Kids' Gold: Bangles, Chains and Safety

Gold jewellery for children is a long tradition in Indian families, given at naming ceremonies, first birthdays and festivals. But children's jewellery must be chosen with safety in mind. This guide explains what is suitable at each age, and how to choose safe designs.

What is safe at each age

These are general guidelines. Always supervise young children wearing jewellery, and use your own judgement.

• Babies (under 1): jewellery is best kept as keepsakes or worn only briefly under close supervision. Avoid chains and necklaces, and anything with small parts. See Annaprasana, Naming Ceremony and First-Birthday Gold Gifts.
• Toddlers (1 to 3): smooth, well-fitted bangles or small screw-back studs may be worn with supervision. Avoid chains, and anything a child could pull off and put in their mouth.
• Young children (4 to 8): small studs, light bangles and bracelets are generally suitable. Keep chains short and light, and remove jewellery for sleep and active play.
• Older children (9 and up): most lightweight jewellery is suitable, with sensible care. Teach children how to look after their pieces.

Bangles

• Choose smooth, rounded edges, with no sharp points or rough finishes.
• Avoid tight fits: children's wrists grow quickly, and a bangle should never leave marks.
• Consider openable bangles, which can be adjusted and removed easily.
• Solid, simple designs are more durable than delicate ones.

See Bangles and Kadas.

Chains and black-bead

In many families, black-bead bracelets or chains with gold are given to children as a traditional form of protection.

• Bracelets and anklets are generally safer than necklaces for young children.
• Avoid necklaces for babies and toddlers, due to the risk of choking and strangulation.
• For older children, choose short, light chains and remove them before sleeping and active play.
• Check strings regularly, since threads can weaken and beads can come loose.

Fastenings and edges

• Screw-back studs are much more secure than push backs, and safer for children.
• Secure clasps on bracelets reduce the risk of loss.
• No small detachable parts, such as charms, beads or drops, for young children.
• Smooth finishes throughout, with no points that could scratch.

Sizing as they grow

• Check fit every few months, particularly for bangles and bracelets.
• Resize or replace pieces that become tight. See Repair, Polish and Resizing.
• Keep outgrown pieces as keepsakes, or remake them into larger designs as the child grows. See Heirloom Remaking.
• Consider coins as a gift that grows with the child. See Gold Jewellery vs Coins vs Bonds.

A practical note: many schools discourage valuable jewellery, and children can lose small pieces easily, so keep precious items for occasions.

At Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet, we carry children's bangles, studs and small gold pieces designed with safety in mind.

Visit Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet

Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers
Shop No. 102, 8-1-299/121, RP Business Park, Al Hamra Colony, Shaikpet, Hyderabad 500008

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8:30pm
Phone: +91 88855 00805
WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Instagram: @tibarumalandsons