A jewelry expert gave advice on choosing the first jewelry for a child.

The first jewelry for a child is not just a gift, but an important purchase that requires careful attention. Children's skin is sensitive, and an active lifestyle places special demands on accessories. From the first earrings or bracelet, a child learns to take care of things. SOKOLOV expert Elena Rakutina shared with Izvestia on June 19 tips on choosing the first jewelry and warnings about common mistakes.

Most often, the first piece of jewelry is given on a special occasion — for a christening, birthday, or other significant family event. Therefore, when choosing, it is important to take into account not only the appearance of the product, but also its safety, convenience and age-appropriate child. Even the most spectacular decoration can be an unsuccessful option for daily wear, if you do not take into account the peculiarities of the child's body and lifestyle.

"When choosing the first jewelry, safety and comfort should be a priority. Beauty is important, but it should not come at the expense of convenience. The child will not specifically monitor the safety of the product, so the decoration should be as practical as possible and resistant to active use," Rakutina said.

The specialist advises paying special attention to the material. Products made of high-grade gold or high-quality silver are considered the most suitable for children. These metals are well tolerated by the skin and are much less likely to cause irritation. But it is better to abandon jewelry and jewelry made of base alloys, since prolonged contact with such materials can provoke allergic reactions even in children without severe sensitivity.

In addition, according to the expert, the quality of fasteners and fasteners is equally important. They must be reliable, safe and free of sharp elements. For older children, it is advisable to choose designs that the child can handle on their own without unnecessary effort.

The shape of the decoration also plays an important role. Compact earrings without massive decorative elements, long pendants and large inserts are suitable for small children. Classic earrings with an English lock or screw-on stud earrings for older girls are considered the most practical option.

Golden cutoff: Russians have become less likely to buy jewelry

What is the reason and will this trend continue?

When choosing a chain, it is necessary to take into account the height and age of the child. A product that is too long can cling to clothes, toys, or playground elements, so for preschoolers, such jewelry is not always suitable for permanent wear. It is recommended to choose bracelets that are light, without massive parts and with a strong lock. Most often, they become a good option for school-age children. But experts do not recommend giving rings to small children: fingers grow quickly, so the jewelry will soon become small or will be easily lost.

"One of the most common mistakes parents make is buying jewelry to grow and choosing designs that are too complicated. Laconic models with classic shapes, calm colors and a minimum number of decorative details are best suited for children. Such products are convenient, versatile and do not lose their relevance for a long time," the expert explained.

At the same time, the value of the first piece of jewelry is determined not only by its value or design. Often, earrings, a pendant with initials or a commemorative chain become an important symbol of the family and remain for many years. That is why experts recommend paying attention not only to the practical characteristics of the product, but also to its emotional significance.

According to Rakutina, you should not try to buy a large amount of jewelry for your child right away. One or two memorable accessories are quite enough to form a careful attitude towards personal belongings and an understanding that jewelry can be not just an element of the image, but part of a family history that is passed down from generation to generation.

A dermatologist, cosmetologist, and co-owner of a network of clinics, Dr. Zarema Omarova, told Izvestia on February 27 that low-quality jewelry can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations, especially if it contains alloys such as nickel, cobalt, or chromium. The most significant allergen is nickel, whose ions can penetrate into the upper layers of the skin and cause inflammation.