The Ultimate Guide to Ashes Jewellery: A Meaningful Way to Remember Loved Ones

Ashes jewellery, also known as cremation jewellery or memorial jewellery, offers a deeply personal way to keep the memory of a loved one close. Whether you've lost a family member, a beloved pet, or a close friend, ashes into jewellery can serve as a lasting tribute. This guide covers everything you need to know — from history and types to materials, costs, and how to choose the perfect piece.

1. What Is Ashes Jewellery?

Ashes jewellery is designed to hold a small portion of cremated remains (ashes), a lock of hair, or other sentimental elements, such as dried flowers or fur. These pieces are made into necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and even keychains.

1.1 A Brief History

Ashes or memorial jewellery isn’t a modern invention. It dates back to the Victorian era, where people wore “mourning jewellery” often containing a lock of hair or bone fragments to honour the deceased. These tokens were worn as reminders of love and loss.

1.2 Why It Matters Today

Today, ashes jewellery is more refined and discreet. It offers a tangible way to process grief and celebrate a loved one’s life. Whether you choose a classic urn necklace or a gemstone made from ashes, the intent remains the same: remembrance, love, and connection.

2. Types of Ashes Jewellery

There are several popular forms of ashes jewellery to consider. Each offers a unique style and meaning.

2.1 Urn Jewellery

Urn jewellery includes pendants, lockets, rings, and bracelets with a small inner compartment designed to hold a tiny amount of ashes. The compartment is usually sealed with a screw and can be permanently sealed with epoxy or glue.

Materials Used:

• 925 Sterling Silver
• Stainless Steel
• 9ct and 18ct Gold
• Rose Gold

Benefits:

• Private and discreet
• Can be self-filled or filled by a funeral director
• Looks like everyday jewellery

Cost Range:

• Stainless Steel: £25 – £60
• Sterling Silver: £80 – £150
• Solid Gold: £450 – £950+

2.2 Ashes into Glass Jewellery

This involves fusing a small amount of ashes into molten glass, which is then shaped and polished to form pendants, rings, and earrings. The ashes are typically visible in the glass, adding to the piece’s uniqueness.

Pros:

• Artistic and visually beautiful
• Available in many colours
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Ashes are visible, which may not appeal to everyone
• Higher cost due to craftsmanship

Cost Range: £300 – £1,000+

2.3 Cremation Diamond Jewellery

This involves extracting carbon from ashes or hair and transforming it into a lab-grown diamond using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) technology. This process can take 6–8 months.

Benefits:

• An authentic diamond created from your loved one
• Bespoke and heirloom-worthy

Considerations:

• Must ensure lab transparency and authenticity
• Requires larger amount of ashes (200–500g)

Cost: £2,000 – £15,000 depending on size and quality

2.4 Resin Ashes Jewellery

Resin jewellery combines ashes with clear or coloured resin to create unique, artistic designs. It’s ideal for rings, pendants, and charms.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Visually striking

Cons:

• Less durable than glass or metal
• Ashes are exposed in the design

Cost Range: £50 – £200

3. How to Choose the Right Ashes Jewellery

Choosing the right piece depends on your budget, personal taste, and how you wish to remember your loved one.

Key Considerations:

• Discreet or Visible: Do you want a private keepsake or a conversation piece?
• Material: Sterling silver is classic; gold adds luxury; stainless steel is durable and affordable.
• Functionality: Do you want to wear it daily or keep it in a memory box?
• Symbolism: Many choose heart, cross, or paw-shaped designs to represent love, faith, or pets.
• Personalisation: Consider engraving names, dates, or even fingerprints.

4. Common Questions

Can I fill the jewellery myself? Yes. Most companies provide a funnel and instructions. If you’re uncomfortable, a funeral director can help.

Is it safe to wear ashes jewellery daily? Yes. Just ensure it’s sealed properly. Avoid swimming or exposing it to harsh chemicals.

What else can be placed inside? In addition to ashes, you can add hair, dried flowers, a small message, or soil from a special location.

5. Final Thoughts

Ashes jewellery offers more than just a piece of jewellery — it offers a connection, a legacy, and a source of comfort. Whether you want something subtle like a sterling silver pendant or a striking diamond, there's an option to suit every memory and budget.

Grief is deeply personal, but remembering those we've lost through something meaningful helps keep their spirit alive. With ashes into jewellery, your loved one stays close, always.