Well you’re not alone.  A good deal of the people who come to see us looking for jewellery gift ideas for their children, nieces, nephews, godchildren or family friends coming of age don’t know where to start.

So in this first part of a series on Choosing Jewellery for Different Ages, I thought we should start with beauty before…let’s just call it blossoming.

Baby and small children jewellery

Jewellery for babies and small children has traditionally been pieces like ID bracelets and brooches for special occasions. Recently, however this has grown to encompass pearls, charm bracelets, earrings and pendants.

It’s about delicate…but not fragile.

What to get for bubs?

There are few things cuter than a baby wearing jewellery, but it has to be tasteful. Classic pieces, like ID bracelets, are great because they can be kept for the rest of their lives and make wonderful family heirlooms. The most important consideration is safety.  Don’t give babies and toddlers jewellery that uses elastics or has parts that can be tugged at and swallowed.

Young children

Once a child reaches five years, you can start to safely introduce elastic jewellery. At this age, kids become aware (or their mothers are!) of what colour suits them and the outfit they wear. Little girls especially love brightly coloured necklaces with cute pendants, and will grow up treasuring these kinds of pieces.

I think little girls with pierced ears is a gorgeous look. They make their whole face sparkle!

Some Examples: Piccolo

So keep it delicate, tasteful, and embrace all the bright eyed cuteness that comes with little kids and jewellery. Take a look at Piccolo, one of our suppliers, for some great examples.

8-15 year olds jewellery

The age when kids know what they like, and don’t like! On the plus side, they start to understand jewellery and its significance. So they appreciate and care for it more too. In other words, they’re less likely to try turn their jewellery into a snack or toy.

What’s suitable?

Depending on budgets and the care of the wearer, delicate 9ct Gold pieces are very suitable because the 9ct won’t irritate delicate skins and isn’t overly expensive.

You can also introduce the concept of a suite of jewellery, i.e matching earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets at this age. And there’s such a variety out there – ladybirds, butterflies, stars, moons, hearts, flowers, pearls, all in different colours – something for even the most picky preteen!

Take a look at the Piccolo website for some great examples of jewellery we can organise for you.

Teenagers jewellery

Teenagers are in that transition stage from child to adult (or are already there if you ask them). Jewellery is a great way to show that you see that they are maturing, capable of carrying off adult like pieces and responsible enough to care for them.

What’s suitable?

Give them something durable that also starts creating memories for them. Diamond or pearl studs, a small pearl or diamond pendant or a fine bracelet are all great choices because they are beautiful and significant, but not difficult to wear. And teens can wear these kind of classic pieces with anything.

Lots of parents seem to want to steer clear of rings, perhaps because they are so visible and are scared their teen won’t like it! A good alternative is to take them shopping with you (what teen would say no to a day of shopping for them?), and you might end up with something you both adore.

Jewellery for young adults – the 21st milestone

The coming of age is a real milestone, with plenty of celebrations and opportunities to give jewellery; a 21^st birthday, a graduation, a new job. But there are certain other milestones you need to be mindful of – you don’t want to give them jewellery that competes with the type of piece a special someone might want to give them.

What’s suitable?

It should be a piece that fits in with their existing jewellery, or something to start a lifelong collection. Because they are so classic, diamonds and pearls are still a safe bet, but brave coloured stones can also be introduced because by this age, skin and hair colouring have usually settled down.

More adventurous options

Blue sapphire, aquamarine, amethyst, pink sapphire; all of these are beautiful and will stand the test of time. This Pearl Enhancer with Blue Sapphire Beads is an example of exciting colour that a confident 21 year old would love, and as a classic choice these Pearl and Topaz Earrings are lovely and perfect for a special occasion.

The gold bracelet has been the most popular choice, but with the price of gold being such as it is, this might change.   Strands of pearls are a great idea because around this age, young people enter professional jobs where they need to make an impression.

So, yes there is beautiful jewellery appropriate for children of all ages.  And remember, where always here if you need help choosing or designing a piece they’ll always adore.