I have recently become aware that there is a grace period after having a baby during which you can wear all of the dangling, delicate jewelry you want (you will do well to see my colleague Amy’s post about perfect push presents for such an occasion). Unfortunately, I missed that grace period.
Gone are the days when I could wear hoop earrings without fear of them being yanked out or my delicate chain that, stubborn as I am in my refusal to take it off, is still (barely) hanging in there—and is seemingly the nemesis of my five-month-old. Yes, now that she wants to grab—and I mean grab, there is no delicacy here—everything in sight, the fun jewels must be put away until we have learned to be kinder and gentler with our hands.
Or do they?
I think I might have this figured out, here. The key to baby-proofing your jewels may not mean that one must go jewel-free (phew!) but instead opt for sturdier jewels.
Well, all except earrings. I don’t think it matters how sturdy those danglers are—a pull is a pull, and no one wants her earlobes ripped apart. Frankly, I’m not even sure how suitable studs are for me at this point in time. I must consider this a temporary hiatus from ear ornamentation!
Dauntless bracelet in sterling silver with sodalite, $450; William Henry
Reversible lambskin leather bracelet in 18k yellow gold and with diamonds sapphires in white sapphire Kaleidoscope Shaker, $4,660; Moritz Glik
Engels bangle bracelet in hand-carved mammoth tusk, $5,800; Design and Style
Ayse Hafsa bracelet in yellow gold and enamel with 2.83 ct. sapphire, price on request; Gilan
Flex’it Solo bracelet in yellow gold with 0.17 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,985; Fope
Otherwise, there are actually a ton of options that would be perfect for the jewelry-loving new mom. Bear in mind that you don’t want anything too delicate or anything too laden with gemstones (in case those jewels go in the baby’s mouth and one of them is loose—says the paranoid new mom in me), so look for chunky gold and silver pieces like bangle or cuff bracelets and even collar necklaces.
Crescent Cove single wave ring in yellow gold, $890; Tacori
Stacking rings in yellow gold with 0.3 ct. pink sapphire (each ring) and 0.25 ct. diamond, sold separately, $795–$1,600; Annie James
For rings, I don’t think much changes—most moms will continue to wear their wedding sets, so why compromise on other styles? Just steer clear of anything that’s too pointy or has sharp angles.
At first, it might be hard for the new mom in your life to even think about getting dressed and getting out of the house. But luckily, jewelry requires no such occasion. From pajamas to maternity wear and even that hospital gown, these baby-proof jewels will look great no matter what the outfit of the day may be.
Top: Golden Puka bangle bracelet in 22k gold–plated sterling silver, $300; Vanessa Montiel
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