How Memorial Jewellery Is Made – The Complete Guide to How Ashes Jewellery Is Created
Many families who are considering memorial jewellery ask the same questions before ordering:
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How is memorial jewellery made?
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How are ashes put into jewellery?
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Is ashes jewellery safe?
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How much ashes are needed?
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Who actually makes the jewellery?
Understanding the process can make the decision feel much easier, especially when the jewellery contains something as important as cremation ashes.
This guide explains exactly how memorial jewellery is made, step by step, how ashes are safely handled, and what to look for when choosing a jeweller in the UK.
What is memorial jewellery?
Memorial jewellery (also called ashes jewellery or cremation jewellery) is jewellery made using a small amount of cremation ashes, hair, fur, fabric, or other meaningful inclusions.
The ashes are placed inside the jewellery and permanently sealed, creating a piece that allows you to keep someone close in a very personal way.
Common types of memorial jewellery include:
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Rings with ashes set into a stone or resin
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Pendants containing ashes
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Bracelets with ashes settings
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Earrings made with ashes
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Jewellery made with hair or pet fur
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Breastmilk and memory jewellery
Only a very small amount of ashes is needed, and the rest can be kept, scattered, or shared with family.
How memorial jewellery is made – step by step
The exact method depends on the design, but most handmade memorial jewellery follows a careful process to ensure ashes are handled safely and respectfully.
Step 1 – Sending a small amount of ashes
Only a small amount of ashes is required, often less than a teaspoon.
Ashes are usually sent in a secure container or ashes collection kit, and each order is labelled clearly to make sure ashes are never mixed.
Professional memorial jewellery studios always keep ashes separate and identified at every stage.
Step 2 – Preparing the ashes
Cremation ashes are not soft powder when received. They usually contain small bone fragments, so they must be prepared before they can be used in jewellery.
This may include:
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Gently crushing larger fragments
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Selecting fine particles
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Cleaning and drying the ashes
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Preparing them for resin or stone setting
This step helps create a smooth, even finish in the jewellery.
Step 3 – Placing ashes into the jewellery setting
The ashes are then placed into the jewellery using one of several methods.
The most common methods are:
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Resin settings with ashes suspended inside
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Stone-style settings made with ashes and resin
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Channel settings containing ashes
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Glass or enamel settings
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Hidden compartments in metal jewellery
The ashes are positioned carefully so they remain visible but protected.
Step 4 – Sealing the ashes securely
Families often worry:
Can ashes fall out of memorial jewellery?
When made correctly, the ashes are permanently sealed.
The jeweller will:
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Cover the ashes with resin or stone material
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Cure or harden the setting
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Shape and polish the surface
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Check the seal for strength
Once finished, the ashes cannot come out without damaging the jewellery.
This makes memorial jewellery safe for everyday wear.
Step 5 – Hand finishing and polishing
After the ashes setting is complete, the jewellery is finished by hand.
This may include:
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Sanding and shaping
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Polishing to a high shine
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Setting stones
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Final quality checks
Handmade memorial jewellery often takes longer to make, but it allows for much more care and detail.
Step 6 – Returning the finished memorial jewellery
The finished jewellery is carefully packaged and returned to the family.
Many jewellers also return any unused ashes if requested.
For many people, receiving the finished piece is an emotional moment, as it becomes something they can keep close every day.
Is memorial jewellery safe?
Yes, when made by an experienced jeweller, memorial jewellery is very safe.
Ashes are sealed inside the jewellery and cannot fall out during normal wear.
To make sure memorial jewellery lasts, look for:
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Sterling silver or gold
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Strong resin or stone settings
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Handmade rather than mass-produced pieces
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Clear ashes handling procedures
Quality memorial jewellery should last for many years.
Handmade vs factory memorial jewellery
Not all ashes jewellery is made the same way.
Some companies send orders overseas to be made in batches, while others create each piece individually in a studio.
Handmade memorial jewellery usually means:
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One order at a time
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Clearly labelled ashes
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Better quality materials
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More careful workmanship
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More personal service
For many families, this makes the experience feel more reassuring.
Memorial jewellery made in the UK
Many people prefer to choose memorial jewellery made in the UK, where they can speak directly to the jeweller and understand exactly how the ashes are handled.
A professional UK memorial jewellery studio should:
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Explain the process clearly
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Use secure identification procedures
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Use high-quality metals
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Handle ashes respectfully
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Create each piece individually
This helps families feel confident that their loved one’s ashes are treated with care.
FAQs about how memorial jewellery is made
How much ashes are needed for memorial jewellery?
Only a very small amount is needed, usually less than a teaspoon.
The rest of the ashes can be kept, buried, scattered, or shared with family.
How are ashes put into jewellery?
Ashes are placed into resin, stone, or metal settings and then sealed permanently inside the jewellery so they cannot fall out.
Can ashes fall out of memorial jewellery?
No, not when made properly.
The ashes are sealed inside the setting and protected by resin, stone, or metal.
How long does memorial jewellery last?
High-quality memorial jewellery made from silver or gold can last for many years if cared for properly.
Can jewellery be made with pet ashes?
Yes. Memorial jewellery can be made using dog ashes, cat ashes, horse ashes, or any pet cremation ashes.
Can ashes be shared between family members?
Yes. Only a small amount of ashes is needed, so jewellery can be made for several family members.
Is memorial jewellery made by hand?
Some is, some is factory-made.
Handmade memorial jewellery is usually made one piece at a time, with more care taken during the process.
A careful, handmade approach
At Memory Within Memorial Jewellery, every piece is handcrafted individually in our Scottish studio using a small, clearly identified amount of ashes.
Orders are made one at a time, with careful studio procedures to ensure ashes are handled respectfully and securely throughout the process.
For many families, memorial jewellery becomes something they wear every day — a quiet way to keep someone close.
Final thoughts
Understanding how memorial jewellery is made can help you feel more confident when choosing a piece.
The most important things to look for are care, quality, and trust.
Memorial jewellery is not just jewellery.
It is something made to hold memory, and it should always be created with the respect that deserves.