How Are Ashes Placed in Memorial Jewellery?
How Ashes Are Incorporated into Memorial Jewellery
There is no single way ashes are placed into memorial jewellery. The method used depends on how the jewellery is designed and how the ashes are intended to be held within the piece.
Some jewellery is created with a hidden internal chamber, where the ashes are placed inside the metal and permanently sealed. In other designs, the ashes may be fused into glass, mixed into resin, or placed within a small compartment that can be opened.
Each method offers a different level of permanence, durability and visibility, which is why it is important to understand how the ashes are incorporated before choosing a piece.
Different Ways Ashes Are Placed in Memorial Jewellery
The way ashes are incorporated into memorial jewellery depends on how the piece is made. Some methods permanently enclose the ashes within the jewellery, while others make them visible or allow them to be added later.
The most common methods include:
Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery
In sealed chamber memorial jewellery, a small amount of ashes is carefully placed into a hidden compartment within the metal itself. The chamber is then permanently sealed, protecting the ashes inside the jewellery.
This method keeps the ashes discreet, secure and fully enclosed, while also allowing the finished design to include diamonds or other gemstones.
Learn more about sealed chamber memorial jewellery
Glass Memorial Jewellery
In glass memorial jewellery, ashes are fused into molten glass to form part of the finished stone. This creates a visible memorial element within the jewellery and allows the ashes to remain part of the design itself.
Resin Memorial Jewellery
In resin memorial jewellery, ashes are mixed into resin before the resin is set into the piece. This allows the ashes to be visible within the design, although the long-term durability depends on the materials and construction used.
Self-Fill Memorial Jewellery
In self-fill memorial jewellery, the ashes are placed into a small compartment by the wearer rather than being incorporated during the making process. These pieces can usually be opened, which means they are not permanently sealed in the same way as professionally made designs.
Which Method Is Most Secure?
The level of security and permanence in memorial jewellery depends on how the ashes are incorporated into the piece. Some methods permanently enclose the ashes within the jewellery, while others leave them visible or accessible.
Sealed chamber memorial jewellery is considered one of the most secure options, as the ashes are placed inside the metal and permanently sealed. This means the ashes cannot be accessed or lost once the piece is complete.
In glass memorial jewellery, the ashes are fused within the glass itself, making them secure and protected as part of the finished stone. In contrast, resin and self-fill jewellery may offer less permanence, depending on how the piece is made and whether the compartment can be opened.
Understanding these differences can help you choose a type of memorial jewellery that offers the right balance of visibility, durability and long-term security.
How the Process Works
While the exact process can vary depending on the method used, most memorial jewellery follows a similar set of steps to carefully and respectfully incorporate the ashes into the piece.
-
A small amount of ashes is prepared
Only a very small quantity of ashes is required. This is carefully handled to ensure it is suitable for the chosen method. -
The ashes are placed into the jewellery
Depending on the design, the ashes may be placed into a hidden chamber, fused into glass, mixed into resin, or added to a compartment within the piece. -
The piece is sealed or completed
In sealed chamber jewellery, the compartment is permanently closed. In other designs, the ashes are secured within the material or structure of the jewellery. -
The jewellery is finished and inspected
The piece is polished and checked to ensure the ashes are securely incorporated and the jewellery is ready to be worn.
Learn More About Memorial Jewellery
If you would like to explore memorial jewellery in more detail, the pages below explain different methods, comparisons and considerations in greater depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Ashes Are Placed in Memorial Jewellery
Ashes are placed into memorial jewellery using different methods depending on the design. They may be carefully inserted into a hidden chamber within the metal, fused into molten glass, mixed into resin, or placed into a small compartment in the piece.
Only a very small amount of ashes is required, often just a pinch. The majority of ashes can be kept or shared among multiple pieces if needed.
Yes, ashes are typically handled using secure and carefully managed processes. Reputable jewellers use controlled procedures to ensure ashes are received, stored and incorporated safely into the jewellery.
In sealed chamber memorial jewellery, ashes are permanently enclosed within the metal. In glass jewellery, the ashes are fused into the material itself. Other types, such as self-fill jewellery, may allow access to the ashes.
In permanently sealed designs, such as sealed chamber jewellery, ashes cannot be removed once the piece is completed. In self-fill jewellery, the compartment can usually be opened.
Yes, memorial jewellery is specifically designed to use only a small quantity of ashes, making it possible to create multiple pieces or keep the remaining ashes elsewhere
Any unused ashes are usually returned or retained according to the process used by the jeweller. It is always best to check how this is handled before placing an order.
Yes, some types of memorial jewellery can incorporate hair instead of ashes, depending on the method used and the design of the piece.
Explore Memorial Jewellery
If you would like to explore our collection, you can browse our range of ashes jewellery including rings, necklaces and other pieces designed to hold ashes securely and respectfully.
