What should I consider when buying a gold necklace for ashes?

• ✓ Pick a timeless style and a chain that’s sturdy for daily wear.
• ✓ For discreet security, choose hidden-compartment ashes jewellery; for visible colour, consider memorial glass.
• ✓ Match the wearer’s preferred metal colour if buying as a gift; check durability for everyday vs occasional wear.

Choosing the right jewellery to hold a loved one’s ashes will never be an easy decision. It’s a hugely emotional journey and one that can form an important part of the grieving process.

Many people choose to save a small portion of the ashes for a piece of jewellery and then scatter the remaining ashes. This allows you to say goodbye in a symbolic way, while holding on to the essence of the person’s memory.

The ashes housed in the piece of jewellery are significant, as they will be the last remaining connection to your loved one’s physical being. For this reason, it’s essential to take your time choosing the right piece of jewellery so the item will last a lifetime. Here are some key factors to consider before choosing your gold memorial jewellery.

Timeless or trending?

Are you choosing a piece of timeless jewellery, or are you at risk of selecting something that is currently trending? Timeless pieces are often preferred as this will stand the test of time and you won’t find yourself feeling self conscious that your jewellery looks outdated.

Memorial jewellery should also stand out as something unique, and you don’t want it to look like any other piece in your collection. Choosing a timeless style will help to ensure you feel happy wearing this piece for as long as it brings you comfort.

Buying for someone else?

If you’re buying jewellery for someone else, you need to be confident they actually wear gold jewellery, as some people have pretty rigid views about which metal colours suit them best. Lots of women and girls will take a stance on whether they want to wear gold or silver, and they won’t mix their metals.

Before purchasing gold jewellery for someone else, make sure you have checked out the rest of their jewellery collection. This will help to avoid giving them something they don’t feel confident wearing.

Be aware of the limitations

Gold is very beautiful, but it can also be delicate. It’s more prone to scratches and can wear down over time. Bear this in mind when choosing very delicate pieces. Thin and delicate chains could be prone to breaking, which would be very distressing if your memorial jewellery were to then go missing.

If you’re planning to wear this every day, choose something that is durable and check the piece daily for signs of wear and tear. Memorial jewellery is designed to keep the ashes safely contained within a hidden compartment, so you shouldn’t need to worry about your ashes coming loose.

Pair gold jewellery with glass gemstones

If you don’t like the idea of hidden compartment jewellery, you could also hold your loved one’s ashes within a glass gemstone. You’ll be able to see the flecks of the ashes suspended in the slightly opaque glass, which can bring comfort and reassurance.

Glass gemstones are also a brighter and more engaging choice that will allow you to express your personality – or pay tribute to your loved one’s personality. You could choose a glass gemstone in their favourite colour, or your own favourite colour.

Everyday or occasional wear?

Another thing to consider when choosing gold memorial jewellery is the type of piece you are looking for. Will you wear this jewellery every day, or will it only be coming out for special occasions? This will not only influence the style, but also the type of jewellery.

For example, for everyday wear you might choose a simple pendant necklace or a signet ring. While those looking for something a little more dazzling for a special occasion might choose a statement bangle, a brooch or cufflinks.

If you’re struggling to make a choice, you could choose a simple piece you can wear everyday, and then a statement piece that you bring out for big events. This will give you the flexibility of knowing that you can always reach for the perfect piece of jewellery.

Tactile jewellery brings a sense of calm

One of the benefits of memorial jewellery is the opportunity to reach for something grounding when you are having a moment of crisis. The jewellery should therefore be something tactile that you can discreetly reach for when you are feeling sad or overwhelmed.

For those shopping for gold memorial jewellery that would bring comfort in times of need, consider items like pendant necklaces and rings, as these will give you something to reach for when you need to feel the support of your loved one.

Final thoughts of memorial gold jewellery

Gold is an elegant and refined choice for memorial jewellery, offering a safe final resting place for your loved one’s ashes. With so many options available, it can be an overwhelming choice, but by taking your time to really think about what you want, you can find the perfect memorial piece of jewellery to support you through the grieving process.

Prefer a discreet look or visible colour? Discreet pieces use a sealed chamber inside the pendant (ashes jewellery), while visible flecks come from memorial glass.

Gold ashes necklace: factors to weigh up

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