What Age Can a Baby or Child Start Wearing Jewelry?
Everything You Need to Know About Timing, Safety, and Choosing the Right Piece
A common question, a thoughtful answer
Jewelry is a beautiful way to mark a milestone, but when it comes to babies and young children, timing matters. Many parents and caregivers wonder: what age is safe for a child to start wearing jewelry?
At Brilliant Fine + Custom, we specialize in fine jewelry for life’s littlest moments, pieces designed to be safe, meaningful, and made to last. If you’re considering earrings or a bracelet for your child, here’s what you should know about age-appropriate jewelry, materials, and recommendations from both experts and real families.
earrings for babies: When can they Start To wear them?
In many cultures, babies have their ears pierced as early as a few weeks or months old. In North America, some parents choose to wait until a child is old enough to decide for themselves.
From a safety and care standpoint, earrings can be introduced as early as 2–6 months, as long as the piercing is done by a pediatrician or licensed professional, your child is up to date on their vaccinations; particularly against tetanus, and you commit to cleaning and caring for your child’s piercings daily during healing.
What Earrings are best for Babies and Small Children?
At Brilliant, we recommend babies and small children start with:
Screw-back studs to prevent poking or pulling
14k gold or sterling silver to avoid irritation and reactions
Small, flat shapes like hearts, stars, or simple birthstones
bracelets for babies and toddlers
Bracelets are often gifted for baptisms, naming ceremonies, or first birthdays. They’re a sweet way to mark a moment, but for everyday wear, we recommend waiting until the child is at least 12–18 months old.
For babies and toddlers, look for:
Adjustable sizing to grow with them
Soft chains with rounded edges
Lightweight, comfortable designs that won’t snag or irritate
These bracelets are often worn for special occasions, then tucked away as keepsakes to pass down later.
When Can Young Children Start Wearing Jewelry Regularly?
As children get older, typically around ages 4 or 5, they can begin wearing jewelry with more independence and intention. We recommend:
Mini huggie hoops or dainty studs
Child-sized bracelets or necklaces
First milestone pieces
By this age, children begin to understand how to take care of their belongings, and jewelry becomes a way to encourage responsibility, pride, and personal style.
brilliant picks For Babies & Children
Our jewelry recommendations by age
Whether you’re marking a milestone or celebrating a just-because moment, here are some of our most-loved, age-appropriate jewelry pieces from the Brilliant Baby + Kids collection:
For Babies & Younger Children
Selecting The Right Jewelry For Your Baby & Young Children
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, what matters most is the child’s age, activity level, and your comfort as a caregiver. Jewelry for babies and children should be:
Safe in material (14k gold or sterling silver)
Secure in construction (screw-backs, smooth clasps)
Symbolic, simple, and meaningful
At Brilliant Fine + Custom, our baby and kids’ jewelry collection is gentle, lasting, and made with love, so you can give them a piece that’s beautiful today and treasured tomorrow.
ready to choose their first piece?
From first earrings to keepsake bracelets, our Brilliant Baby + Kids Collection offers safe, elegant jewelry designed for little milestones and lasting memories.
