No doubt, many wonder at what age should they buy a child a piece of jewelry...

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 child:

1. Is the child at an age where he or she is responsible enough to wear a piece of jewelry? Could the child possibly lose the piece of jewelry or flush it down the toilet by accident?
2. Is the child allergic to any type of metal? (especially silver)
3. Could the child possibly swallow the piece of jewelry (choking hazard)
4. Would the child 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. If you're not the parent, it might be best to tell the parent of the child what you plan to purchase before you do, as you might find out the child has an allergic reaction to certain metals and/or that the parent does not what their child wearing jewelry. If you have received the "okay" to purchase a piece of jewelry for someone else's child you might wish to consider the following buying tips:

1. Seek out the birthstone of the month the child was born. In addition, you may also find that an alternating birthstone is available.
2. If you're purchasing a gift for girl, go with small earrings studs (make sure the child 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.
3. 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!
4. 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 of the jewish faith a cross.

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!

Crystals and gems for children - how to choose the right one...

References to the power of crystals and gems and their use in spiritual and healing rituals can be found in the ancient Mayan and Hebrew civilizations. Today the practice of using stones and crystals continues with ordinary people across the world who claim extraordinary results.

By stimulating a person's thought, it is believed that crystals stimulate healing - both physical and non-physical. Stones in the red family -- red, yellow and orange -- are prized for their ability to produce energy. On the other end of the spectrum, blue, violet, and lavender stones have a calming effect. In between are the clear and aquamarine stones that having healing properties.

Many people use and combine crystals to improve a variety of physical, mental, and spiritual conditions based on the healing properties attributed to each stone:

· Amethyst - This "spiritually uplifting" stone can reduce anger, and impatience.

· Aquamarine - This beautiful stone protects your heart and your immune system and aids communications on all levels…especially on the physical and spiritual planes

· Carnelian - The perfect stone for targeting your body's system, carnelian is a "stimulant" for your circulatory system, kidneys, appetite, emotions, and sexuality. It bestows confidence, assertiveness, and an unstoppable drive to succeed.

· Citrine - Citrine can help with acid indigestion, food disorders, and allergies with cleansing powers aimed at your spleen, kidneys, liver, urinary system, and intestines. Mentally, citrine is valuable for emotional clarity, willpower, optimism, and self-discipline.

· Coral - Use coral to strengthen your muscles and spine, and to promote bone and tissue regeneration. When it comes to your feels, coral can enliven and enrich your experience of emotions.

· Diamond - A symbol of prosperity and love, diamonds increase personal clarity, trust, and confidence. They also amplify your thoughts and allow you to expand your strengths and positive attitudes.

· Emerald: You'll breathe easier thanks to the positive effect of emeralds on your respiratory system. Emeralds can also help you get a good night's sleep and are believed to reduce the pain of childbirth.

· Jade: The crystal of choice for courage, knowledge, justice, compassion, emotional balance, humility, generosity, harmony, wealth, and long life.

· Lapis: Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, shyness, nervous system, speech, hearing, pituitary, inflammation, pain. Mind expansion, intuition, creativity, spiritual connection. Organize, quiet the mind.

· Malachite: Let go with malachite. Use it to release pain, reduce inflammation, and rid yourself of anger and depression.

· Ruby: It seems only natural that the red, red ruby is valuable for blood clots, blood cleansing, menstrual pain, and even impotency. Rubies simulate circulation and "amp up" the pituitary gland.

· Sapphire: Sapphires are used to reduce inflammation, lower fevers, and put an end to nosebleeds. They are also valuable for helping you tap into your intuition.

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