Fine jewelry is not just for grown-ups anymore. Many wish to give jewelry to a baby or child which will serve as a keepsake as the young one grows into adulthood. Baby jewelry as a gift is not only a special present for the child, but also his or her parents, who will appreciate its sentimental value.

As baby boutiques are popping up across the country, adults are choosing fine apparel and jewelry for children. These are a far departure from the inexpensive plastic jewelry once marketed for children. While it's unlikely that this type of costume jewelry will disappear altogether, it's also apparent that some children, and their parents, appreciate a special piece of fine jewelry.

A rising trend, parents are choosing high-end children's jewelry for special occasions or a birthday. These higher-end pieces not only represent a gift of love, but also serve as an investment that the child may perhaps wear into early adulthood, serving as a token of love from the ones that love them the most.

There are an endless variety of special occasions for which to give children's jewelry. Of course, jewelry makes a great hit at baby showers and is a unique gift for someone looking to give a personalized present. Gifts of jewelry are also popular for christenings, baptisms, or at a baby's first birthday. Many godparents and close friends of the family choose jewelry for these occasions, as they become instant keepsakes.

One of the more popular choices of baby jewelry is the charm bracelet. Today's jewelers offer bracelets made from freshwater pearls or semi-precious stones. Charms can represent the family's background, religious background, a good luck symbol, or the baby's birthstone. Matching charm bracelets for mother and baby are another idea that would be an instant favorite with any family. Bracelets can also be customized with the baby's monogram or name. Personalized baby charm bracelets will be cherished for years to come and are a touching symbol of the child's life.

Baby necklaces are another sure winner. Necklaces often come with matching baby bracelets in a variety of styles, including freshwater pearls, gold and silver. Bracelets and necklaces may also be designed with the child's birthstone, small crosses or another meaningful charm that are a reminder of the child's heritage. A crystal and pearl rosary or a baby Bible with an embroidered cover are ideal gifts for a baptism or christening.

In some cultures, infant ear piercing is a cultural norm, especially for a female infant. Most parents have to consider the pros and cons of infant piercing. For some, piercing holds significant cultural meaning. The practice is common in Latin American, African and Hindu cultures. Hindus observe a ceremony called Karnavedha for male and female babies. At the age of 12 days, the baby's ears are pierced. The pierced hole is believed to distract evil spirits as well as provide the benefits of acupuncture.

When choosing to pierce a baby's ears, the most important consideration is to choose piercings which are hypo-allergenic, designed to reduce allergic reactions. The most common choice of earrings for a baby is studs. These often come in the form of the baby's birthstone. Diamonds are another choice that represent a precious keepsake for the child to wear and can then presented to her own children someday.

Aside from jewelry, personalized pacifiers are another growing trend. They're not only practical, helping parents keep their baby's pacifier from ending up in another baby's mouth; they are also a fashionable way to identify a specific pacifier. Families and friends are also bestowing expectant parents with expression binkys that spell out charming and humorous messages on the front. For the baby (or the parents) with everything, there is also a diamond pacifier that retails for $17,000. While not recommended for actual use, the binky with bling features more than 270 pave cut-white diamonds. The newest trend in celebrity gift giving, the diamond pacifier is intended as a new classic to the bronzed baby shoes.