As I have already pointed out, the etiquette of jewelry begins with the newborn babe. The little charms may be heart-shaped, or a tiny hand of coral. There may be a small string of turquoises as a bracelet, long believed sure to keep the infant from falling. One of the gifts a child will come to prize more and more as the years go by is a little necklace of pearls—to which at each birthday another choice pearl or two are added, until the budding young woman has a beautiful string.
To the Mother Too
Among European aristocratic families it is the pleasant practice to present a gift to the mother, as well as to the newborn child. The husband can express his joy no more satisfactorily than by a precious jewel. This might be of pearls or diamonds, to be added to on subsequent birthdays.
In royal houses, especially on the birth of the first male, elaborate gifts were showered on the mother not only by the family, but by the people, the state, and other royal houses. Outstandingly luxurious are some of the jewels created by Fabergé for the lavish Czars of Russia to present at the time of a noble birth.
As the Child Grows
Birthdays for the growing girl or boy are likely, in the earlier years, to include many books and toys; but, for the girl, earclips, lockets, charms, and brooches may be given, including if possible the appropriate birthstone.
Graduation from high school may be fitly marked by a gold pin or a watch; often the school has its seal available on a gold ring or pin. And in the fall, if the young lady goes on to college, a small pin or clip with her initials in gold is an appropriate and traditional gift.
St. Valentine’s Day
Perhaps the casual or humorous Valentine is to be replaced by more serious sentiments, and more memorable gifts. Dress clips, earclips, money clips, and tie clips are all appropriate in the shape of a heart.