Our Christening Jewelry

Choosing a christening gift comes down to three practical questions: which effigy for which first name or patron saint, which diameter based on the child’s age, and which material based on intended use. This category brings together the classic pieces for a christening gift: medals, chains, ID bracelets, mini-medal bracelets and crosses, in solid gold and silver.

Which effigy to choose for a christening medal

The Miraculous Virgin remains the most requested design for a Catholic christening. Its origin is well documented: in 1830, the medal was struck following the apparitions reported by Catherine Labouré on Rue du Bac in Paris, and its widespread popularity in the 19th century made it the model still engraved today. For a boy’s name linked to a patron saint, Saint Christopher (patron of travelers), Saint Michael or Saint Joseph are the most common choices; for a girl’s name, Saint Thérèse or the Virgin and Child come up most often. The angel and the dove suit families who prefer a less denominational symbol. Discover the full range of designs among our 18 and 9-carat gold christening medals.

Choosing the diameter based on the child’s age

A medal is chosen above all by its diameter. The smaller it is, the less legible space is available for engraving on the back: a short first name fits on one line, while a double-barrelled name often requires a smaller font size.

• 14-15 mm: infant, first piece of jewelry worn from the early months
• 16-18 mm: child who wears the medal alone on a daily basis
• 20-22 mm: medal intended to be kept more than worn

18-carat gold, 9-carat gold or solid silver: which material for which use

18-carat gold (750/1000) contains 75% pure gold; it resists tarnishing better and suits a piece of jewelry meant to last for decades. 9-carat gold (375/1000) contains 37.5% gold: more affordable, it remains a sensible choice for a child’s first piece of jewelry, to be replaced later if needed. Solid 925 silver is most often used for table silverware, christening cups, napkin rings or egg cups, as well as photo frames, since it handles large engraved surfaces better than a small gold pendant. A mother-of-pearl medal set in gold offers a visually lighter alternative for families who want to avoid too golden a look on an infant.

Pairing the medal with a matching chain

Chain length for a child ranges between 40 and 45 cm; below that, the piece quickly becomes too tight as the child grows, while above it, it becomes bulky under a collar. The curb chain, with its round, regular links, is the most common as it showcases a medal without letting it spin; the finer, twisted rope chain suits smaller diameters. The choice of gold chain therefore depends as much on the weight of the medal as on the age at which the child will wear it.

Christening cross: a design of its own

The cross stands apart from the medal in that it is instantly recognizable, with no effigy to identify, making it a simple choice when the child’s first name doesn’t correspond to an obvious patron saint. A christening cross in gold or mother-of-pearl can be worn alone on a fine chain from the early months, then remains wearable into adulthood without looking childish, unlike some figurative medals.

ID bracelets and mini-medal bracelets

The ID bracelet engraved with a first name remains the most popular birth gift, often given before the christening and later complemented with a medal on the day of the ceremony. Its classic curb link or marine link chain withstands the daily wear of an active child well. The mini-medal bracelet, mounted on a cord or fine chain, allows a small religious motif to be worn without the weight of a traditional pendant. Both styles can be found among our christening ID bracelets and mini-medal bracelets, to choose from depending on whether the child will wear the piece on the wrist or around the neck.

Engraving: what it actually involves

On the back of a christening medal, the engravable space rarely exceeds a few characters. On an ID bracelet, the flat plate offers more room and allows a full first name to be added, sometimes with a short birth date underneath. On silverware pieces such as a christening cup or napkin ring, the wide surface allows a full first name or even a spelled-out date to be inscribed.

Which piece of jewelry to choose based on the relationship to the child

A godfather or godmother traditionally gives the medal itself, a gesture tied to the role of spiritual protection entrusted to them. Grandparents more often turn to the ID bracelet or silverware pieces, designed to last without depending on wrist size. An engraved photo frame rounds out these options for relatives who prefer an item to display rather than to wear.

Frequently asked questions before buying

What medal diameter is best for a newborn?

A 14 or 15 mm medal is best suited to an infant: it is lightweight, worn on a fine 40 cm chain, and leaves enough room on the back for a short first name engraved on one line.

Should you choose gold or silver for a christening cup or napkin ring?

Solid 925 silver is the most common material for table silverware: its flat, wide surface is better suited to engraving a full first name than a gold piece of the same size, and its upkeep is comparable to that of classic silver cutlery.

Is a cross suitable if the child’s name isn’t that of a saint?

Yes: unlike a medal with an effigy, the cross doesn’t depend on any particular first name, making it a simple choice when no patron saint matches the chosen name.

The final choice rarely comes down to a single factor: diameter, material, chain length and available space for engraving all come together depending on the child’s age and the intended use of the piece. A 14 mm medal in 9-carat gold on a 40 cm chain and an engraved silver christening cup meet two different needs for the same ceremony.

How do I choose the right christening medal size for a baby?

Most christening medals for babies measure 14 to 16 mm in diameter — light enough for a newborn and still legible once engraved. From age six or seven, 18 to 20 mm suits a child who will keep wearing it. Pair a 14 mm medal with a 36 to 38 cm chain, and a 16 mm one with a 40 cm chain.

What is the difference between gold, gold-filled and silver medals?

Solid 9ct or 18ct gold never wears through and keeps its value, which is why it remains the classic choice for a gold baptism medal for a godchild. Gold-filled has a thick bonded gold layer lasting years at a fraction of the cost. Sterling silver 925 is the most affordable, hypoallergenic option, but it tarnishes and needs periodic polishing.

Which design should I pick: Virgin Mary, guardian angel or patron saint?

The Miraculous Medal of the Virgin Mary is the traditional godparent gift and works for any child. A guardian angel medal reads as gentler and more universal for a non-practising family. A patron saint medal engraved with the child’s name adds a personal link. Among our 176 designs you will also find crosses, doves and zodiac-and-cross combinations.

How do I care for a christening medal so it lasts?

Remove it before baths, swimming pools and the sea — chlorine and salt attack the chain’s solder first. Clean gold with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. To stop a silver christening medal from tarnishing, store it in an airtight pouch away from moisture. Check the clasp and jump ring every few months, as these are what usually fail.