Baptism and Christening Jewelry Gifts: Crosses, ID Bracelets, Safety

The most traditional baptism and christening jewelry gifts are a small gold cross pendant, often put away until the child is older, and an engraved baby ID bracelet with the child's name. Solid gold is the usual choice because it is gentle on skin, does not tarnish, and can be kept for a lifetime as a keepsake.

Safety matters as much as meaning. Babies should not wear necklaces unsupervised, and especially not while sleeping. In this guide we explain which pieces make sense now, which are better saved for later, and how godparents and grandparents usually approach the gift.

Why gold is a traditional christening gift

Across many Christian families, a christening or baptism is one of the first big celebrations of a child's life, and gold has long been the gift that marks it. The reasons are practical as well as symbolic. Gold does not rust or tarnish, so a cross given today will look the same when the child is grown. It is also a material that is easy to pass down, which suits a gift intended to last.

In Turkey, where our atelier is, gold is also a familiar gift for a new baby in many families, a custom we describe in our article on Turkish jewelry traditions. The common thread is the same: a small piece of real gold to mark a beginning.

Cross pendants: the classic baptism gift

A gold cross is the most recognized christening gift. Because infants should not wear necklaces, many families treat the cross as a keepsake: it is shown at the ceremony, perhaps pinned near the christening gown for photos by a parent, and then kept safely until the child is old enough to wear it, often around first communion or confirmation.

When choosing a cross for a child to grow into, we suggest:

• A plain or simple design. A polished cross stays appropriate from childhood into adulthood.
• A modest size. Small pendants suit young wearers and remain easy to wear later.
• The family's tradition. Some families prefer a crucifix (with the figure of Christ), others an empty cross. Both are respected symbols; choose the one that fits your church and family.

14K Solid Gold Cross Necklace Gold 14K Solid View Cross Necklace Gold 14K Solid on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Minimalist Crucifix Necklace View Minimalist Crucifix Necklace on Etsy 14K White Gold Diamond-Cut Crucifix Pendant View Diamond-Cut Crucifix Pendant on Etsy

Our gold cross necklace guide explains the difference between cross and crucifix styles in more depth. You can browse all our faith pieces in the necklaces collection.

The baby ID bracelet

An engraved ID bracelet is the other classic. It carries the child's name on a small plate and can be worn briefly for the ceremony and photos under supervision, then kept or worn again as the child grows. Ours is our only kids' piece, a solid 14K gold baby ID bracelet with an engravable name plate and a pink or turquoise enamel star.

14K Solid Gold Baby ID Bracelet Engravable Name Plate with Pink or Turq… View Baby ID Bracelet Engravable Name Plate with Pink or Turq… on Etsy

Find it in our kids collection. Before ordering, read our baby gold bracelet guide, which covers sizing, fit and when a bracelet is appropriate for a small child.

Engraving ideas

• The child's first name, the way it will be used day to day.
• First name and a middle name, if it fits the plate.
• Initials, for a cleaner look on a small surface.

Check the spelling with the parents before ordering. It sounds obvious, but it is the most common thing families ask to change.

Safety notes for babies and young children

Jewelry for infants needs care. These are general guidelines, and parents should always follow their pediatrician's advice.

• No necklaces on infants unsupervised, and never during sleep. A chain around a baby's neck is a strangulation risk.
• Remove jewelry for naps and at night. Babies pull, chew and roll; a bracelet worn in a crib is not worth the risk.
• Check for small parts. Anything that can come loose is a choking hazard. Inspect clasps and plates before each wear.
• Watch the fit. Babies grow quickly. A bracelet that fits at the ceremony may be tight weeks later.
• Keep it away from mouths. Teething babies explore everything with their mouths.

Solid gold is a good choice for young skin because it does not contain a plated surface that can wear away. If anyone in the family has metal sensitivities, our guide to gold jewelry for sensitive skin explains what to look for.

Gifts from godparents and grandparents

Godparents often give the cross, because it reflects the spiritual role they are accepting. Grandparents frequently give the ID bracelet or a piece intended for later life. There is no strict rule, and many families agree among themselves so gifts do not overlap.

Other faith pieces that suit an older child, or a confirmation later on, include an anchor (an early Christian symbol of hope), an angel pendant, or a cross station necklace:

14K Solid Gold Solid Anchor Necklace View Solid Anchor Necklace on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Solid Angel Necklace View Solid Angel Necklace on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Cross Station Necklace – Dainty Layering Charm Jewelry View Cross Station Necklace – Dainty Layering Charm Jewelry on Etsy

If you are a grandparent looking at gifts for the whole family, see our new guide to grandmother jewelry gifts. For more on engraved and custom ideas, our personalized gold jewelry ideas article has suggestions that work across ages.

A gift for the parents

A baptism is also a milestone for the parents. Some godparents give the mother a small piece to mark the day, such as a name pendant with the baby's name. Our cursive name necklace is made to order with one to eight letters and is a quiet way for a parent to carry a child's name.

14K Solid Gold Cursive Name Necklace View Cursive Name Necklace on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Open Heart Necklace View Open Heart Necklace on Etsy

Keeping a christening keepsake safe

A christening cross may sit in a drawer for ten years before it is worn. Store it in its box, clasp closed, away from other jewelry so the chain does not knot or scratch. Our guide on how to store gold jewelry covers this in detail, and if a chain does tangle in storage, see how to untangle a gold chain.

Every piece arrives in an illuminated jewelry box that lights up when opened, which many families keep as the permanent home for the keepsake. Shipping to the USA, UK and Europe is free, tracked and insured, and the delivery estimate is shown on each Etsy listing, so check it against the ceremony date.

Frequently asked questions

What is a traditional christening gift in gold?

A small gold cross pendant and an engraved baby ID bracelet are the most traditional choices. Many families keep the cross as a keepsake until the child is older.

Can a baby wear a cross necklace?

Babies should not wear necklaces unsupervised and never while sleeping, because a chain around the neck is a strangulation risk. Most families keep the cross as a keepsake until the child is older.

Who usually gives the christening gift?

Godparents often give the cross and grandparents often give a bracelet or keepsake, but customs vary by family and church. It helps to agree in advance so gifts do not overlap.

Do you make other jewelry for children?

Our only kids' piece is the solid 14K gold baby ID bracelet with an engravable name plate. Cross pendants are adult designs that families often keep until a child is old enough to wear one.

Is gold safe for a baby's skin?

Solid 14K gold is generally well tolerated because there is no plating to wear off. Supervision and correct fit are the more important safety points for babies.