Laura has been making memorial keepsakes for over eight years from Wallsend, setting ashes in resin within precious metal settings. The range is rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, charms and gifts. As well as ashes she works with hair, clothing fibres and breast milk, so she covers memorial pieces and new baby keepsakes alike. Every order comes with a certificate of Read more…
Jewellery Made with Ashes in Wallsend
Memorial jewellery lets you keep a small part of someone close every day. Ashes, hair, pet fur or even breastmilk can be set into rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings and charms, or engraved with a fingerprint or handwriting. Most pieces use only a pinch of ashes, so the rest can be kept, scattered or shared among family. Many memorial jewellers are small, independent makers who started after losing someone themselves, and nearly all of them work by post, so you can choose a maker anywhere in the UK. Alongside jewellery, you’ll find keepsakes such as memory bears made from clothing, resin ornaments and preserved funeral flowers. Below you’ll find UK memorial jewellers and keepsake makers, from local studios you can visit to specialists who post nationwide.
How memorial jewellery is made
There are a few main ways ashes are used. The most common is setting a small amount of ashes in resin, which allows lots of colours and designs. Some makers fuse ashes into glass instead, which stays clear over time. Others seal ashes inside the piece so it looks like ordinary jewellery, or offer urn pendants with a small chamber you fill yourself. Fingerprint and handwriting jewellery is engraved, so it doesn’t need ashes at all.
How it works by post
Most makers send you a kit with a small container for ashes or hair and a prepaid envelope. You return a small amount, the maker creates the piece, and any unused ashes are usually sent back with it. Turnaround is typically a few weeks, longer for bespoke gold work.
What to ask a jeweller
It’s worth asking how much ashes they need, whether unused ashes are returned, what the piece is made from (sterling silver, gold, stainless steel), whether it’s hallmarked, how long it takes, and what warranty is offered. For other ways to use ashes, see our memorial ideas for ashes.
Where to find providers
The areas with the most choice at the moment are Hampshire, Wiltshire, Kent, Greater Manchester and Essex. Choose a county from the list above to see providers near you.
How much ashes do you need for memorial jewellery?
Very little, usually a pinch to a teaspoon. The rest can be kept, scattered or shared.
Is resin or glass better for ashes jewellery?
Both work well. Resin allows more colours and designs, while glass keeps its clarity over time and won’t yellow. Ask the maker which suits the piece you want.
Can memorial jewellery be made with hair or pet fur?
Yes. Most makers work with hair and fur as well as ashes, and many also use breastmilk, fabric or dried flowers.
How much does memorial jewellery cost?
Prices range from under fifty pounds for a simple resin charm to several hundred or more for solid gold or bespoke pieces. Contact makers directly for current prices.
Is it safe to post ashes to a jeweller?
Yes, when you use the maker’s kit and a tracked service. Most makers only need a very small amount and return anything unused.