Baby Heirlooms

What do Godparents give as a christening gift?

Godparents often give something a bit special and personal to mark their Godchild's christening day. Personalisation of silver gifts by engraving is a nice touch. Christening mugs and spoons are popular for both boys and girls. Charm bracelets for girls are always well received and a Godparent can later give a silver charm for birthdays over the years. A popular alternative gift for a boy is an antique box engraved on the lid with the baby's initials.

Can you arrange for a gift to be engraved?

Baby Heirlooms offers a hand engraving service with a choice of typeface styles. Most pieces can be engraved with the baby initials or first name. Alternatively, a bespoke monogram can be created using the baby's initials. This is popular for christening mugs and the cartouches on the lids of boxes. Engraving costs are quoted in advance of the work beginning and must be pre paid. The engraved item will then be delivered to your door.

How do I know the piece really is solid silver?

All Baby Heirlooms antique gifts are sterling silver and carry a British hallmark, or occasionally a sterling stamp. The hallmark is a guarantee that the piece has been certified as solid. All Baby Heirlooms traditional gifts are stamped "925". This indicates that the piece is 925 parts silver to 1000 parts and has been made outside the UK. There are no silver plated items on the Baby Heirlooms website.

How can I know the age of a piece?

All Baby Heirlooms antique gifts have their date listed in the descriptions. The English hallmarking system has a stamp for the year of assay which is stamped onto each piece of silver. This gives a date letter which allows you to see the exact year a piece was hallmarked. If you are interested to look up silver hallmarks yourself try the easy to use book "Collins Gem - Antique Marks" published by Harper Collins. The Baby Heirlooms traditional gifts are contemporary pieces of solid silver made in 2003 or 2004.

What should I give for a naming ceremony?

Some babies are named in a civil naming ceremony. This is a secular occasion which gives friends and family a chance to get together to celebrate baby's birth and name them. Parents choose "supporting adults" rather than Godparents to support and guide the baby through life. The gifts given remain the same as for a christening.

What do babies wear on their christening or naming day?

Traditionally, a baby wears a white or ivory garment for their christening day. This can be a dress, full length gown or romper suit often with a christening shawl. Some babies are christening in a coloured outfit with a cream or white shawl added by the presiding minister during the christening ceremony. For naming days, a special occasion outfit in any colour is suitable. There are many matching accessories available such as bibs, bonnets, cardigans, jackets and shoes and socks that can be added to compliment the chosen outfit.

If you have a question which is not answered here please call 01502 575145 or email to amie@babyheirlooms.co.uk