For many, a meaningful way to keep their loved one close is through the creation of memorial jewellery. Memorial jewellery serves as a lasting tribute to someone who has passed, offering a tangible and beautiful way to honour their memory.
As a funeral directors, we understand how important it is to offer meaningful and personalised options during this difficult time. Memorial jewellery can be crafted using various materials, including cremated remains, fingerprints, or locks of hair, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects the essence of your loved one.
In this article, we will explore the different types of memorial jewellery available, including the designs, materials, and colours that can be used. If you’re looking for something truly unique, we are here to work with you to create a special piece that captures the memory of your loved one in a way that brings comfort.
What is Memorial Jewellery?
Memorial jewellery is a type of jewellery that incorporates a personal element of a deceased loved one, such as cremated ashes, fingerprints, or a lock of hair. These pieces allow you to carry a small but meaningful token of your loved one wherever you go, keeping them close to your heart in a tangible and lasting way.
The use of memorial jewellery has been a tradition for centuries, with early forms often including keepsake lockets or rings containing a loved one’s hair or a portrait. Today, memorial jewellery has evolved, offering a wide range of designs and options that can be customised to suit individual preferences and needs.
Types of Memorial Jewellery
There are many types of memorial jewellery that can be personalised to create a meaningful keepsake. The following are some popular options that we offer:
Cremated Remains Jewellery
Cremated Remains jewellery is one of the most popular forms of memorial jewellery. It allows you to incorporate a small amount of cremated remains into the design of a piece. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the type of jewellery you wish to create.
- Lockets: A locket is a timeless piece that can hold a small amount of cremated remains inside, hidden from view but close to the wearer’s heart. Many people also choose to place a photograph of their loved one inside the locket along with the ashes.
- Rings: Cremation rings can be crafted in various styles, from classic to contemporary. The cremated remains can be mixed with the metal or encapsulated in a resin to create a striking, personalised design.
- Bracelets and Necklaces: Cremated remains can be set into pendants, beads, or charms for necklaces and bracelets. The ashes may be set within a glass or resin cabochon, creating a piece that reflects the colour and texture of your loved one’s memory.
Fingerprint Jewellery
Fingerprint jewellery captures the unique, personal mark of your loved one. This can be done with a mould of the fingerprint or by using a fingerprint engraving technique to create a precise and highly personalised piece.
- Pendants: Many people choose to have their loved one’s fingerprint engraved on a pendant. These can be round, heart-shaped, or custom-designed to suit personal preferences. Fingerprint jewellery can be further personalised by engraving the name or a meaningful date on the back.
- Rings: Fingerprint rings are a subtle way to carry your loved one’s fingerprint with you. The fingerprint can be engraved on the surface of the band or placed on a charm that dangles from a ring.
- Cufflinks: Fingerprint cufflinks are a popular choice for those wanting to keep their loved one’s mark close, especially for family members or friends of the deceased.
Hair Jewellery
Locks of hair have long been used as sentimental keepsakes, and hair jewellery remains a deeply personal way to preserve the memory of a loved one.
- Necklaces and Bracelets: A lock of hair can be encased within a pendant, often combined with a charm or gemstone for added beauty. The hair is usually treated to preserve its form before being sealed in resin or glass.
- Rings: Hair can be incorporated into the design of rings by placing it in a small compartment within the ring or weaving it into a small braided design.
While it is not as commonly used today as it once was, hair jewellery offers a deeply intimate connection to a loved one, symbolising their presence in a subtle yet meaningful way.
Gemstone and Glass Jewellery
Another popular option is to combine cremated remains or hair with glass or gemstones. The cremated remains or hair are often encased within colourful, iridescent glass beads or crystals, creating a vibrant and visually striking piece. These pieces are often made by skilled artisans who work with glassblowing or resin techniques to create beautiful, durable pieces that preserve a piece of your loved one’s memory.
- Glass Pendants: The cremated remains or hair are combined with glass to create a custom-made pendant. The design can be as simple or as ornate as desired, and different colours or patterns can be added to reflect your loved one’s personality.
- Gemstone Jewellery: Some people choose to have their loved one’s cremated remains embedded in a gemstone, such as a sapphire or diamond. This process involves compressing the remains into the gemstone’s structure, creating a dazzling tribute that will last for generations.
Materials, Metals, and Design Options
The materials used in memorial jewellery can vary, depending on the look and feel you want for the piece. Some of the most popular options include:
- Gold: Gold remains a timeless and classic choice for memorial jewellery. Whether you choose yellow, white, or rose gold, it can create a warm and elegant look.
- Silver: Silver is a more affordable but still beautiful choice for memorial jewellery. It has a bright, reflective quality and can be combined with various stones or engravings.
- Platinum: Platinum is a durable and high-end option, often chosen for its strength and premium feel.
- Stainless Steel: For a modern and minimalist look, stainless steel is a great choice. It is strong, long-lasting, and has a contemporary aesthetic.
Additionally, memorial jewellery can be made in a variety of designs, from simple and understated pieces to more intricate, elaborate designs. You can opt for classic shapes such as hearts, circles, or ovals, or customise the design to reflect your loved one’s individuality, such as adding birthstones, engravings, or meaningful symbols.
How We Can Help You Create a Meaningful Tribute
At G.Seller, we understand that the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal experience, and we are here to help you find a meaningful way to remember them. If you are interested in memorial jewellery, we will work closely with you to create a piece that truly reflects your loved one’s spirit. Whether you are seeking a piece that incorporates cremated remains, a lock of hair, or a fingerprint, we offer a range of options and can assist you in choosing the right design, material, and style.
We offer a personalised service, ensuring that your memorial jewellery is crafted with care and attention to detail. If you have a particular idea or vision in mind, we can help bring that vision to life, designing a unique piece that will serve as a lasting tribute to your loved one.
Memorial jewellery offers a special way to keep the memory of your loved one close, with a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you choose cremation ash jewellery, fingerprint designs, or hair keepsakes, the piece you create will serve as a beautiful reminder of the person you’ve lost. At our funeral home, we are committed to helping you create a meaningful and personalised tribute. If you’re unsure of what you’re looking for or need guidance in designing a piece, come and speak to us—we will work with you to craft something truly special.