'Quality charms in gold make good investments because they're long-lasting. They can be worn as part of a bracelet or as a pendant,' says one mother of two young daughters. Brands such as Cartier and Tiffany & Co have charms in both classic and whimsical designs.

'Pendants can be worn with a fine gold chain or leather cords. Children's designs usually feature decorative and cute motifs,' says Hui.

Emily Li, brand general manager of Chow Sang Sang, suggests ear studs with dainty designs for little girls with their ears pierced. 'Make sure your daughter feels comfortable wearing the piece,' says Li.

'Bring her to the jeweller and let her choose a design and style that she likes. Let her try on different items and you can help her pick something that suits the shape of her face or her outlook.' Li suggests simple designs such as star- or heart-shaped studs in gold.

Youmna Hostelet, jewellery designer and founder of Youmna, also suggests bracelets that are adjustable. Besides leather cords, consider necklaces and bracelets strung on elastic bands for flexibility and peace of mind. 'The idea is that they can wear the jewellery all the time,' she says.

'Boys become attached to their pieces and don't want to change,' says Li, 'whereas girls are more easily attuned to different styles and designs.'

Experts agree that yellow gold is the most popular choice in jewellery for babies and children. Many designs for children feature enamelled pieces in colourful designs. 'Yellow gold, especially pure 24-carat gold (marked with 999), stands for purity and has a preserving value,' says Li.

Other popular materials include small freshwater pearls strung on elastic wrist bands.

Safety is a priority when it comes to buying jewellery for children. To avoid the pieces being swallowed or lost, Hui says they shouldn't have detachable parts. Make sure the clasps are secured and the piece won't fall off easily. And children must feel comfortable with what they're wearing.

Consider the wearer's age and preferences if you're shopping for a gift. Pick the child's favourite character or a meaningful motif.

Experts stress the importance of choosing pieces made with reasonable quality, durable materials and craftsmanship. 'They must be easily managed for those little fingers,' says one mother. Hostelet suggests picking pieces that are long-lasting. 'Choose something they can grow up with. It's lovely when your jewellery becomes part of your life and identity.'

Shopping list

Aaron Basha

Available at Masterpiece by King Fook Jewellery, Shop 21, G/F, Central Building, Central; tel: 2526 6733.

This New York brand counts celebrities including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Heidi Klum as fans of its Baby Shoes pendants.

Chow Sang Sang

Shop 513, Level 5, Times Square, Causeway Bay; tel: 2241 4008.

Besides the Mickey, Minnie and other Disney characters, the company also makes a collection featuring Hello Kitty and popular Sanrio characters. Other designs include the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac made in pure gold.

Just Diamonds/Just Gold

Shop 1016, Podium Level One, IFC Mall, Central; tel: 2530 0068.

The Just Babe collection features pieces made in gold and/or diamonds designed for babies and children in whimsical motifs.

Tous

Shop 1002A, Podium Level One, IFC Mall, Central; tel: 2295 0018.

This Spanish brand has a wide selection of children's jewellery bearing its signature bear motif, including miniature ear studs, enamelled bear pendants strung on leather cords, and freshwater pearls on elastic bracelets.

Youmna

Harvey Nichols, the Landmark, Central; tel: 3695 3388.

Hong Kong-based jewellery designer Youmna Hostelet specialises in gold. Her Venise collection includes gold discs punctuated with alphabets strung on adjustable leather cords, and come in yellow gold with brown leather bracelet (HK$2,300) or white gold with black leather bracelet (HK$2,500).

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