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January's Birthstone - Garnet
The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.
Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter what item of jewelry it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to suit every taste for this month.
Buying Birthstone Jewelry for Children and Teens...
There's no hard and fast rule as to the age a child should wear a piece of jewelry. This is a decision best left up to the gift giver however, there are few things one may want to consider before purchasing jewelry for a children and teens:
- Is the child/teenager at an age where he or she is responsible enough to wear a piece of jewelry?
- Could the child/teenager possibly lose the piece of jewelry or flush it down the toilet by accident?
- Is the child/teenager allergic to any type of metal? (especially silver)
- If purchasing for a child - could the child possibly swallow the piece of jewelry (choking hazard)
- Would the child/teenager be best suited to wear a pendant with chain, necklace bracelet, earrings or a ring?
These are just a few of the questions one may want to ponder before purchasing a piece of jewelry for a child or teenager. If you're not the parent, it might be best to tell the parent of the child/teen what you plan to purchase before you do, as you might find out the child/teen has an allergic reaction to certain metals and/or that the parent does not what their child/teen wearing jewelry. If you have received the "okay" to purchase a piece of jewelry for someone else's child/teen you might wish to consider the following buying tips:
- Seek out the birthstone of the month the child/teen was born. In addition, you may also find that an alternating birthstone is available.
- If you're purchasing a gift for girl, go with small earrings studs (make sure the child/teen has pierced ears). If not, opt for a bracelet or pendant. Girls just love beetle bug pendants and small bracelets with one beetle bug dangling on the clasp.
- If you're purchasing for a boy, go for a small yet masculine birthstone ring. The next best bet for a growing boy is a chain or chain with pendant, as he'll grow into it and more than likely never lose it! If the boy loves football, get him a chain with football pendant!
- If you're considering a cross or star - tell the parent your intentions, as you may not know their religious affiliations or beliefs and could be caught off guard handing a child/teen of the jewish faith a cross.
Buy Jewelry for Mommy/Baby or Both:
Matching jewelry for mommy and baby is always a cute touch, and it can be a keepsake for when the baby is all grown up. The sentimental value that comes with baby jewelry cannot be measured. Sometimes certain items of jewelry come with memories; like this bracelet one was bought right after little Sarah took her first steps, or this pendant was bought soon before Davey started to say his first words.
When we say "baby jewelry," we usually mean bracelets: the safest item of adornment for infants. Many baby bracelets come with letter-blocks that spell out the baby's name. These may well be a baby's first opportunity to learn how to read! Some baby bracelets also double as toys, and some charms come with rattles and colorful beads that could easily endear them to the infant.
We may admit that baby jewelry is cute and fun to use, but some mothers are concerned: won't jewelry be too dangerous to hold so close to the baby? Teething babies will tend to want to bite into their bracelets, or put them in their mouths -- and won't the baby swallow the charms, the item itself, or bits of it that may come off? Also, won't silver, gold, and certain plastics be bad for the baby's skin?
Baby jewelry is necessarily hypoallergenic, to keep from irritating a baby's supremely delicate skin. The charms that come with baby jewelry are usually tightly woven in, so there is no danger of falling off or apart even if the baby is teething. Infant jewelry also has safe clasps. Pin latches or sharp clasps are definitely a no-no.
Toddlers, who are more capable of appreciating body accessories, may in fact enjoy sporting jewelry, especially ones they can play with and show off to other toddlers. Mom and Dad can have their toddler pick out his or her own bracelet. After all, babies and toddlers appreciate bright, sparkling and fun stuff that are visually stimulating and attractive. Baby jewelry is something they can enjoy, and it will be a reminder of that time that passes all too quickly.
As the child grows their tastes (as trends) will change. However, whatever you purchased for them as child, you can rest assured they will keep all of their lives!
Other guides relating to jewelry and gemstone buying which you may find helpful are as follows:
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