| Observing how a baby reacts to visual stimuli and | | | | precious gems that have a connection to |
| it is easy to see how jewelry gets the attention | | | | astrology, are common gifts for children. History is |
| of children and adults alike. Beauty, color and shine | | | | replete with stories and lore about the powers of |
| are universal attractants not limited to humans. | | | | precious gems and amulets. Bead jewelry has |
| Many species of animals and insects all react and | | | | always had a strong cultural significance for |
| respond to visual cues that often utilize elements | | | | children. |
| of color and brilliance. | | | | The moonstone is regarded as blessed or holy |
| The effect on primitive man may be safely | | | | and is thought to bring good fortune to the |
| inferred the effect such objects produce upon | | | | wearer. In some cultures, the stone was thought |
| infants. When an infant is shown a brilliantly | | | | to make the wearer invisible and is now believed |
| colored object, they reach for it and gaze into the | | | | by some in the New Age community to impart a |
| object. Vibrant colors pleasure the optic nerve. | | | | level of spiritual permanence or even immortality |
| This can also be seen in the animal kingdom as | | | | to the wearer. It is widely believed that small |
| well. Some animals especially birds will collect | | | | children and infants are granted certain protections |
| objects to build their nests with. The birds often | | | | by owning the stone. |
| travel great distances to find some of the | | | | Along with the power of associated with gems, |
| objects. They are very meticulous and even | | | | amulets and talisman, the sheer beauty of |
| though a similar bone may be close to their nest, | | | | precious metals and gemstones is not lost on |
| they may not want it and travel a long distance | | | | older children. In western cultures, jewelry has |
| to get one that looks very similar. | | | | been thought of as an adornment primarily for |
| Jewelry designs for children have roots in many | | | | females. Bracelets, rings and earrings have been |
| ancient cultures. Gifts of jewelry have been | | | | considered must have items for modern girls and |
| presented to honor the birth of child or to | | | | young women. The fascination of gold has not |
| recognize other milestones in a child's | | | | been lost on men and young boys. |
| development. Even today, many cultures adorn | | | | Men have worn rings, tie tacks, stickpins and |
| children with body jewelry at an early age. Body | | | | other items of jewelry as a display of wealth and |
| piercing is common even in western countries. It | | | | influence. The late twentieth century saw a |
| is not unusual for parents to pierce the ears of a | | | | tremendous growth in the market for jewelry |
| newborn, adorning the child with earring jewelry. | | | | designed for boys and young men. In todays |
| Though there is a great of debate surrounding | | | | modern times, it is not uncommon to see young |
| this practice, it reflects customs that go back | | | | boys sporting earrings and body piercings. The hip |
| thousands of years. | | | | hop culture has had a tremendous influence, |
| Not limited to body jewelry, gifts of precious | | | | creating a completely new language to describe |
| metals and gemstones for children are well | | | | flashy, audacious jewelry. |
| documented throughout history. The Magi are said | | | | Even though the bling has become the thing for |
| to have brought the newborn Jesus a gift of gold | | | | many kids today, traditional jewelry gifts for |
| to honor him. Jewelry that has been in the family | | | | young men and boys are still popular. Whether a |
| for many years is often given to child in hopes of | | | | watch to signify graduation from school or a class |
| carrying on a generational tradition. Birthstones, | | | | ring. |