Our New Arrivals

This month’s new arrivals in christening medals and chains

Each new delivery renews the range of available designs: Virgin and Child, angel, dove, tree of life, or Miraculous Medal. The latter depicts the Marian apparition reported by Catherine Labouré in 1830 in Paris, a historical reference point that explains why it remains popular for a christening, without needing a long backstory when making a choice. For a newborn, a diameter of 14 to 16 mm stays discreet and lightweight on a fine chain; from 18 mm upward, the medal gains more presence and suits a child who will wear the piece for several years.

18-carat gold, 9-carat gold or 925 silver: what the hallmark changes

18-carat gold (750/1000) keeps its colour and withstands daily wear, making it a sensible choice for a piece of jewellery meant to last from childhood into adulthood. 9-carat gold (375/1000) contains less precious metal and allows for a larger medal within a given budget, at the cost of a slightly paler tone. Solid 925 silver remains the most popular material for a first christening jewel: sturdy, easy to maintain, and neutral enough to suit a girl as well as a boy.

Curb, rolo or anchor chain: a choice that depends on age

A chain for a baby is generally chosen between 40 and 45 cm, with a fine curb or rolo link that doesn’t pull on the neck. The anchor link, wider and more visible, suits a bracelet or a signet ring worn by an adult better. This link detail matters just as much as the design itself for everyday wearing comfort.

Curb bracelets: the latest personalisable pieces

The christening curb bracelet remains the most engraved piece in the range: first name and christening date on the back of the plate, on a space that generally allows only a few characters per line. It’s therefore best to plan for a short first name or accept a single line of text to keep the engraving legible. Recent new arrivals offer the curb bracelet in a girl’s version and a boy’s version, with rounder plates for one and more rectangular plates for the other: an aesthetic distinction rather than a strict rule.

Bracelet or curb bracelet: two different uses

The children’s bracelet with adjustable links grows with the child over several years, whereas a classic curb bracelet needs replacing as the wrist grows. For a gift meant to last, an adjustable-size bracelet avoids having to buy a new one every couple of years.

Crosses, necklaces and jewellery for every stage after the christening

Some of the new arrivals also cover communion and confirmation gifts, two stages where the jewellery style shifts: a discreet christening cross at 6 or 7 years old gives way around 9-11 years old to a bolder design, sometimes as a pendant on a personalised necklace engraved with an initial. The choice depends less on the exact age than on what the child will actually agree to wear every day: a piece that’s too large or too flashy ends up in a drawer.

Table silverware: christening cups, napkin rings and egg cups

Alongside the jewellery, new arrivals regularly include solid silver table silverware: christening cup, napkin ring, egg cup, thought of as much as a birth gift as a christening one. These pieces can also be engraved on the back or edge, with the advantage of staying useful in everyday life once the child is older, unlike a piece of jewellery that can end up at the bottom of a box.

How to spot a genuine new arrival in the range

• A design or motif absent from the catalogue in previous months, such as a tree of life, a chi-rho symbol or an uncommon patron saint
• A chain diameter or length that completes an existing range rather than duplicating it
• A new material on an already familiar model, for example a medal previously only available in silver now arriving in 9-carat gold

Why the patron saint’s name still matters when choosing

Many families still choose the design based on the child’s given name, Michael, Joseph, Theresa, rather than on looks alone. It’s a simple reference point that helps avoid getting lost among the many models available: first look for the patron saint linked to the first name, then narrow the choice down by diameter and material.

Whichever piece is chosen among the new arrivals, the same approach applies: check the exact hallmark, the chain length suited to the child’s age, and the space actually available for engraving before settling on a model.

What makes a christening medal a “new arrival” worth choosing over a classic design?

New arrivals in this collection introduce updated engraving styles, slimmer bezels and contemporary finishes like brushed silver or rose gold vermeil. Diameters run from 14 mm to 18 mm, so they suit both newborns and older children. If you want a modern baptism medal for a baby girl, these recent pieces keep traditional symbolism with cleaner, less ornate lines.

Which metal should I pick for everyday wear?

925 sterling silver is the most common choice: affordable, hypoallergenic for most skin, and easy to polish. Gold-plated brass costs less but wears at contact points after a few years. Solid 9ct or 14ct gold resists tarnish and suits daily wear. For sensitive baby skin, choose nickel-free sterling silver baptism jewellery and check the hallmark stamped on the reverse.

What size medal and chain suit a newborn?

For a newborn, a 14–15 mm medal on a 36–38 cm chain sits comfortably without catching. Children aged three to eight usually take 16 mm on 40 cm. Many parents buy the medal now and add the chain at communion age. A lightweight 1 mm curb chain keeps the total under three grams, which matters for a christening gift for a newborn baby.

How do I care for and engrave the medal?

Engraving is done on the reverse, typically the first name and baptism date, with 12 to 20 characters fitting comfortably on a 16 mm face. Clean silver with a dry polishing cloth, never abrasive paste, and remove the medal before bathing or swimming since chlorine dulls plating. Store your engraved baptism medal in a soft pouch to prevent surface scratches.