A christening is a special day for the whole family, and for many godparents it is the occasion to give a piece of jewellery that can stay with the child for life. A small cross, an icon pendant showing the child's patron saint, or later a fine chain: this guide explains what to look for and how to keep jewellery safe around babies and toddlers.
Who gives what at a christening?
Customs differ by denomination, by country of origin and from one family to the next. Treat the following as a rough guide and, if in doubt, have a quick word with the parents.
Orthodox baptism
In Orthodox families the baptismal cross is an essential part of the ceremony: the child receives a cross at baptism and wears it afterwards as a sign of faith. Traditionally it is given by a godparent, often the godfather. In some families the godmother takes on this role, in others the parents buy the cross themselves. The godmother frequently provides the christening gown or the cloth in which the child is wrapped after the baptism.
Catholic and Protestant christenings
Here a cross is not a fixed part of the service, but it is a popular gift. Godparents often give the baptismal candle, frequently together with a lasting keepsake such as a small cross, a guardian angel pendant or a delicate bracelet for later.
Which jewellery makes a good christening gift?
- A small cross: the classic choice. For an Orthodox baptism a three-bar Orthodox cross is a frequent choice, though a four-pointed cross is equally accepted; our guide to cross pendants explains the different forms.
- An icon pendant: for example of the child's patron saint, the guardian angel or the Mother of God. A pendant showing the saint whose name the child bears is a very personal gift.
- A chain for later: a fine chain complements the pendant once the child is old enough to wear jewellery. Some godparents give it straight away, others save it for a later occasion.
Gold or silver: which material to choose?
Christening jewellery is usually made in one of two materials:
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 585 gold (14 carat) | durable, high gold content, keeps its lustre for a long time with care; a gift that can be worn for many years |
| 925 sterling silver | more affordable, bright and understated; tarnishes over time but can be polished back |
For sensitive skin, people often choose good-quality gold or silver. How well a metal is tolerated does vary from person to person, though, so if there are known allergies in the family it is worth checking with the parents first.
What size and weight suit babies and children?
For babies and young children, choose small, lightweight pendants with smooth, rounded edges. A cross of roughly one to two centimetres in height looks delicate and still suits the child as they grow. Larger, heavier pieces are better kept for teenagers and adults. Also make sure the pendant's bail matches the thickness of the chain.
Safety: can babies wear a necklace?
This is the most important point: babies and toddlers should not wear a chain or ribbon around the neck at all, except briefly during the ceremony itself under the eyes of adults. There is a risk of choking and strangulation, and small parts can be swallowed.
That is why in many families the cross is worn only during the ceremony, or pinned to the christening gown – again only for the ceremony and never unattended, as pins can be swallowed. Afterwards it is taken off and kept safe. The child only starts wearing it day to day once they are older. At Orthodox baptisms the cross is often hung on a soft ribbon; the ribbon and cross stay on the child only during the ceremony and are removed afterwards.
What chain length for children?
Once the child is old enough, the chain should be long enough to sit comfortably rather than tight against the neck. Our chain length guide shows the lengths commonly chosen for children.
Other occasions for a cross or icon
- First Communion and Confirmation: a good moment for a first chain of their own or a slightly larger cross.
- Birthdays: many godparents later add a chain or an icon pendant to the baptismal cross.
- Name day (Russian "imeniny"): widely celebrated in Orthodox families and a fitting occasion for a pendant of the patron saint.
Gifts for godparents and parents
Parents and godparents also appreciate a keepsake of the day, such as an icon pendant, a simple cross or a piece that suits their personal style. That way the christening stays a lasting memory for everyone involved.