Let memories sparkle: 6 inspiring memorial jewellery ideas
Are you looking for a creative way to remember a loved one? Explore 6 types of memorial jewellery.
When a loved one dies, there are public and private ways to remember them. Public remembrances can include the funeral service, condolence books, cards, memorial trees and more. In private, one way to remember a loved one is to buy a piece of memorial jewellery.
Jewellery is often used as a way to remember. The classic example is the wedding band. Pretty much any piece of jewellery can be made into a memorial: necklaces, bracelets, charms, cufflinks, dog tags – the list goes on.
There are many ways they can be made into a keepsake, too. A piece of memorial jewellery could contain a tiny compartment holding ashes, hair, soil from the burial site, or even a piece of clothing. Alternatively, those materials could be set into resin.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. One of the great things about memorial jewellery is how easy it is to personalise.
Memorial jewellery comes in different styles, from classic designs to the kinds of jewellery worn by fans of rock and metal music. It can be masculine, feminine or gender-neutral. It can look just like any other piece of jewellery or more obviously resemble a memorial.
Whatever you go for, it can be comforting to know that you're carrying a memorial to your loved one with you in your day-to-day life.
Here, then, are six ideas for inspiring memorial jewellery. We hope it helps you find the right piece for you.
1. Hair memorial jewellery
Memorial jewellery can be made with a lock of your loved one's hair. Some jewellers can set individual strands of hair into a hard-setting resin. This creates a discreet, beautiful and, above all, unique piece of jewellery to remember your loved one by.
Alternatively, you can get a piece of jewellery made with a small compartment to hold the lock of hair. This can be a standalone piece of jewellery like a pendant or a pair of earrings. Alternatively, it can be a separate compartment attached to a bracelet.
2. Memorial ashes jewellery
Like hair memorial jewellery, memorial ashes jewellery can take different forms.
You can get a piece of jewellery that contains or consists of a tiny urn, so you're always carrying around a sample of your loved one's ashes. You can get a piece of resin jewellery that encases the ashes. Or you can get a small box hanging off a separate piece of jewellery.
As with all these options, the piece of jewellery can be in any style. The main thing is to find a piece that reflects your feelings about the person who has died.
3. Fingerprint jewellery
If you have a photo or print of your loved one's fingerprints, you can have them printed onto a piece of jewellery.
This works like any other kind of jewellery printed with a photo. Typically, you choose your piece of jewellery and upload or send the photo to the jeweller. The result is a memorial piece that is truly unique.
4. Initials, names and other text
There are many options available for pieces of jewellery that include text.
You could have a pendant made out of the letters of your loved one's name, initials or years of birth and death. You could have their name or initials engraved onto a signet ring or other piece.
For a more personalised choice, you could have a piece of jewellery printed with a sample of your loved one's handwriting. Like fingerprint jewellery, this means that your memorial jewellery is literally one-of-a-kind.
5. Cremation diamonds
We've said that ashes can be set in resin or kept in a compartment. They can also be forged into diamonds.
This is done with a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) machine. This extraordinary piece of equipment is used to make lab-grown diamonds.
It achieves this in the same way diamonds are naturally formed, exposing carbon (in this case ashes) to extreme heat and pressure.
Once the diamond has been forged from the ashes, it can be cut and polished like any other piece of jewellery.
6. Memorial keychains
Perhaps you want to carry a keepsake with you but don't usually wear jewellery. If this sounds like you, you could consider buying a memorial keychain.
As with the other options, this could contain ashes, hair or other material. It could be engraved with initials or printed with fingerprints. The only limit is your imagination.
How to send materials
If your piece of memorial jewellery involves ashes, hair, soil or other materials, you may be wondering how to send them to the jeweller.
In most cases, the jeweller will send you a sample kit or collection kit. This will include instructions on how to store and send the materials.
It's important to note that this kind of jewellery can take time to produce. If you want it in time for a memorial service or anniversary, make sure to plan ahead.
How to look after memorial jewellery
Memorial jewellery is precious in two ways. It's a financial and emotional investment. For this reason alone, you'll want to take good care of it.
If your jewellery contains ashes, hair or another material, the material will be fully sealed. Even so, it can be sensible to take off a piece of cremation jewellery before it comes into contact with water.
Other than that, you should look after your memorial jewellery just like any other piece. Try to avoid situations where it could be tangled, scratched or otherwise damaged.
Most jewellers will provide you with guidelines on how to look after your purchase. These will depend on the metal or material used. It's important to follow these guidelines to avoid damaging your jewellery.
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