Pregnancy necklace: how to choose the right one

Short answer: A pregnancy necklace, also called a harmony ball or bola, is a hollow pendant with a small bell inside, worn on a long chain over the bump. Pick a metal that suits your skin, a pendant with a soft sound, and a chain long enough to grow with you.

What it is

A hollow pendant with a small bell inside

How it is worn

On a long chain, resting on the bump

Usually worn from

Around the fifth month, though there is no rule

Our metals

925 sterling silver and stainless steel, plain or 18k gold plated

Made

By hand, to order, in Carcassonne, France

Sold

On Etsy, with delivery to the UK

What a pregnancy necklace is

A pregnancy necklace is a pendant on a long chain, worn so that it rests on the bump. The pendant is a hollow ball with a small bell inside, and it gives a soft chime when you move. Most women start wearing one around the fifth month, and many keep it long after the birth.

You will see the same necklace sold as a harmony ball, a bola, an angel caller or a chime ball. The names differ, the jewellery doesn’t. If you want the full story, see what a harmony ball is and where the names come from.

When to start wearing it

There is no rule. Tradition says once the bump shows, which for many is somewhere between weeks 18 and 20. Some women wear theirs from the first scan, some only on special days, and some wait for the third trimester. Choose a chain long enough that the ball still sits comfortably on a bigger bump. We go through this in when to start wearing a pregnancy necklace.

What to look at before you buy

Metal and skin

The three common choices are 925 sterling silver, stainless steel and gold-plated metal. Pregnancy can make skin more reactive, so it is worth knowing what is against yours. Stainless steel is a popular choice for sensitive skin, but it is not nickel-free. If you have a known metal allergy, check the listing or ask the seller before you order.

Pendant size and weight

Necklace pendants tend to sit somewhere around 16 to 20 mm across. Bigger looks bolder and carries the sound further, but it also weighs more on your neck in the last months. Smaller pendants are easier to wear all day.

The sound

No two balls sound the same. The note depends on the size of the ball, the metal and the bell inside. A thin, cheap ball can sound tinny. If sound matters to you, ask the seller for a short video before you buy. On our Etsy shop you can message us and ask.

Chain length

The chain needs to be long enough for the ball to rest on the bump, and ideally adjustable, because your bump will change a lot. Many harmony ball chains run somewhere between 80 and 120 cm. Look for an extension chain or an adjustable clasp, and check the exact length in the listing.

Clasp and finish

The ball should close cleanly with no sharp edge. The ring that holds the chain should be fully closed. A lobster clasp is easier to fasten around your neck than a tiny spring ring, especially when you can’t see your hands.

Silver or gold?

It comes down to look and upkeep. Both work well with gemstones.

More detail in our guides to the silver ball necklace and the gold ball necklace.

Make it personal

This is where handmade pays off. You can add an engraved medal with a name, a date or a single word, pick gemstone beads by colour or birthstone, and hang a charm beside the ball. Start with how to personalise a pregnancy necklace, then see the gemstone meanings and the birthstone for every month.

Buying one as a gift

A pregnancy necklace is a keepsake rather than a practical present, which is why it suits a partner, a sister or a close friend. If you are choosing from several ideas, start with our gifts for pregnant women. Because every necklace is made to order, order a few weeks before you need it.

Looking after it

Keep it dry, put it on after perfume and body lotion, and store it in its pouch. Our cleaning and care guide covers silver, plated steel and stones.

Questions people ask