For many parents, choosing the first pair of children’s earrings for their little girl is a beautiful and emotional experience. The earrings become intrinsically linked with special moments in their child’s life and also likely represent the first contact a little girl has with the world of jewelry. Whether they are given when the child is born, at their baptism, first communion or a significant birthday, the earrings stay in their memory for years to come.

A gift for a special moment in life

Giving a child a piece of jewelry is an opportunity to create a lasting memory and for this reason, the choice of the first pair of earrings is something most parents pay special attention to. Often the earrings accompany important milestones and are a tangible reminder of the emotions attached to them. In many families, it is customary to give earrings as gifts on significant occasions since a small but valuable piece of jewelry can be just the thing that preserves these memories forever.

What to focus on

Children's earrings have their own specific needs, in terms of design as well as functionality. They should be lightweight, comfortable and free of any sharp edges. Choosing the right fastening is also important–the ideal choice for smallest children is a front fastening (also known as a front closure) which ensures that the earrings stay securely in place but which is also comfortable when moving around and sleeping.

The mechanism of a front closure is designed to hold the earring firmly in the ear, thereby minimizing the risk of loss. The design of earrings with this type of fastening is also adapted to small ears which means that they fit well on children up to around the age of six.

What metal should you choose?

Gold is a tried and tested metal that is not only beautiful but also durable and well tolerated, even by sensitive skin. In children's jewelry, the most common type used is 14k white, yellow or rose gold. The other benefits of 14k gold include its resistance to wear and tear and to damage, which is certainly more than desirable when it involves small children who are very active. An added benefit is the fact that the gold earrings can later become a childhood memento and a family heirloom to treasure for generations to come.

Children’s earring designs

Dainty themes like flowers, hearts and animals are ideal for children. Earrings with color gemstones that will add a playful sparkle are also another option and there's no need to be worried about choosing them. The key design element to watch out for is a smooth surface without any sharp edges and a lightweight design that doesn’t feel heavy in the ear or create any concerns when moving around.

The topic of ear piercing and small children

This is something that often sparks discussions among parents and professionals alike. While it used to be common to pierce the ears of babies as young as a few weeks old, today there is an increasing trend towards an individual approach when it comes to choosing the right time. But at whatever age the ears are pierced, it is important to choose a professional and a hygienic environment that minimizes the risk of health complications.

What method to choose?

The most common methods involve piercing the ear with a sterile needle or using a special piercing gun and this can often even be done by a pediatrician. Each method has its own specifics but what is important is that it is quick, gentle and performed by an experienced professional. It's always a good idea to find out in advance what type of earrings the piercing studio uses and what follow-up treatments it recommends.

Earrings for a young lady

Once a girl has grown up a bit, it's time for new earrings that are more in keeping with her style. Designs with a latch back or lever back closure are an option, along with classic studs, huggies or smaller hoops.  

TIP: For more details on the different types of clasps, see our article on the types of earring fastenings.

And what design will please young ladies the most? Definitely the one they choose themselves! Older girls may already have a clear idea of what they like, so they'll certainly appreciate it if you involve them in the selection. Minimalist shapes, dainty diamonds, pearl studs and symbols like a star or a heart are popular.

A beautiful gift with lasting value

Creating children's earrings has its own set of requirements–from choosing a comfortable, safe design through precision workmanship to get the details right. At the KLENOTA jewelry studio, all earrings are hand crafted with a focus on attention to detail, functionality and comfort. Whether you are looking for a pair of first earrings for a baby or for an older girl, in the KLENOTA range you’ll find children's earrings made of 14k gold that meet high standards of quality, safety and aesthetics.

And if you're looking for more inspiration, you'll find tips on jewelry that will delight and surprise in our article on how to choose gifts for children.