For a birth or a christening, the gifts that stand the test of time are those the child will keep into adulthood: a solid silver tumbler or cutlery piece, or a pewter object, ideally engraved with the child's first name and the date of the occasion. Jezler's 925 silver, from a silversmith house founded in Schaffhausen in 1822, and pewter, the traditional material of the French-speaking Swiss table, lend themselves particularly well to this role as a keepsake. Here is how to choose.
Why give silver or pewter?
Giving a silver cutlery piece or tumbler at a birth is a widespread tradition, often led by the godparents. The idea is simple: an object that is useful in the early years, then kept as a family memento. Unlike a toy or a piece of clothing, it never goes out of fashion and can be passed down.
Pewter plays a similar role in a more decorative version. A small cup or a mini channe, engraved, marks the date of a christening and finds its place on a shelf, in the child's room and then in the home of the grown-up child.
Jezler: solid silver silverware
Founded in 1822 in Schaffhausen by Johann Jacob Jezler, the house of Jezler works in sterling silver 925, that is, an alloy made up of 92.5% silver. Each piece bears the "925" hallmark. Its cutlery lines, such as Filet, La Reine, Princesse or Désir, also exist in a baby version, which lets you give the child cutlery that matches the family's table service. Find the whole range in our Jezler collection.
Baby cutlery
Spoon, fork and pusher are sized for small hands. The La Reine baby spoon, 11.5 cm long, is an elegant first gift that can later be completed with the fork and pusher from the same line. Giving one piece at the birth, then another at each birthday, is a lovely way to build up the full set over the years.
The tumbler
The christening object par excellence, the tumbler accompanies the first meals and then stays on a shelf. The Jezler 1269 tumbler in solid 925 silver is 7.5 cm tall with a capacity of 1.2 dl, a size suited to a child.
The rattle
For a gift from the very first weeks, the Jezler bear rattle pairs a solid 925 silver figure with a white plastic ring.
More ideas in silver
Other symbolic pieces complete the christening and newborn gifts. The solid silver baby tooth box will accompany the child a few years later, when the first teeth are lost. Our Children and births collection also brings together side spoons, egg cups, children's cutlery sets in stainless steel or silver plate, money boxes and photo frames, for every budget.
Pewter, the traditional alternative
A historic material of the French-speaking Swiss table, pewter has been worked in Geneva for centuries. For a birth, it is best suited to keepsakes. A 5 cm pewter cup, engraved with the child's first name, is a symbolic and affordable gift. The smallest sizes of the Geneva channe, from 0.7 dl, also make lovely keepsakes to put on a shelf.
Pewter is a soft metal: we recommend it more as a decorative and memory object than as everyday tableware for a small child.
Engraving: what makes the gift unique
A first name, a date of birth or christening turns the object into a personal piece. We offer engraving of a name with a date (CHF 25 per piece) or of a first name alone (CHF 15 per piece). Simply add the engraving to your order and send us the text via the contact page. We also talk about it in our gift ideas by budget.
A few practical tips:
- Check the spelling of the first name with the parents before ordering.
- For a christening, give the date of the ceremony rather than the date of birth, or both if space allows.
- Allow enough time before the ceremony for the engraving to be done.
- If you are unsure about the surface to engrave, ask us for advice.
Caring for silver and pewter
Silver naturally tarnishes in contact with air: this is surface oxidation, not a defect. Wash pieces by hand in lukewarm soapy water, dry them immediately and store them away from the air, for example in a pouch. A silver-specific product or cloth is enough to restore their shine. Pewter is washed in the same way, without the dishwasher or abrasive products, and kept away from heat sources.
Frequently asked questions
What christening gift should a godparent give?
The solid silver tumbler and cutlery remain the great classics. Engraved with a first name and a date, they become a keepsake the child keeps for life.
What does the 925 hallmark mean?
It indicates sterling silver, made up of 92.5% pure silver. This is the standard Jezler uses for its pieces.
Can baby cutlery be completed later?
Yes. The Jezler lines offer spoon, fork and pusher separately, so you can give one piece at a time, for example at each birthday.
How much does engraving cost?
Engraving a first name costs CHF 15 per piece, and a name with a date CHF 25 per piece.
How can you stop silver tarnishing?
Dry thoroughly after each wash and store the piece away from the air. Light tarnish is easily removed with a suitable product.