The Long-Term Pros & Cons of Resin Memorial Jewellery
The search for the ideal memorial jewellery piece can be very confusing. With so many options available, mourners are often left to make difficult decisions during their time of grief.
Plastic resin is a common material for creating memorial keepsake pieces. It is popular for both jewellery designs and small ornaments, like paper weights and memorial pebbles. The appeal of resin is that it is transparent and can be created in bright colours, with glitter and other items suspended within the piece.
It’s a popular choice for memorials as it can house cremation ashes, hair or fur. The fragments or strands will be visible within the item, allowing the person to feel closer to their loved one.
While resin might be common, it isn’t necessarily the ideal choice for memorial jewellery. There are some limitations to this material that need to be considered before committing to this choice. It could impact the longevity of your memorial item, so it’s essential to have all of the facts before committing your loved one’s ashes into resin.
Pros of resin memorial jewellery
Resin jewellery is popular for a couple of reasons. First, it’s one of the cheapest options available, which makes it a great choice for anyone on a budget. It’s also incredibly quick to make, so there’s much less of a waiting list to receive this type of jewellery. And finally, it’s also very accessible. Anyone can get started creating resin memorial jewellery with very little experience, so you could even create simple pendants yourself.
Clear resin is also great for displaying ashes or hair, as the transparent design will keep them suspended and visible. For larger pieces, you could add additional keepsakes, or include glitter or pearlescent particles to create a unique finish.
Cons of resin memorial jewellery
While there are certainly perks of this jewellery type, one thing that you need to be aware of is the lifespan of the material. As a plastic product, it will degrade over time. This could result in the plastic breaking apart and becoming very brittle. It can also crack, or the surface can become scratched so much that it takes on a clouded appearance.
Resin is also known to shrink over the years, which could cause the charm part to come loose from its setting, resulting in the loss of your memorial ashes. The material can also take on a slightly yellow hue, which can make it appear aged and unsightly.
In short, resin isn’t a great choice if you want your memorial jewellery to last for a long time. It will also wear down more quickly the more you wear it, so it might not be best suited to everyday wear.
Who Resin Is Right For?
While resin has its limitations, there are instances where it could be the right choice for your needs. A great example of this would be for pet memorial jewellery for a child. They are less likely to wear jewellery every day, but they might still enjoy a symbolic keepsake. The jewellery can be kept safe and stored rather than risking it getting damaged.
If you’re on a budget but would like to commemorate your loved one, then this can also be an excellent option. Just be aware that it is unlikely to be something that you can pass down to the next generation. It might even be something that is retired to your jewellery box after a few years.
Alternatives for Longevity
If you’re looking for something that will outlast resin, then fine jewellery is an excellent option. This uses premium quality materials such as precious metals and lab grown gemstones to create something that can be passed on to the next generation.
The ashes are also stored securely within a hollow at the centre of the piece. The hidden chamber is welded closed, so there are no hinged doors to worry about. There is little to no risk of the ashes coming loose. This type of jewellery is also much more discreet, so only the wearer will be aware of the emotional significance of the piece.
Choosing jewellery grade memorial keepsakes will ensure that your item looks just as good the day you purchase it as it does decades down the line. Repairs will also be much simpler, as any jeweller will be able to address issues like broken links, scratches or loose fittings.
How to Care for Resin Safely
If you do choose a resin keepsake, there are a few care tips that will help to keep your jewellery looking great for longer. The first thing will be to accept that everyday wear is likely out of the question. It’s better to keep your resin jewellery for special occasions so that you limit exposure to UV light and water, both of which will cause the plastic to break down.
You can also keep it stored safely in a soft pouch, as this will prevent it from knocking against other jewellery pieces and getting scratched. You should also avoid allowing the piece to come into contact with any harsh chemicals or wet environments like pools or the ocean.
Check the fittings frequently and look out for signs that your resin jewellery is shrinking, as this could cause it to come loose in its fitting. Repairing resin jewellery is more complex, and you might need to consider re-setting the piece in another layer of resin, which could impact the appearance.
