The Baby Earrings

By: Kaelani Do

Type: Accessories

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Place of Origin: Vietnam, 2000s

Made in: Vietnam

Source: Kaelani Do

Worn by: Kaelani Do

Object Particulars: White gold cuff earrings with tiny diamond embellishment Categories: Infant Accessories, Women’s Accessories

Brief Description: White gold earrings made for infants with diamond embellishment Physical Description: White Gold 14K Earrings, Cuff Style, One statement diamond Purpose: As an accessory for children or infants

Materials and Technique: White Gold, Diamond, Snap Cuff

Collection Name: Humber Fashion Archive Museum

Historical Use: Traditionally, in Vietnamese culture, female infants usually will get their ears pierced a couple weeks after being born. It is a sign of beauty and status. The first pair of earrings are crucial as they set the status of that baby’s family. The earrings are usually of high value and real gold for good longevity. It also is something to accessorize the baby to make them look cute.

Personal Connection:

This item is a keepsake that I have had since I was born. I have picked a pair of earrings that my parents purchased me after I had my ears first pierced when I was only a couple months old. They were bought at the Vietnamese jewelry shop called Minh Chau Jeweler in Chinatown of Toronto. It is very significant for Vietnamese families to buy quality jewelry from a local Vietnamese Jewelry owner to show their appreciation for their own community and also have a sense of authenticity. Many of the pieces that Vietnamese Jewelers will sell are authentic hand made pieces from back home. I grew up learning that my home country was the most fashionable and creative artist, and buying items that originated from Vietnam were a big deal to Vietnamese-Canadians. Many people in my family buy from this same Jeweler because of the community aspect. There is a personal sense to it. Very many people who come from Vietnam are refugees and came here with little to nothing in their pockets. My own family fled the Vietnam War that happened from 1955 to 1975. Now, after decades of building up their family assets, they take great pride in their fine jewelry. It is a story of accomplishment to have luxury items and reminds them and others around them that they work very hard for what they have. That is why the very first pair of earrings that my mother bought for her first child was very significant to her. It reminds of why she came here and started a family, for a better life for her children.

These are little white gold hoop earrings with a diamond embellishment. This piece is from the year 2002, and quite timeless. It is such a classic piece, I wear them still to this day. They are the best quality of earrings that match everything. Even when I buy new earrings, I always come back to this pair. They hold a sentimental place in my heart because it was the first thing my parents ever gifted me. Through my early toddler years, to my childhood, to my tween years, teen years, and until now that I am a young adult. I hope to cherish these earrings and pass them down to my own children.