Memorial Jewellery: What You Need to Know Before Ordering

Jennie Townsend
Feb 28
4 min read

Updated: Mar 1

Choosing memorial jewellery is never a casual decision.

Whether you are remembering a family member, honouring a beloved pet, or preserving a deeply personal inclusion, this is about love and trust. Before ordering memorial jewellery in the UK, it’s completely natural to have questions.

How does the process work? Is it safe to send ashes? How much is needed? How long will it take?

This guide gently walks you through everything you need to know before placing your order, so you can move forward feeling confident and reassured.

Understanding What Memorial Jewellery Is

Memorial jewellery (sometimes called ashes jewellery, keepsake jewellery or remembrance jewellery) is handcrafted using a small amount of:

Cremation ashes
Hair, fur or wool
Breastmilk
Fabric, petals and other sentimental inclusions

These inclusions are carefully preserved within rings, pendants, bracelets, lockets, earrings, or non jewellery keepsakes to create a deeply personal tribute.

Each piece is unique, just like the life it honours.

Know How Much Ashes or 'Inclusion' Is Needed

Inclusion is a way of describing the thing we are adding to the resin - hair, ashes, breastmilk, etc.

One of the biggest concerns customers have is:

“What if I don’t have much?”

The good news is that only a very small amount is required — typically around a teaspoon or less of ashes and as little as a few strands, or a pinch of hair. You may only send up to 50g of cremation ashes in the post by Royal Mail - this is around a tablespoon, therefore a reputable memorial artist will request around a teaspoon to be on the safe side! Your memorial jeweller should provide you with clear guidance and ensure that any unused ashes or inclusions are safely returned to you.

You should never feel pressured to send more than necessary.

Make Sure the Process Is Secure and Respectful

Before ordering memorial jewellery in the UK, check that the business offers:

A secure collection kit
Clear written instructions
Tracked and insured return shipping
Confirmation when inclusions are received
Safe return of unused ashes

Transparency is incredibly important in this industry. You deserve to feel completely supported at every step.

Choose the Right Style for You

There is no “right” piece of jewellery, only what feels right to you.

Here are some gentle considerations:

Memorial Rings

Symbolising eternity and lasting connection, rings are perfect for everyday wear.

Ashes Necklaces & Lockets

Worn close to the heart, these offer comfort throughout the day.

Bracelets & Charms

Subtle and elegant, ideal if you prefer something understated.

Pet Memorial Jewellery

Designed specifically for honouring dogs, cats, horses, and beloved companions.

Take your time browsing. Often, one design will simply feel like “the one.”

Consider Metal Choices Carefully

Different metals offer different durability and longevity.

Solid gold – long-lasting and resistant to wear
Sterling silver – classic and elegant
Gold plated – more affordable, but plating may wear over time

If you are choosing gold plated jewellery, it’s important to understand that the outer layer can naturally fade with regular wear. This is not a fault — it’s simply the nature of plated pieces.

Choosing the right metal ensures your keepsake lasts beautifully.

Understand Timelines

Memorial jewellery is handcrafted, and that takes time.

Most bespoke ashes jewellery takes several weeks to complete. This allows for careful setting, curing, polishing, and finishing.

Gold pieces in particular have longer lead times as they are custom made.

If you need a piece for a specific date, always check turnaround times before ordering and please do message me to discuss the piece you would like.

Rushing something so meaningful is rarely ideal but I will always do my best to work with your request.

Ask Questions — You Should Feel Comfortable

This is perhaps the most important point.

You should feel:

Listened to
Reassured
Supported
Never rushed

If you feel unsure about anything; the process, the design, the inclusion, please reach out and ask. A compassionate memorial jewellery maker will always respond with care and understanding.

Remember: There Is No Timeline for Grief

Some people order memorial jewellery weeks after loss. Others wait months or even years.

There is no right time.

When you feel ready ~ that is the right time.

A Gentle Final Thought

Memorial jewellery is not simply about preserving ashes.

It is about preserving connection.

It becomes something you wear through milestones, anniversaries, quiet mornings, and ordinary days. Over time, it often shifts from symbolising loss to symbolising love.

If you are considering memorial jewellery, take your time, ask questions, and choose a piece that truly speaks to you. If you have an idea but can't see your perfect piece, reach out by message and we can discuss custom made pieces.