Desiree's Baby Tooth Ring

Every so often, we receive requests to create a wearable token using seemingly unconventional materials: in Desiree’s case, her son’s first lost tooth. Though this concept seems strange to some, jewelry made to commemorate this pivotal moment in a child’s life dates back hundreds of years. The practice of turning a child's first teeth (also referred to as “milk teeth”) into jewelry was popularized in Victorian-era England, when Queen Victoria turned her eldest daughter Princess Victoria’s tooth into a brooch.  At a time when infant mortality was at a high, milk teeth jewelry was a way to celebrate a major milestone in a child’s life. 

You can see a beautiful pendant and earring set Queen Victoria had made with Princess Beatrice's milk teeth at the Royal Collection Trust here.

We sketched a variety of options for Desiree, including emeralds from an inherited ring in some designs. Desiree ultimately opted for an all gold design with a delicate hand-engraved wheat pattern band. The end result is a timeless piece with just the right amount of quirky personality. 

We feel incredibly honored when clients come to us asking to create something to symbolize and preserve someone they held or hold dear, and handle these projects with particular care and sensitivity. If it’s precious to you, it’s precious to us.

If you're interested in collecting antique milk tooth jewelry, I would suggest following Erica Weiner on instagram as she occasionally has antique milk tooth pieces available for sale. 

If you'd like to start your own milk tooth piece, please book in with us and we would be delighted to help.