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Turn ashes into jewellery: stylish memorial jewellery close to your loved one
Jewellery Inspiration
Remco
14 April 2025
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Memorial jewellery contains a small amount of cremation ashes from a deceased loved one, so that you can always carry their memory close to you. This jewellery looks like ordinary jewellery, but has a deeper meaning. It offers comfort and a tangible connection with the person you miss.
Key points
- Ashes jewellery is designed to hold the ashes of a loved one, allowing the wearer to always have a tangible memory close by.
- There are different types of ashes jewellery, such as pendants, rings, bracelets and charms, all of which offer a unique way to cherish memories.
- Personalisation options such as engraving and adding gemstones make ashes jewellery even more special and meaningful to the wearer.
What is cremation jewellery?
Cremation jewellery is special jewellery designed to hold a small amount of ashes from a loved one. It represents an emotional connection with loved ones who have passed away and offers a symbolic way to honour and remember them. The purpose of ashes jewellery is to offer a tangible memory that provides comfort and closeness to the person wearing it.
These memorial jewellery items come in various shapes and sizes, but what they have in common is a hollow space in which a symbol can be kept of a symbolic amount of ash in a symbolic way. This can be, for example:
- a necklace
- a bracelet
- a ring
- a charm
The advantage of this memorial jewellery is that it looks like ordinary jewellery, allowing the wearer to discreetly preserve the memory of their loved one.
An memorial jewellery piece can also be filled with other tangible memories, such as a strand of hair from the deceased. This offers an extra layer of personalisation and meaning. Wearing an ashes jewellery item is a way to literally keep the memory of a loved one close to the heart, which can be a great source of comfort during the grieving process.
Types of memorial jewellery
There are various types of memorial jewellery available, each with their own unique characteristics and advantages. One of the most popular types is an ash pendant, which not only has space for a small amount of ash, but can also be decorated with gemstones or engravings. An ash pendant can be attached to a necklace or bracelet and offers a discreet and stylish way to remember your loved one.
In addition to necklace pendants, there are also ash rings, which vary in design and style. These rings are designed to discreetly hold a small amount of ashes, making them look like ordinary jewellery but carrying a deeper meaning.
Bracelets and charms are other popular choices for a jewellery item, with the ashes often kept in a small pendant that can be attached to the bracelet.
Choosing the right type of memorial jewellery depends on personal preference and lifestyle. Whether you choose a pendant, ring, bracelet or charm, each type of cremation jewellery offers a unique way to cherish the memory of your loved one and carry it with you always.
Materials for memorial jewellery
The material choice for jewellery made with ashes is crucial for both the durability and appearance of the piece. Gold is a popular choice due to its luxurious appearance and durability. 14 carat gold is often used for cremation jewellery, which offers an ideal balance between durability and beauty. Gold jewellery exudes a timeless elegance and is a beautiful way to cherish the memory of a loved one in ashes jewellery.
Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is another commonly used option. This material consists of 92.5% pure silver and is both durable and aesthetically appealing. Silver funeral jewellery offers a classic and refined look that appeals to many people.
There are also options such as glass, which can give the cremation jewellery a unique and modern look. The material of the jewellery not only determines how it looks, but also how it feels and how long it lasts. That is why it is important to choose a material that is not only beautiful, but also feels pleasant and matches your personal style.
The process of ash processing
The process of incorporating ashes into jewellery requires the utmost care and precision. The ashes are often mixed with a special resin, which gives the piece a shiny and durable finish. This process makes it possible to incorporate the ashes into the jewellery in a discreet manner, so that it is not immediately recognisable as jewellery made with ashes.
The gold- and silversmiths ensure that the ashes remain securely in the jewellery by fitting the piece and the clasp with great precision. Once processed, the ashes cannot be removed, which emphasises how important precision and care are during this process. The jewellery must be of a reasonable thickness to create an ash chamber, and this is not possible in very thin rings.
In addition, the client's ashes remain safe at the jeweller's and never leave the shop during the process. This offers customers extra peace of mind, knowing that their loved one's ashes are being treated with the utmost care.
Personalisation options
Personalising an ash jewellery item makes it even more special and meaningful. Engraving is a popular way to personalise a piece of jewellery, and names, dates of birth and dates of death can be added. This offers an extra layer of remembrance and makes the jewellery unique to the wearer.
Another option is to have a fingerprint of the deceased person incorporated into the piece of jewellery. This adds an extra personal touch and makes the piece of jewellery even more valuable. Precious stones can also be added to further embellish and personalise the piece of jewellery.
