How long does it take to create ashes into jewellery or cufflinks?

In Brief

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.
What Affects Timing

Why handcrafted memorial jewellery takes time

01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

Explore styles: ashes jewellery · See the workshop process: how cremation jewellery is made
Hand-crafted Since 1996

Some keepsakes are worth waiting for

Ashes With Art has been hand-crafting cremation jewellery in our Worthing studio since 1996. Every piece is 100% resin-free, hallmarked, and created using traditional fine jewellery techniques designed to last for generations.

Siobhan Jones

Siobhan Jones

Founder & Creative Director, Ashes With Art

Siobhan Jones established her fused glass studio in 1996 and later founded Ashes With Art as a dedicated memorial jewellery brand. Since 1996, she has combined specialist fused glass expertise with fine jewellery craftsmanship, overseeing the design and making of every memorial piece created across our Worthing and Birmingham studios. Her focus on traditional techniques, in-house production and material integrity ensures each commission is handled with precision, care and respect.