If you’re watching The Mandalorian—the surprisingly moving Star Wars spinoff series on Disney+ about a bounty hunter who risks life and limb for the Child, aka Baby Yoda—this little slice of escapism is for you (take a break from CNN!).
Adorably squat and vaguely frog-like, the Child has inspired jewelry manufacturers and small brands alike to create pendants in his pleasingly stocky image.
Yesterday, Kay Jewelers dropped the most upscale Child pendant we’ve seen yet: a sterling silver 2D representation covered in 1/10 ct. t.w. diamonds, on sale for $239.99 (the full price is $299.99). Kay partnered with Lucasfilm on The Child necklace, which hangs from an 18-inch sterling silver box chain. The piece comes in elaborate, glossy Star Wars packaging.
Another major jewelry manufacturer, Pandora, debuted a Star Wars collection last month (see it below, and check out our story on it) that included a cute, more cartoon-y Child charm, also in sterling silver, selling for $55.
But my favorite Child pendant, from RockLove Jewelry, is the most realistic of the three—and at $135, it’s pricier. But the mini sculpture is cast and polished by hand, and definitely looks it; it hangs from a nice 24-inch sterling silver curb chain.
The design captures the Child, his huge eyes hand-painted a glossy black enamel, with his little webbed hand outstretched, poised to deliver a jolt of magic.
All three Child styles are unapologetically geeky, but they will likely also appeal to jewelry lovers who aren’t sci-fi buffs but are looking to add a little levity to their jewelry rack. It feels good, in this tense and tumultuous era (and in the midst of the most contentious presidential election in modern history), to consider jewels that don’t take themselves too seriously.
The trend toward playful, pop culture–inspired motifs in fine jewelry, led by brands including Established, Alison Lou, and Bijules, has been building this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic and political divisions have threatened to erode our collective mental well-being.
If wearing a Baby Yoda pendant—or an emoji ring, or an earring that spells out Player, for that matter—makes you giggle, I say, “This is the way.”
Top: Sterling silver and diamond The Child necklace by Kay Jewelers
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