Many people have heard of memorial jewellery but perhaps aren’t sure what it actually is. Does it contain actual cremation ashes? How do they infuse the jewellery with them? How long does it take?
Typically, the process is that you send the cremation ashes to the company in question, such as Ashes with Art. They will then make beautiful jewellery pieces containing the ashes you sent them. The ashes are stored inside a compartment in the gemstones, which is then laser welded closed, securing them in place.
Can family members each have memorial jewellery?
When a family member passes away, there is often concern about how to handle the ashes in a way that keeps everyone happy. This shouldn’t be a concern when it comes to memorial jewellery.
The physical volume of ashes needed to create memorial jewellery is relatively small, around a teaspoon per piece. Most cremation ashes for an adult will be around 3 – 3.5 litres in volume, so there should be more than enough for even the largest families to have their own memorial jewellery made. There should even be enough for the rest of the ashes to be scattered or for a tree-planting ceremony if some family members want to do that as well.
What types of memorial jewellery are available?
There are many different kinds of memorial jewellery available, and the sheer variety means there will be something to suit nearly anyone in the family. Some people will prefer a ring, whereas others will want to have a necklace or bracelet made. All of these options and more are available, and it is even possible to have memorial cufflinks made.
There are many different gemstones available, and jewellery can be made in silver, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum. Customers can also choose between 9ct and 18ct gold for their bespoke piece of memorial jewellery.
There are over 150 different permutations of jewellery, gemstones and types of precious metal, so there is sure to be something that will feel right for all of the different family members with their different tastes and preferences.
How long does it take to receive memorial jewellery?
When placing an order, the company will get in touch with you to arrange for you to send them the ashes. Once they have confirmed successful receipt of them, it will take their expert craftspeople anywhere between ten and twenty working days to complete and return your memorial jewellery to you.
This timescale is because all of the jewellery is made by hand, using traditional methods, and this can take a little more time than just using machines. The finished products are well worth the slight wait, though, and the customer service is second to none, with phone calls at every major milestone in the process.
Are there options apart from jewellery for memorialising a loved one?
Several other options are available for memorialising a loved one, including some truly wonderful glass art ideas.
Stunning Seascape
You can choose to have a beautiful glass art seascape installation piece made, which is infused with the ashes of your loved one. These are a beautiful addition to any home, and each seascape is unique and handmade for the individual customer.
Brilliant Butterflies
In addition to the stunning seascape, there is also the chance to have a single glass butterfly made for each family member, with the wings infused with the cremation ashes. These butterflies come in a wide range of colours, and each has its own presentation box. This is an excellent way of giving something beautiful to each member of the family so that they can treasure their memories every time they look at their butterfly.
Each butterfly can also be individually wall-mounted and comes with a set of instructions and a small wall bracket to enable this. It is also possible to opt for an entire flutter of butterflies to create a butterfly wall in memory of the departed.
Comfort Pebbles
This is a lovely idea that will see the ashes infused in smooth glass pebbles that are tactile and feel good in the hand. An engraving can be made, and the text can then be filled with silver or gold leaf to add a stylish and classy touch.
The comfort pebbles are designed to be touched and handled and are meant to bring comfort to the customer at times when they need to feel close to their dearly departed. This is an excellent alternative to an ashes paperweight and should get a lot more handling and use due to its smooth and pleasant surface.
