Antique Acorn Milk Tooth Charm

The use of baby teeth (or "milk teeth") in jewelry was popularized during the Victorian Era. During a time where infant mortality rates were high, a child surviving long enough to lose his or her first teeth was an event worthy of celebration. Many Victorians, especially mothers, commissioned jewelry pieces with their babies' teeth as a sentimental dedication to their children.   

In France, milk tooth rings were often given or loaned by the mother to a sister or friend having trouble conceiving, believing that the wearing of this ring would aid in conception.