Jewelry has an almost universal appeal. The use of pearls, gold, and pretty stones as fashion accessories can be traced back hundreds of thousands of years.
It transcends social constructs, religions, and cultures, providing extraordinary insights into who we are, where we’re from, and the things — and people — we love. Jewelry grounds us. It connects us. It reminds us of what matters most in this world.
Men and women from all walks of life have unique preferences when it comes to the jewelry they wear. Some people like necklaces and bracelets. Others prefer rings and watches. Some want to make a statement, wearing bold pieces that catch the eye, while others prefer a more subtle approach.
Regardless, jewelry has power. Even for kids.
Think about it: kids, while a bit smaller and a tad more rambunctious, are just like adults. They have the same needs, wants, hopes, and dreams. So it’s no surprise that younger children might want to get in on this form of self-expression, too.
And we’re not just talking about girls here. Boys like jewelry, too.
But as parents, you know what your children want and what they actually need, don’t always get along — and there are specific factors to consider before buying any jewelry for kids.
Think safety first
The best jewelry for kids is — above all else — safe. While the possibility of strangulation or choking on small earrings and rings is something you’ve probably already thought about, the materials used to make kids jewelry should also be top of mind.
High levels of dangerous substances like lead, antimony, and cadmium have often been discovered in jewelry marketed to our kids, leading to recalls and the pulling of products from shelves. In one instance, a large percentage of children’s jewelry from Walmart contained 300 times the recommended amount of lead.
While retailers have increased their efforts to sell real jewelry for kids that is both safe and fashionable, you still need to think about the possibility of lead poisoning. This is a serious condition that often causes developmental delays and learning disabilities.
Allergic reactions are also a possibility. In an effort to reduce costs, some manufacturers add metals — like nickel — to their jewelry. Unfortunately, this can cause allergic reactions that have a variety of uncomfortable symptoms:
- Mild to severe itching
- Dry patches of skin
- Blisters, rashes, or bumps on the skin
- Changes in skin color
Nickel-free or hypoallergenic jewelry for kids is the best way to avoid this issue.
Let their personality shine
Just like the parents they emulate, children are sure to have specific preferences when it comes to the jewelry they wear. Some might want something sweet and simple, like charm bracelets with tiny hearts and butterflies. Others might want something more personal that says something about who they are — like a birthstone or a personalized necklace.
The good thing here is that there’s almost endless variety in kid jewelry. Think about your child’s interests, who they admire, and how they prefer to spend their time. All these details will help you narrow your options and find the best jewelry for your kids.
Here are some options that might make your shopping experience a little easier:
- Nameplated or initialed necklaces
- Birthstone jewelry
- Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Disney jewelry for kids
Consider the cost
Kids are kids, and responsibility has never really been their strong suit. They’re easily distracted and forgetful, leaving things behind and misplacing treasured items. They tend to break things a lot, too. It’s all just part of what it means to be young.
So as tempting as it might be to splurge and buy your kid a set of earrings with .50 carat diamonds set in pure gold, that might not be the best decision. There’s a good chance those earrings end up in the lost-and-found or garbage.
But you don’t have to sacrifice quality. There’s plenty of reasonably priced kids jewelry that is stylish, safe, and easy to replace if necessary.
Still, you might want to take a few precautions to make sure your kid’s jewelry doesn’t get lost, broken, or stolen:
- Pick a designated spot for your kids to remove and keep their jewelry
- Don’t allow your kids to swap or trade pieces with their friends
- Jewelry should never be worn to the beach or swimming pool
The Best Kids Jewelry at Sallyrose
At Sallyrose, we pride ourselves on our collection of fine jewelry for people of all ages. We’re dedicated to providing the styles people love — styles that stand out, make a statement, and stand the test of time. Each piece is carefully crafted, emphasizing quality, safety, and durability. We don’t cut corners and use only the finest materials.
We have what you might call a soft spot for children. And we partner with several brands that feel the same way. Through the Jewelers for Children organization, we’ve helped kids get the support they need to combat illness, abuse, and neglect. Since 1999, Jewelers for Children has donated more than $55 million to programs that benefit children through charity partners, including the Make-A-Wish® Foundation.
Are you looking for a piece of jewelry your kid will love and cherish? We can help you find something that checks all the boxes.
Check Out Our Kids Collection.