Can Mommy Have Jewelry?

“My wife loves jewelry, but we have a new baby. What to do?”

Mazel Tov, and here's the good news: while dangles (both pendants and earrings) are out, for the moment--little ones love to tug, and Mommy's jewelry goes flying--there is still plenty of jewelry Mommy can wear*. 

Studs 

Stud earrings are a great way to go. Choose from gold, platinum, and sterling silver studs, either plain, with a pretty pattern, or set with diamonds, pearls, or whatever gemstone you prefer. 

“Hi. I'm a guy. I know zero about gemstones.”

Well, the Jewelry Doctor thinks you're being too modest. You probably know a fair amount about gemstones. But here are posts specifically designed to help you purchase gemstones with confidence. 

Is your wife a blonde?  Here are some ideas for jewelry that looks great on blondes. http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/search/label/blondes

You say she's a brunette?  Have a look here. http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/search/label/brunettes

“What about redheads? My gal's hair is red.”

Lucky you. Here are great ideas for you. http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/search/label/redheads 

Where were we? Ah, yes. Stud earrings. When the baby goes to college--okay, when Baby stops pulling on Mommy's jewelry--those gemstone studs can fit perfectly in earring jackets.

“There are jackets for earrings?”

Yes. An earring jacket is a flat or slightly curved piece of jewelry designed with a little opening for the stud. (Jackets are also a fine choice for those wanting to update stud earrings they bought years ago or were given as a gift for a special occasion.) 

Button Posts 

Moms can also enjoy "button posts." As the name suggests, these are earrings that sit flush against the ear the way a button does on a coat or sweater. They come in a wide variety of designs, from tiny ones similar to studs to larger ones that make a statement. (Clip earrings are often button posts, and most can be converted to pierced.) 

"Mommy Necklaces"? Maybe. Maybe Not. 

"What about those necklaces advertised for new mothers?"  

The jury is still out. Some people think they're fine; others raise concerns about what exactly Baby is chewing on. 

Rings  

Rings (especially right hand rings) are a wonderful choice. Those with a bezel setting are ideal. (Bezel settings are the kind that wrap around the stone: no prongs to get caught, or to tempt those tiny fingers to see "What's that?") And that ring can be set with a gemstone--cabochons are best bets, with a smooth, half-moon surface that won't scratch when Baby comes in for a hug.

*Yes, it's also fine to give the new mother a "push" present. But if she's a smart mama, anything that dangles will be saved for "Mommy and Daddy's night out." 

"What's a "push present"? These are gifts given after the birth of a child. They range from an especially luxurious bouquet of flowers to--well, Beyonce's gift from Jay Z after the birth of Blue Ivy was an eight-to-ten carat blue diamond ring :>.  Feelings are mixed about push gifts.  Some say the name isn't ideal, and neither is the concept.  Others say, "Hush, I want to give my wife a gift. She just carried our baby for nine months." If that's you, let's put our heads together about a push present your wife will treasure. 

©2015 Laynie Tzena.