Safe Jewellery Practices for Children

Children love dressing up, and jewellery is often part of festivals, weddings, birthdays and play. But jewellery can pose real risks to young children, including choking, strangulation and exposure to harmful substances. This guide explains the main risks and practical steps for parents, carers and gift-givers.

Important: This guide offers general safety information. Always follow product age labels and manufacturer warnings, and seek medical help immediately if a child swallows jewellery or shows signs of choking or breathing difficulty.

Key risks

Choking

Small parts (beads, charms, stones, earring backs) can be swallowed or inhaled. Young children explore by putting objects in their mouths.

Strangulation

Necklaces, cords, ribbons and long chains can become caught and tighten around a child's neck. Babies and young children should not wear necklaces, including during sleep. Health authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration, have warned against teething necklaces and similar items for infants because of strangulation and choking risks.

Magnets

Small, powerful magnets (in some magnetic earrings, clasps and toys) can cause serious internal injuries if more than one is swallowed. Keep magnetic jewellery away from children.

Harmful substances

Some inexpensive metal jewellery has, in the past, been found to contain lead or cadmium. Many countries regulate these substances in children's products:

• In the United States, the CPSC requires children's products to undergo third-party testing and be certified with a Children's Product Certificate.
• In Canada, the Children's Jewellery Regulations cover lead and cadmium content; Health Canada publishes a guide.
• In the European Union, REACH Annex XVII restricts substances including lead and nickel release in certain articles.

Buy children's jewellery from reputable sellers who comply with the rules in your country.

Age-appropriate choices

Practical safety habits

1. Supervise wear for younger children, especially at busy events.
2. Remove jewellery before sleep, naps, bathing, sport and playground time.
3. Check pieces regularly for loose beads, stones and backs.
4. Store jewellery out of reach of young children.
5. Choose breakaway designs for any cord or necklace worn by older children.
6. Avoid adult jewellery for young children; it is not designed or tested for them.
7. Keep earring backs and small parts away from little hands.

Children and festive dressing

For weddings and festivals, consider:

• Clip-on or lightweight earrings
• Fabric or flower accessories instead of metal necklaces for young children
• Removing jewellery once photos are done

Ear piercing for children

• Have ears pierced by a trained professional using hygienic methods.
• Follow aftercare instructions carefully.
• Choose appropriate initial earrings recommended by the piercer.
• Keep piercings clean and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, discharge).
• Seek medical advice if problems occur.

Piercing is a known risk factor for developing nickel allergy, so material choices for children's earrings deserve care. See Nickel and Other Metal Sensitivities.

Gifting jewellery to children

• Check age labels and suitability.
• Avoid small, detachable parts for young children.
• Choose comfortable, lightweight designs.
• Include safety notes for parents if appropriate.

See Jewellery Gift Selection Guide.

For sellers

If you sell jewellery intended for children, you must meet the safety and testing requirements of each market you sell into. See Jewellery Assembly and Quality Control and seek specialist compliance advice.

Key takeaway

Children's jewellery needs extra care. Avoid necklaces and small parts for young children, supervise wear, remove jewellery for sleep and play, buy from compliant sellers and store pieces out of reach. Safety always comes before style.

Sources and further reading

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Children's Products
• Health Canada — Guide to Children's Jewellery
• European Chemicals Agency — Substances restricted under REACH (Annex XVII)

Written by

HANSINI369 Editorial Team

Our editors research jewellery types, materials, care and craft, and review guides when materials, standards or recommendations change. Read our editorial policy.