Customers also have the option of choosing a unique design that tells their personal story. This customisation ensures that the jewellery perfectly matches their wishes and memories, making it a tangible memory that will last a lifetime.
How do you choose the right piece of ash jewellery?
Choosing the right piece of jewellery made from ashes is a personal and emotional decision. It is important to consider the emotional significance the jewellery has for you and how it can help you in the grieving process. A piece of jewellery made from ashes can be a source of comfort through the symbolic closeness of your loved one.
It is also important to consider the style and design of the jewellery. It should suit your daily life and personal preferences so that you can wear it with pride and comfort. Think about what type of jewellery suits you best, whether it is a necklace, ring, bracelet or charm.
Finally, it is useful to seek advice from experienced staff who can help you make the right choice. They can advise you on the various factors, possibilities and materials, so that you can make an informed decision that suits your wishes and memories.
Care and maintenance of ash jewellery
Taking good care of your ash jewellery is essential to keep it in optimal condition. Store your jewellery in a sealed bag or box to prevent oxidation through contact with air and moisture. This helps to keep the jewellery beautiful for longer and to protect it from wear and tear.
‘When designing a product, it is important to carefully consider every detail.’
It is also advisable not to wear your cremation jewellery when exercising or swimming, as perspiration and chlorine can accelerate oxidation. Clean your jewellery regularly with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish. To prevent discolouration, do not use products containing sulphur.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your jewellery:
- Clean your jewellery regularly with a soft cloth.
- Avoid aggressive chemicals that can damage the finish.
- Do not use products with sulphur-containing substances to prevent discolouration.
Customised cremation ashes jewellery at DiamondsByMe
At DiamondsByMe, we do not have a standard collection of cremation jewellery. Why? Because we believe that jewellery that carries so much meaning should be completely tailored to your wishes. If you would like to have unique jewellery made with ashes, we will gladly work with you to create a design that perfectly matches your memory and style.
In many cases, we can also add an ashes chamber to an existing jewellery collection, provided the design allows for it. It is important that the jewellery has a thicker part where we can realise the chamber – unfortunately, this is not possible with very fine or subtle jewellery.
Once the design is ready, our gold- and silversmiths create a small, secure chamber in which a symbolic amount of ashes are placed. This chamber is then carefully sealed shut, making it completely airtight. The major advantage of this is that no moisture or dirt can penetrate the jewellery – unlike screw or glue solutions, which can leak over time.
This method allows us to create a durable, safe and dignified memorial piece of jewellery that will last a lifetime – and can be cherished for generations to come.
Summary
Cremation jewellery offers a unique and meaningful way to keep the memory of a loved one alive. By exploring the different types, materials and personalisation options, you can choose the perfect piece of jewellery that suits your style and emotions. Don't forget to take good care of your jewellery so that it remains a lasting memory. Let love and memories live on in beautifully designed cremation.
Veelgestelde vragen over assieraden
Most cremation jewellery requires only a small amount of ash, often less than a teaspoon. However, this varies per design and size of the jewellery. Some jewellery contains only a small amount of ash, but it is not about the quantity – it is about the fact that it is there at all.
It’s not recommended to shower or swim while wearing ashes jewellery, even if it has been carefully sealed. Water and chemicals can compromise the integrity of the piece over time. The only exception is when the chamber has been professionally welded shut, providing a permanent seal.
Some cremation jewellery is designed to be self-filled and comes with instructions and a filling set. For others, professional filling is recommended to ensure safety and durability. You do have to ask yourself if you want this, but at DiamondsByMe we usually find it is better if we do it in a professional way.
Many cremation jewellery items can be personalised with engravings such as names, dates or fingerprints. The possibilities depend on the specific design and available space on the jewellery item.
Avoid exposure to water, perfumes and cleaning products. Store the jewellery in a dry place and polish it regularly with a soft cloth to maintain its shine.
Yes, in addition to ash, some pieces of keepsake jewellery can also contain a lock of hair, piece of fabric or other small keepsakes. Ask about the options for the specific piece of jewellery.
Yes, there are various more robust designs available that are specifically geared to the style preferences of men.
Professionally crafted ashes jewellery features a securely sealed compartment—often closed by soldering—to ensure the ashes are safely and permanently protected.
This varies per supplier and design complexity, but on average it takes between 3 and 4 weeks.
Personalised or custom-made cremation jewellery often cannot be returned. This is generally not possible because the ashes are placed specifically for you in a way that makes them almost impossible to remove.
