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Bandus Jewelry CenterChildren's Jewelry
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| Buying Children's JewelryAfter
the child is two years old, some safe items of jewelry can be tried
out. The bangle or bracelet is very popular child jewelry. Bangles are
used in Asian countries while charm bracelets are more favored by the
western countries. While a bangle or wristlet can seldom be a health
hazard, care must be taken to see that there are no sharp edges or
points which can scratch skin or snag in clothing. Baby bangles may be
of gold, silver or sterling silver. Costume or imitation jewelry should
never be used on baby skin as it could lead to allergy. Small bangles
are usually kept open with rounded ends so that it is easier to wear
and take off. Bracelets may have letter blocks spelling the child's
name or little jingles or beads which can be appealing to the child.
Baby bracelets may have rounded Swarovski crystals, glass beads and
pearls. Excessive care should be exercised when the bracelet is worn so
that the baby does not pull, bite or swallow the small parts. At the
time of purchase one must ensure that the charms on a bracelet are
tightly woven in and clasps are safe. Pin latches or sharp clasps
should necessarily be avoided.
Baby earrings are also very
popular as these are the only items of jewelry that the baby is unaware
of and therefore the baby is usually very comfortable wearing them. The
best time to have the child's ear pierced is between one to three
years. The pierced area has to be monitored daily for about a month
after the piercing to check for signs of infection. Earrings for very
small babies are mostly of a single metal. The shape has to be a
rounded, edgeless one and ball shaped studs are the most preferred
variety. Tiny gemstones may also be worn - rubies, emeralds, diamonds
and freshwater pearls being the chosen ones. If the baby tends to
fiddle with the earring, rings should be avoided and studs should be
used. The back push of the stud should also be rounded to avoid skin
injury. It should not be too tight as it may cause discomfort but must
be clasped securely. Long or heavy earrings should never be used on
small children as they are neither functional nor aesthetically suited
to babies. Rings or hoops are also worn by many babies but extreme care
has to be taken to see that the loop is not large enough for the baby
to put in a finger and tug.
Chains can be worn by babies only on
occasions and under strict supervision. Since they pose a threat of
strangulation, care must be taken to see that babies do not play with
or pull the chain. Children should never go to sleep wearing chains.
Gold or silver chains are good choices for children. Chains may also be
interspersed with colored beads to brighten them up. "Meenakari" work
is popular in India and looks colorful on chains. In this craft, paint
is embossed on gold and silver giving it the look of a precious stone.
It is a good substitute for gems which are too expensive to be invested
in where children's jewelry is concerned. Cross pendants and religious
lockets are popular christening gifts. Heart-shaped and teddy bear
lockets make charming newborn girl gifts. Cute, light necklaces are
great for special occasions but must be securely fastened when worn.
Baby necklaces are usually items of sentiment and are attached to
memories of special occasions. These are often passed down generations.
In
India, the anklet (payal) is a huge favorite for baby girls. It is
catching favor in the other eastern and European countries, too.
Anklets are usually made of silver or alloys and has tiny tinkling
bells attached. They are also interlaid with colorful beads and make
very well-liked baby ceremony presents.
Baby jewelry must
at all costs be hypoallergenic. Baby skin is too delicate to take risks
with. Jewelry with lead should never be used on children as it can lead
to lead poisoning. Items of children's jewelry should also be bright,
visually appealing and stimulating to the child. It is a great idea to
match baby jewelry with the mother's jewelry. It lends a cute touch and
adds a sentimental dimension. However, exorbitant jewelry need not be
purchased for children as they could be accidentally spoilt, lost or
damaged through wear and tear. Baby jewelry (except the earring) is
best for occasions and not everyday wear.
It is a fact that
children's jewelry ranging from baby to teen has become so popular that
retailers of kids' jewelry see a golden future ahead. Companies like
Jewelcor, Balfours and Josten's and even Wal-Mart are carrying separate
display counters for 10 karat and 14 karat fine gold juvenile jewelry.
The variety and range of products are also seeing a burgeoning trend.
From
babyhood through pre-teens to their young adulthood, little girls will
always love dressing up. So go ahead - invest in beauty and sentiment
that is precious; let the golden aura of her baby jewelry adorn the
priceless gem of your heart. Let her baby jewelry remind her of all the
special moments of her childhood and be an expression of your boundless
love for your little bundle of joy.
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