Cremation jewelry, often referred to as memorial jewelry, is a beautiful and personal way to keep the memory of a loved one close. Designed to discreetly hold a small amount of cremated ashes, hair, or other sentimental items, cremation jewelry has gained popularity due to its intimate and lasting tribute. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what cremation jewelry is, the different types available, how it works, who makes it, how ashes are incorporated into it, and the costs associated with this option. If you’re considering cremation jewelry, this article will answer many of the questions you may have.
What Is Cremation Jewelry?
Cremation jewelry is a specialized type of jewelry designed to hold a small portion of a loved one’s cremated ashes or other keepsakes such as hair, dried flowers from a funeral, or even a small piece of clothing. These pieces are crafted to look like ordinary jewelry—rings, necklaces, bracelets, or even earrings—but they hold a hidden compartment or are made with elements like glass or resin that can be infused with ashes.
Cremation jewelry offers a tangible, wearable way to memorialize a loved one, keeping a part of them close to you. This option has become increasingly popular for those seeking a more personal way to carry their loved one’s memory beyond traditional urns.
Types of Cremation Jewelry
- Pendant Necklaces: These are the most common type of cremation jewelry. Pendants often come in various shapes such as hearts, crosses, teardrops, or abstract designs. Some pendants have a small compartment where ashes can be placed, while others mix ashes directly into the material, such as glass or resin.
- Rings: Cremation rings hold a small amount of ash either within a compartment in the band or inside a gemstone-like structure that is custom-made with the ashes. These rings come in a variety of metals, including silver, gold, platinum, and stainless steel.
- Bracelets: Cremation bracelets often feature small, hollow beads or charms where a portion of ashes can be stored. Some styles allow for the ashes to be mixed into the bracelet material itself.
- Earrings: Less common but still an option, cremation earrings can either contain ashes within small hollow areas or feature gemstones made from the ashes.
- Cremation Diamonds: A more luxurious option, cremation diamonds are created by using the carbon in your loved one’s ashes and compressing it under high heat and pressure, resulting in a real diamond. These diamonds can then be set in rings, necklaces, or other jewelry settings.
- Glass Cremation Jewelry: In this type of jewelry, ashes are mixed into molten glass, which is then shaped into beautiful pendants or beads. This process creates one-of-a-kind pieces, as each mix of ashes and glass is unique.
How Does Cremation Jewelry Contain Ashes?
There are two main ways cremation jewelry can hold ashes:
- Hollow Compartment: Many pieces of cremation jewelry are designed with a small hollow compartment that can hold a tiny portion of ashes. These compartments are typically sealed with a screw or a plug to ensure that the ashes remain secure. The compartment is often hidden, so the jewelry appears to be a standard accessory.
- Infused into the Material: In some cases, the ashes are mixed directly into the jewelry’s material. For instance, in glass cremation jewelry, the ashes are combined with the molten glass and shaped into a bead or pendant. In cremation diamonds, the carbon from the ashes is transformed into a diamond, which is then set into the jewelry.
Who Makes Cremation Jewelry?
Cremation jewelry is crafted by specialized jewelers who understand the delicate nature of working with cremated ashes. Many funeral homes and cremation services partner with trusted jewelers or companies that offer cremation jewelry as part of their memorial services. Additionally, numerous independent artisans and larger companies focus on creating custom cremation jewelry.
Some well-known cremation jewelry providers include:
- Eterneva: Specializes in cremation diamonds.
- Foreverence: Offers custom-designed memorial jewelry, including glass pieces.
- Memorials.com: Provides a wide range of cremation jewelry styles, from pendants to rings.
- Cremation Solutions: Specializes in both affordable and high-end cremation jewelry.
Who Puts the Ashes in Cremation Jewelry?
In most cases, the ashes are added to the jewelry either by the jeweler or at a funeral home. Many companies that offer cremation jewelry will send a kit to collect a small portion of ashes (usually around one teaspoon) and include detailed instructions for sending the ashes back. Once the jewelry is completed, the company returns it to the family along with any unused ashes.
Alternatively, some cremation jewelry is designed so that the ashes can be placed in the jewelry by the family. If you choose this option, the jewelry will typically come with a small funnel and instructions on how to fill the compartment and seal it securely.
Cremation Jewelry Options
There are many personalization options available for cremation jewelry, allowing you to create something that truly reflects your loved one’s personality or your relationship with them:
- Engravings: You can have a name, date, or a short message engraved on many pieces of cremation jewelry.
- Birthstones: Some pieces can be customized with the addition of a birthstone or a favorite gemstone.
- Custom Designs: Many jewelers offer fully custom cremation jewelry, where you can choose the style, material, and type of stone or charm to be included.
- Color Options: Glass and resin cremation jewelry often comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose a shade that holds special meaning.
Costs of Cremation Jewelry
The cost of cremation jewelry varies greatly depending on the type of jewelry, the materials used, and the level of customization. Here’s a breakdown of the general price ranges:
- Basic Pendants: Simple cremation pendants or lockets with hollow compartments can range from $50 to $200, depending on the material (stainless steel, silver, or gold).
- Rings and Bracelets: Rings or bracelets with hollow compartments typically start around $100 and can go up to $500 or more for custom designs or precious metals.
- Cremation Diamonds: Cremation diamonds are among the most expensive options, with prices starting around $2,500 and going up to $20,000 or more, depending on the size and color of the diamond.
- Glass or Resin Jewelry: Prices for glass or resin pieces that incorporate ashes generally range from $100 to $500, depending on the complexity of the design and the size of the piece.
- Custom Pieces: Fully custom-designed cremation jewelry can vary significantly in price, ranging from $200 to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used.
Common Questions About Cremation Jewelry
How Much Ash is Needed for Cremation Jewelry?
Typically, only a small amount of ash is needed—usually about a teaspoon. This allows you to divide the ashes between multiple family members or incorporate them into other memorial items.
Is Cremation Jewelry Safe to Wear?
Yes, cremation jewelry is designed to be worn safely. The compartment holding the ashes is securely sealed, and in the case of infused jewelry, the ashes are permanently embedded in the material, ensuring that they won’t be lost or damaged over time.
Can I Travel with Cremation Jewelry?
In most cases, cremation jewelry can be worn while traveling, including on flights. However, it’s a good idea to check with airline regulations beforehand, especially if you’re traveling internationally, to ensure there are no issues.
What Materials Are Used in Cremation Jewelry?
Cremation jewelry can be made from a wide range of materials, including:
- Stainless steel: Durable and affordable.
- Sterling silver: Classic and elegant.
- Gold: Available in yellow, white, and rose gold.
- Platinum: A premium metal option for high-end pieces.
- Glass and resin: Often used for pieces where ashes are mixed into the material.
Can Pets’ Ashes Be Used in Cremation Jewelry?
Yes, many companies that offer cremation jewelry for humans also offer the same service for pets. The process and options are generally the same, allowing pet owners to keep their beloved companion close.
A meaningful way to honor a loved one
Cremation jewelry is a deeply personal and meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one. Whether you choose a simple pendant or a custom diamond, this option allows you to keep a part of your loved one with you always. With a wide variety of designs, materials, and customization options available, cremation jewelry can be tailored to your preferences and budget. Understanding the process, costs, and types of jewelry available can help you make an informed decision as you consider this beautiful memorial option.
