Christmas selection

Christmas gift ideas: christening jewelry and medals to give

A christening often takes place far from Christmas, but the gift itself is chosen in December. Grandparents, godfathers and godmothers look for a medal, a cross or an ID bracelet to slip under the tree, either for a child already christened or ahead of a ceremony planned for spring. The choice comes down to three practical criteria: the design, the diameter and the material. Everything else — engraving, chain length — is then adjusted according to the child’s age.

Which christening medal to choose as a Christmas gift

Virgin Mary, angel or patron saint: choosing the design based on the first name or the protection sought

The Miraculous Medal, showing the Virgin with open arms and twelve stars around her head, depicts the apparition reported by Catherine Labouré in 1830. It is the most requested design for a child’s first piece of jewelry, ahead of the Christ figure and the Sacred Heart. For a gift tied to a first name, the patron saint remains the most direct choice: Saint Christopher for a traveller, Saint Michael for a protector, Saint Theresa for a little girl. The angel and the dove suit families who prefer a more discreet symbol than the cross.

Which diameter for which age

For a newborn, a diameter of 14 or 15 mm stays proportionate and light to wear. From around 2-3 years old, 16 to 18 mm offers more detail in the relief without weighing down a fine chain. Beyond 20 mm, the medal becomes an adult-sized piece: many families choose it for the confirmation rather than the christening, waiting for the child to grow into it.

18ct or 9ct gold: which material for this Christmas gift

18ct gold is 750/1000 fine: it is the reference material for a piece of jewelry meant to last through the years without its colour fading over time. 9ct gold, at 375/1000 fine, contains less precious metal and therefore costs less for the same weight, making it possible to give a larger piece for the same budget. Vermeil — solid 925 silver coated in gold — remains an option for a child’s first piece of jewelry, ahead of a gold gift for the confirmation or first communion.

• 18ct gold (750/1000): stable colour, the benchmark weight for a 16-18 mm medal is around 1.5 to 2 g
• 9ct gold (375/1000): a more accessible budget, suited to a first medal or a child’s ID bracelet
• Vermeil (gold-plated 925 silver): an alternative for a one-off gift, ahead of a gold piece for a later milestone

Engraving a christening medal: what the back of the piece allows

A christening medal is engraved on the back, usually over two or three lines: the first name, sometimes the date of the ceremony. The available space stays limited on a 14 to 16 mm diameter — it’s best to reserve engraving for medals from 18 mm upward if you want to add a full date alongside the first name. On an ID bracelet, the flat plate offers more space and remains the most chosen piece for engraving that reads clearly at a glance.

Chain and ID bracelet: what length for a child

A child’s chain is best chosen between 40 and 45 cm, in curb or rope link to limit everyday tangling. Anchor or omega links, being wider, suit an adult piece given alongside the christening gift, for a parent or godparent, better. An ID bracelet follows the same sizing logic: it’s best chosen slightly loose rather than fitted, since a child’s wrist grows quickly between two Christmases.

FAQ: giving christening jewelry for Christmas

Which medal to give at Christmas for a newborn not yet christened?

A 14 or 15 mm medal in 9ct gold or vermeil, without engraving for now. Engraving the first name and date comes more naturally once the christening has taken place, on a slightly larger medal if the budget allows.

Should 18ct or 9ct gold be favoured for this gift?

18ct gold keeps its colour longer and suits a piece worn daily for years. 9ct gold makes it possible to give a larger or more detailed piece for an equivalent budget, a common compromise for a child’s first medal.

What chain length goes with a christening medal?

Between 40 and 45 cm for a child, in a fine curb link that limits tangling. A chain that’s too long slips under clothing and makes everyday wear of a small-diameter medal more awkward.

Can a cross be given instead of a medal for Christmas?

Yes, the cross remains a direct alternative to a figurative medal, often chosen when no patron saint’s name matches the child. It comes in the same materials and diameters, and is engraved on the back following the same principle.

What makes a christening medal a good Christmas gift?

A medal given at Christmas works for a baby baptised earlier in the year, or as a keepsake for a christening planned in spring. Most buyers pick a 14–16mm sterling silver or 9ct gold pendant and add a chain sized 36–40cm. Ordering a christening medal for Christmas gift-giving early leaves time for engraving, which adds three to five working days.

Should I choose gold or sterling silver for a baby?

Sterling silver costs less and suits most budgets, but it tarnishes and needs a polish every few months. Yellow or white gold stays bright with no upkeep and resists reaction on sensitive skin. If the medal will be worn daily rather than kept in a box, gold is the practical choice; silver is fine for a piece stored until the child is older.

What size medal suits a newborn versus an older child?

For a newborn, 11–14mm sits flat against the chest and stays light on a 36cm chain. From about age three, 15–18mm reads better and shows engraved detail clearly. Choosing the right christening medal size for a newborn matters mainly for comfort: anything above 18mm tends to flip over or catch on clothing during sleep.

How do I care for and store an engraved medal?

Remove it before bathing and swimming, as chlorine dulls silver and loosens soldered bails. Clean silver with a dry polishing cloth, never abrasive paste, which fills engraved lines. Store the medal in the pouch or box it arrives in, away from humidity. Engraved christening medal care is mostly prevention: a soft cloth wipe after wear prevents most tarnish.