Pet Memorial Jewellery: A Guide to Keeping Their Memory Close

Pet memorial jewellery is not a new concept. People have been creating memorial jewellery for their beloved animals for as long as we’ve been making jewellery. Pets have long been a sacred part of our lives, and we love to honour their memory after they are gone by creating trinkets that can be worn to maintain a sense of closeness and security.

If you have recently lost a beloved pet, it can be difficult to know how best to pay tribute to their memory. For many people, memorial jewellery is much less about making a statement and more about finding personal comfort in a small token. This is why discreet memorial jewellery that looks like any other piece of jewellery is soaring in popularity.

In this guide, we’re looking at the role of pet memorial jewellery in the grieving process and exploring some ways you can find comfort during this time. We’re also exploring the jewellery options available if you’re thinking about creating a lasting memorial piece.

What exactly is pet memorial jewellery?

Pet memorial jewellery will mean lots of different things to different people. For some, it’s simply a piece of jewellery purchased after the loss of a pet as a way to mark their passing. For others, it will contain a photograph of the pet in a locket style piece of jewellery. Perhaps the most interesting type of pet memorial jewellery is that containing the ashes or hair of the deceased pet.

This is the most authentic way to keep your pet's memory close. It feels like you are carrying a small piece of them with you every day, and this can bring a lot of comfort to the wearer.

How does pet memorial jewellery help with grief?

Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t grieve the loss of a pet. Pets are like part of the family, and they play an important role in bringing structure to our lives. When they inevitably pass away, this can leave a large hole in your life where order, structure and affection once lived. This isn’t something that you will get over instantly, so grieving their loss is inevitable.

Memorial jewellery helps with grief for a number of reasons. First, it can give you a project to focus on and something creative to think about. This can help in the early stages of grief when you might be prone to deep sadness.

Once you have your memorial jewellery, it can help you to feel a little bit stronger every day. You’ll find it brings you strength and support, and a little source of comfort when you are feeling less than your best.

And finally, it becomes a lasting tribute to your pet, long after you have gone through the grieving stages. It becomes a fond memory that you can keep close, or you can store safely in a drawer for moments when you want to be reminded.

Designing your pet memorial jewellery

The process of designing your jewellery should be filled with joy. There are so many options available that you should be able to find something that speaks to your sense of style and individuality.

There are different types of jewellery depending on your budget and tastes. First, you need to narrow it down to the type of jewellery. For example, this could include a necklace, bracelet, ring, earrings, cufflinks or brooch.

You can then decide on the material of the jewellery. Precious metals such as silver and gold are popular as they are durable and will keep the ashes or fur safe.

Next, think about the setting. Will you have a glass gemstone with the ashes rolled in? Or would you prefer a hidden compartment style, with the ashes or fur sealed inside? You can then upgrade your jewellery with items such as diamonds or rubies to add more personality.

Finally, there are the personalisations that make it uniquely your own. Engraving is a popular finishing touch to help remind you of your beloved pet. This might include a small paw symbol on the hidden chamber, or it could include your pet’s name.

When should you wear memorial jewellery?

Some people choose a piece of jewellery intended to be worn all the time. You can find forever bracelets with a welded link that fixes it permanently to your wrist. These are the perfect choice if you are looking for a lasting tribute that you don’t even need to think about.

Other people will choose a statement piece of jewellery intended to be worn on special occasions. This can bring you strength in difficult moments where you might need to feel the loving presence of your beloved pet.

Or you might choose an everyday piece of jewellery that you can wear when you feel like being reminded, and then store it safely when you want to look to the future. You might not wear your memorial jewellery forever, but you can wear it for as long as it brings you comfort.

Fur or ashes for jewellery?

If you are choosing hidden compartment jewellery, you can have fur or ashes contained within. Not everyone will have their pet cremated – some people prefer a burial. In which case, you might only have fur to add to your memorial piece.

If you have your pet cremated, you can also choose to have the ashes added to a glass gemstone in your choice of colour. The ashes appear suspended in the glass and are kept safe.

Final thoughts on pet memorial jewellery

The choice is a deeply personal one, but it might also come down to practical considerations. Follow your heart and choose something that feels right for you. You might not feel like you need to wear this piece of jewellery forever, but it can help you through the worst parts of grief.

If you are designing the jewellery for someone else, it’s a good idea to look at their existing jewellery to see their preferred style. You’ll then avoid giving them something that they feel uncomfortable wearing.