Weddings & traditions
Gold gifts for new babies, birthdays, 21sts and graduations
How to choose a 22ct gold gift for a new baby, a birthday, a 21st, a graduation or an anniversary, and when 18ct or 9ct is the more practical choice.
5 min read
A new grandchild. A nephew's first birthday. Your daughter's 21st, or a son finishing university in Melbourne. When these moments come around, many families reach for the same gift they have always given: gold.
A gold gift is often kept for life, so it's worth choosing well. This guide covers what to think about for each milestone, how to keep babies and young children safe, and when a lower carat is the smarter choice.
Why gold for life's big moments
For many Fiji Indian families, and plenty of others, gold has long been the gift for important occasions. In Hindu tradition it's associated with Lakshmi and prosperity, and a piece of gold given at a birth, a birthday or a graduation carries a wish for the person's future as well as being something beautiful to wear.
Traditions differ from family to family. Some give gold at particular ceremonies, others simply on the big birthdays. There's no single right way, so follow what feels right for your family.
Four questions to ask first
Before you choose, it helps to answer these:
- Who will wear it, and how often? Every day, or only on special occasions?
- Is it to wear now, or to keep? A keepsake for a baby can be put away until they're older. A 21st gift should suit them today.
- How active is the wearer? Children, sportspeople and people who work with their hands are hard on jewellery.
- What's the budget? Heavier and more detailed pieces cost more, and we'll show you options to suit your budget.
New babies
Gold for a new baby is a lovely tradition, and safety comes first. Babies put everything in their mouths and pull at anything within reach.
- Avoid small parts. Skip charms, beads or stones that could come loose and be swallowed.
- Check the clasp. Choose a secure clasp that a small child can't open, and check it each time the piece is worn.
- Keep wear supervised. Many families keep baby jewellery for special occasions and photos, and take it off before sleep. A chain around a baby's neck should never be left on unattended.
- Follow the parents' lead. Some parents prefer not to put jewellery on a baby at all. If so, a keepsake to grow into is a thoughtful alternative.
Keepsake ideas
A simple chain and pendant that the child can wear when they're older, or a small piece the parents keep safely until then, often means more over the years than something the baby outgrows in months.
Children's birthdays
Young children are active and not careful with jewellery, so simple and sturdy works best.
- Studs are the classic choice for children with pierced ears. They sit close to the ear and are less likely to catch than hoops or drops.
- A short, simple chain with a secure clasp suits school-age children, especially for special occasions.
- Choose plain designs. Simple shapes suit busy children best, so save fine filigree for when they are older.
Children grow quickly, so for rings and bangles, measure an item that fits now. Our guide to ring and bangle sizes shows how. For pieces they'll grow into, a chain or pendant is usually more forgiving than a ring.
21sts and graduations
These are gifts for young adults, and the best ones are pieces they'll actually wear. Think about their style and daily life rather than tradition alone.
Popular choices include:
- a chain with a pendant, such as an initial, a religious symbol or a simple shape
- a signet-style or plain ring
- studs or small hoops for everyday wear
- a fine chain on its own, which suits nearly everyone (our post on minimalist 22ct chains has ideas)
If they'll wear it every day, to uni, work or the gym, consider 18ct or 9ct rather than 22ct (more on that below).
Anniversaries
Anniversary gifts often join a collection that already exists. Bangles to add to a set, a pendant, earrings, or a ring worn alongside a wedding band are all popular. If the new piece will be worn next to older ones, bring those with you so you can match the colour and purity.
Choosing chain length
Rather than guessing a number, think about where the chain should sit:
- Close to the base of the neck: suits children and anyone who wants the chain to stay out of the way.
- At or just below the collarbone: the most versatile length for adults and for showing off a pendant.
- Lower on the chest: suits layering or wearing over clothing.
The easiest way to get it right is to measure a chain the person already wears and likes. For children, shorter is generally safer, since a long chain is more likely to catch.
Earrings
Earrings are one of the most popular milestone gifts because they suit every age.
- Studs for babies (once ears are pierced), children and everyday adult wear.
- Small hoops for teenagers and adults who want something a little more noticeable.
- Drops and jhumka styles for adults and special occasions.
Whatever the style, check that the backs or fastenings are secure, especially for children.
When 18ct or 9ct is the better choice
22ct gold, stamped 916, has the deep colour many families love, and it is rich and pure, so it suits keepsakes and special occasions. For pieces worn every day by busy wearers, lower carats are harder wearing.
| Purity | Stamp | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 22ct | 916 | Keepsakes, special occasions, traditional pieces with rich colour |
| 18ct | 750 | Everyday wear, with a warmer gold colour than 9ct |
| 9ct | 375 | Active children, daily wear and lighter budgets |
So a 22ct chain makes a beautiful keepsake for a baby, while a 9ct or 18ct pair of studs may be the better choice for a ten-year-old who never takes them off. Our guide to 22ct vs 18ct vs 14ct gold compares them in more detail, and our 9ct gold guide covers that option in particular.
Whatever you choose, a little care keeps it looking good. Our post on caring for 22ct gold covers cleaning and storage.
Choosing a gift at Shreeji Jewellers
Tell us who the gift is for, their age and how often they'll wear it, and we can show you pieces in 22ct, 18ct and 9ct gold, or sterling silver, to suit. For a ring or bangle, bring one that already fits the person, and for a chain, measure one they like wearing. If the gift will sit beside pieces they already own, bring one along so you can match the colour.
