Article: First Gold: The Mediterranean Tradition of 18k Heirlooms for Babies
First Gold: The Mediterranean Tradition of 18k Heirlooms for Babies
In Mediterranean families, a child's first piece of gold jewelry is more than a gift — it's a wish for their future, a symbol of protection, and the beginning of a family story that will outlast generations.
Across Italy, Greece, Spain, and beyond, there is a beautiful custom: when a baby is born — or at their christening or baptism — family members gift a small piece of real gold. A tiny bracelet. A pendant. A pair of first earrings.
It's never about the size of the piece. It's about what it represents: love, protection, and permanence. Gold doesn't tarnish. It doesn't fade. It endures — just like the bond between parent and child.
This tradition is deeply personal to us. Olivier was born from a family gold piece — a bangle passed from mother to daughter on her wedding day. We created this collection to help you start that same tradition in your own family, wherever you are in the world.
Hypoallergenic 18K Gold: The Safest Choice for Newborns
Not all gold is created equal — and not all gold is safe for delicate skin. Here's why we use 18K for every piece in this collection, and nothing less.
- Safest for sensitive skin. 18K gold is 75% pure gold with no nickel in our Italian alloy. It is naturally hypoallergenic — gentle enough for the most delicate newborn skin.
- Built to last a lifetime. Unlike plated or vermeil jewelry, solid 18K gold never tarnishes, fades, or wears away. It will look the same in 50 years as the day you gave it.
- Bath-time safe. Because it is solid 18K gold, it won't react to water or soaps. It is designed to be worn, not tucked away in a box.
- A meaningful first heirloom. Gold has intrinsic, lasting value. Your child's first piece becomes the first chapter of their own jewelry story — one they may pass down to their own children someday.
Unlike 14K gold, which contains higher percentages of base metals, our 18K gold is an investment in both skin safety and lasting value — an heirloom that grows in worth as they grow in years.
The 18K Gold Baptism & Christening Collection
Curated for newborns, christenings, baptisms, and first birthdays.
Kids Figaro Gold Bracelet — $320
Heirloom Safety Pin Brooch — $260
Kids Coccinelle Gold Bracelet — $260
The Gift Experience
Every First Gold order arrives ready to give.
- Gift-ready packaging. Each piece comes in our signature box with a ribbon — no wrapping needed.
- The 750 Hallmark Guarantee. Every piece is stamped with the international 750 hallmark and includes documentation verifying 18K gold purity — a keepsake in itself.
- Complimentary shipping. Free shipping on all U.S. orders.
Perfect For
A First Gold piece makes a meaningful gift for any milestone: a newborn arrival, a christening or baptism, a first birthday, a baby shower, a push present for a new mother, or a holiday gift that will be treasured for decades to come.