How long does it take to create ashes into jewellery or cufflinks?
How long does handcrafted memorial jewellery usually take to create?
Handcrafted ashes jewellery and memorial cufflinks often take several weeks to complete because every stage is carried out individually by skilled jewellers and glass artists. Design preparation, kiln-firing, stone setting, hallmarking, polishing, and final quality checks all contribute to the overall timeline.
- →Bespoke pieces usually take longer custom sizing, engravings, special gemstones, and one-off commissions all add additional crafting time.
- →Hand-crafted production cannot be rushed kiln-fired memorial glass, hallmarked metals, and fine jewellery finishing all require careful timing and specialist handling.
- →Quality checks are part of the timeline polishing, setting, inspection, and secure handling procedures help ensure the finished memorial is suitable for long-term wear.
If you’re thinking about creating a special piece of memorial jewellery for a specific occasion, you might be wondering how long the process takes. If you have a deadline to turn your ashes into jewellery, cufflinks or another memorial keepsake, you want to be sure that the piece will be ready on time so you won’t be disappointed.
While the actual process of placing the ashes into the jewellery is remarkably fast, the process of creating a piece of jewellery from start to finish will take a little bit longer. Here’s what you can expect from the jewellery design process.
How long does it take to create ashes jewellery?
The process typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on how busy the studio is, and the choice of jewellery. More intricate pieces and extra customisations will require more time.
Other factors that can influence the time taken to order include:
- If you need a ring sizer. If you are purchasing a ring, we will send you a ring sizer in the post so you can choose the right size. This will take a little longer, as you’ll need to wait for the ring sizer to arrive before making your selection.
- Delivering the ashes. You can either send your ashes to us by courier, or you can bring them in person. This is a great chance to look around the studio where your jewellery will be made.
- Engraving options. If you choose to have your jewellery engraved, this can extend the time it takes to return your jewellery to you. We take the time to ensure that your engraved jewellery is exactly what you were expecting to receive.
Why handcrafted memorial jewellery takes time
Individual hand-crafting
Each memorial cufflink, ring, pendant, or bracelet is created individually rather than mass produced. Precious metal work, kiln-fired glass, engraving, and finishing are completed by hand.
Specialist memorial processes
Ashes preparation, kiln firing, gemstone setting, hallmarking, and polishing all require dedicated production stages. Bespoke commissions may also involve consultations or prototype approvals.
Final inspection and presentation
Before delivery, every piece undergoes detailed quality checks, cleaning, finishing, and secure packaging to ensure the memorial arrives ready to wear and treasure long term.
How long should you allow for delivery?
To be safe, we recommend ordering your jewellery at least four weeks before you need it. So, if you’re getting married or planning to wear your jewellery for your graduation, make sure you plan the process well in advance.
Visiting the studio can help to speed up the ordering process as you’ll be able to choose your jewellery and drop off the ashes at the same time.
Ordering online? Most online orders are ready in around 2 weeks from receipt of ashes. For piece-by-piece steps, see how cremation jewellery is made, or browse ashes jewellery.