Baargoud gift guide — what is baargoud and which jewelry do you give after the birth

Baargoud is a Dutch tradition in which a woman is given a lasting piece of jewelry after giving birth. It differs from a pregnancy necklace because baargoud is only given after the birth. In this guide we explain what baargoud means, when and by whom it is traditionally given, and which jewelry — from classic heart pieces to bracelets and rings with zirconia — makes a meaningful choice.

Lundholm Melia baargoud necklace with double heart worn by a mother — symbol of mom and baby
The Lundholm Melia necklace — two linked hearts as a symbol of mom and baby, a classic baargoud gift.

What exactly is baargoud?

Baargoud is a Dutch tradition. After giving birth, a woman is given a lasting piece of jewelry, usually by her partner, her parents or her in-laws. The piece marks the transition into motherhood and the birth of the child. Baargoud often becomes a family heirloom-style piece that is later passed on to a daughter or granddaughter.

The word baargoud comes from baren (Dutch for giving birth) and goud (gold, the precious material). In the past literal gold was given, because that was the luxury material of the day. Today baargoud is also given in premium stainless steel with PVD gold plating, or as jewelry with zirconia. The tradition is about permanence and symbolism, not about the exact material. In English the closest equivalent is a "push present"; in German it is called a "Geburtsgeschenk".

An important distinction: baargoud is not the same as a pregnancy necklace. Baargoud is given after the birth. A pregnancy necklace (a bola necklace) is worn during pregnancy. Both are lovely traditions, but they mark different moments and involve different pieces.

What is the difference between baargoud and a pregnancy necklace?

Baargoud Pregnancy necklace (bola)
When it is given After the birth During pregnancy
Purpose Marks motherhood A chime for the baby during pregnancy
Who gives it Partner, parents, in-laws, godparents Often the partner, or bought by herself
Type of piece Heart, ring, bracelet, necklace with pendant Long necklace with a bola chime (80-90 cm)
Symbolism Permanence, something to keep in the family A familiar sound for the baby

When do you give baargoud?

There are three traditional moments that suit baargoud — all of them after the birth:

  • Right after the birth, during the first days at home. Usually given by the partner. This is the classic baargoud moment.
  • At the first visit to the new parents. In-laws, her own parents or a close friend come to visit and bring their baargoud gift along.
  • At the christening or the first birthday. A second occasion, often chosen by godparents or grandparents who prefer to give their gift a little later.
Lundholm Mera baargoud necklace gold-tone worn by a mother — 50 cm heart gift after the birth

Which jewelry works as baargoud?

Good baargoud has three qualities:

  • Lasting — quality that lasts for years
  • Meaningful — symbolism that suits motherhood (hearts, double hearts, zirconia)
  • Timeless — not a passing trend that looks dated in five years

Lundholm jewelry is made from premium stainless steel 316L with PVD gold or silver-tone plating. That is the same material as surgical steel. It is nickel-free, waterproof and colorfast with normal wear. Ideal for a piece worn for years by a woman who has just become a mother. Available in both gold-tone and silver-tone, so it can match her wedding ring and the jewelry she already owns.

Heart jewelry — the classic symbol of a mother's love

Jewelry with a heart is the most universal baargoud choice. Immediately understood, timeless and symbolically perfect for the moment. Six options from entry level to premium, in gold-tone and silver-tone:

Bracelets — an alternative to the necklace

Does she already wear a necklace or a watch she never takes off? Then a bracelet is the logical baargoud choice. Three options, all available in gold-tone or silver-tone.

Jewelry with zirconia — baargoud with a premium look

For anyone who wants more sparkle in their baargoud gift: jewelry with zirconia. Zirconia is a synthetic stone with a clear sparkle and an affordable price. That way you can give baargoud with shine, without it having to be expensive. Four options across a ring, hoops and necklaces:

What makes Lundholm baargoud special

HypoallergenicPremium stainless steel 316L is nickel-free. Kind to sensitive skin.
WaterproofOur stainless steel jewelry is fine in the shower and the bath. Handy with a baby at home.
Free gift bagOrder from our own webshop and you always get a free gift bag.
Luxury gift boxGift packaging as standard. Ready to hand over the moment you visit.

How do you choose the right baargoud piece?

  • What does she already wear? Does gold-tone or silver-tone suit her better? Does she already have a necklace, or would she prefer a bracelet or a ring? Match her existing style so she wears it every day.
  • What fits her daily life? An active mother loves waterproof jewelry that can go in the shower. A more classic type feels at home with a ring set with zirconia.
  • Which symbolism? A classic heart for a mother's love, a double heart for the mom-and-baby symbol (the Melia necklace or Alice bracelet), zirconia for sparkle and luxury, pink zirconia when a daughter is born.
  • Budget is not the deciding factor. A Lundholm baargoud piece from €19.95 with the right meaning can be worth more emotionally than a more expensive piece with no story behind it.

Frequently asked questions about baargoud

What is the difference between baargoud and a pregnancy necklace?

Baargoud is a lasting piece of jewelry given to the mother after the birth. A pregnancy necklace (a bola necklace) is worn during pregnancy and holds a soothing chime for the baby. They are two different traditions marking two different moments.

What is baargoud?

Baargoud is a Dutch tradition in which a woman receives a lasting piece of jewelry after giving birth, usually from her partner, her parents or her in-laws. The piece marks the transition into motherhood. The word comes from baren (to give birth) and goud (gold).

What is the difference between baargoud and kraamgoud?

Baargoud and kraamgoud mean practically the same thing: a lasting piece of jewelry given after the birth. Baargoud is the older Dutch term, while kraamgoud is used in some regions. Both describe the same idea.

Does baargoud have to be real gold?

No. The tradition is about permanence and symbolism, not about the exact material. Modern baargoud can also be premium stainless steel 316L with PVD gold plating, or jewelry set with zirconia. What matters is that the piece stays beautiful for years.

Gold-tone or silver-tone baargoud — which suits better?

A rule of thumb: match the tone of her wedding ring. If she wears a yellow gold band, choose gold-tone baargoud. If she wears white gold or silver, silver-tone baargoud is the better fit. At Lundholm most models come in both color variants, so there is always a match.

When do you give baargoud?

Three traditional moments, all after the birth: right after the birth from the partner, at the first visit from in-laws or friends, or at the christening or first birthday from godparents and grandparents.

Who gives baargoud?

Traditionally the child's father gave baargoud to the mother. These days it just as often comes from in-laws, her own parents, godparents or a close friend. Sometimes partners choose a set together: a necklace for mom and a bracelet as the gift from her partner.

Is Lundholm baargoud hypoallergenic?

Yes. Lundholm jewelry is made from premium stainless steel 316L — the same material as surgical steel. Nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

Is baargoud waterproof so she can wear it all the time?

Our stainless steel jewelry is waterproof. It can go in the shower, in the bath and in the pool. Handy for new mothers who do not want to keep taking their jewelry off while caring for the baby.

Ready to choose your baargoud?

Browse our full collection of meaningful jewelry for motherhood. Shipping EUR 3.95, free shipping from EUR 75 on jewelry within the EU, 14-day right of withdrawal, luxury gift packaging as standard — ready to hand over the moment you visit.

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