If the little princess admires her mom’s collection of jewelry, trying them on and dreaming of her own, it’s time to get some children’s earrings. Give the young fashionista a chance to express herself and showcase her unique style. After all, every girl, whether she’s of preschool age or a bit older, deserves her enchanting collection of jewelry that makes her feel like a true princess. So, if you’ve been thinking about getting a pair of earrings for your daughter, granddaughter, or niece, we’re ready to help you choose the best pieces.
What Material to Choose?
When it comes to choosing materials for children’s earrings, it’s important to avoid cheap costume jewelry that contains harmful substances that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Such items can leave greenish or black marks on the skin, tarnish quickly, and even promote the development of infections.
Therefore, it’s recommended to opt for hypoallergenic options that will be safe and comfortable for everyday wear:
- 14K gold is the perfect choice for crafting children’s jewelry. The higher the gold content in the alloy, the fewer alloying metals are present, reducing the risk of skin irritation. 14K gold provides an optimal balance between gold and safe additives, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.
- 925 sterling silver is also suitable for making children’s jewelry, as long as it does not contain nickel. Sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and, therefore, does not cause irritation in most people. However, it is prone to tarnishing and requires careful care to maintain its original beauty. An ideal option is jewelry made of rhodium-plated silver, which is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and resistant to oxidation, tarnishing, and scratches. Rhodium doesn’t darken and shines due to its ability to reflect up to 80% of light.
When buying earrings for children, it’s necessary to avoid metals containing nickel, as it can cause irritation and discomfort on sensitive skin. Alloys containing nickel can lead to rashes, itching, and swelling. If you’re unsure about the material, it’s recommended to choose items with rhodium plating, which guarantees hypoallergenic properties. Also, make sure to check the condition of the earrings and remember to have the rhodium layer refreshed by jewelry professionals.
Matching Age and Size
The size of jewelry is determined based on the child’s age:
- Up to 3mm: Ideal size for infants to avoid discomfort and earlobe injury.
- 3-5mm: A great option for girls aged 1-3 years. The key condition is that the earrings should not be heavy and bulky.
- 5-7mm: Suitable for preschool-age children (4-8 years).
- 7-10mm: Suitable for girls older than 8 years.
However, it’s important to remember that each child is unique and may have individual preferences and characteristics. As a universal choice for girls of all ages, small stud earrings measuring 3-5mm and weighing up to 2 grams are recommended.
The choice of children’s earrings should also consider the materials from which they are made to avoid allergic reactions. Additionally, pay attention to the type of clasps used to ensure they are safe and secure.
Choosing the Right Style
If you’re looking for a precious ornament for a girl under the age of three, consider stud earrings. Dangling earrings are not very practical for young children, as they can catch on something, fall out of the ear, or get lost, and they can become objects of play, potentially leading to injuries. Stud earrings are considered the safest choice for young children.
As your little princess grows up, you can gift her dangling earrings with original designs, adorned with bright stones or enamel.
As for hoop earrings, they are more suitable for older children. Hoops are a classic option that works well for little girls. If you choose hoop earrings, remember to regularly check the clasps to ensure they are securely fastened.
Stud earrings, often called “posts,” are an excellent choice for young children, as they are considered the safest option. If you are looking for the perfect gold earrings for a first birthday gift, consider stud earrings. If you prefer hoops, make sure they fit snugly against the earlobe and cannot catch on foreign objects. Your little princess can wear all other types of earrings when she grows a bit older. Don’t forget that comfort and safety are more important than a flashy design.
Choosing the Best Clasp
The best options for children’s earrings are those with butterfly clasps and screw-back locks. They are considered safe and reliable due to their unique design features. In particular, a screw-back earring has a rear part that is twisted onto the threaded post. This ensures a secure attachment of the jewelry and gives you confidence that it will stay in your child’s ear in any situation.
However, not all threaded clasps are equal. Some models lack a closed rear part, which can pose a risk to the child. In such cases, the earring post remains exposed and can be harmful. The best version of such clasps has a closed rear part, eliminating any possibility of discomfort or injury.
Among the advantages of children’s screw-back earrings are:
- Resistance to Coming Loose: This is especially important for infants and toddlers who may constantly play with their earrings.
- Preventing Loss: Thanks to the screw-back closure, it’s impossible to lose the earring, as long as it’s securely fastened.
- Additional Protection: Earrings with closed backs are one of the safest options for children’s jewelry. They don’t cause discomfort and cannot be removed by the child.
Gold earrings with Italian and English locks are designed for school-age girls. Items with Italian locks can accidentally catch on clothing or hair if an improper size or bulky design is chosen. However, they are both elegant and practical, remaining inconspicuous on the ears. This type of clasp facilitates the earlobe piercing process.
Earrings with English locks are suitable for girls whose earlobes have fully healed. They are known for their absolute reliability and won’t come off without the wearer’s explicit desire.
For older fashionistas, there’s an interesting alternative: latch-less earrings that do not have locks that can come undone and lead to earring loss. They are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear. The ideal length of the pendant in such earrings does not exceed 4 centimeters.
If your daughter is already 3 years old, you can also consider hoop earrings with a “hinged” clasp.
How to Choose Suitable Earrings for Children: 5 Key Tips
- Avoid items containing nickel, as children’s ears are extremely sensitive to this metal. Give preference to jewelry made of gold, sterling silver, and surgical steel.
- Refrain from costume jewelry with unclear compositions and suspicious materials with thin gold plating that wears off quickly and can cause skin irritation.
- Avoid choosing large, heavy, and long earrings. They easily catch on hair, clothing, and other objects, which can lead to injuries.
- Give preference to unique pieces with vibrant designs, which are comfortable for everyday wear. These can include heart shapes with bright enamel, colorful cubic zirconia, crowns, flowers, butterflies, fruits, and cute bees.
