Resin vs Sealed Chamber: Key Differences

Resin and sealed chamber memorial jewellery differ in how the ashes are held, how durable the piece is, and how it performs over time. The comparison below highlights the main differences between the two methods.

Feature
Sealed Chamber
Resin
How ashes are held
Hidden inside the metal and permanently sealed
Mixed into resin and visible within the design
Durability
Very high when made in precious metals
More affected by wear, sunlight and ageing
Security
Ashes permanently enclosed and protected
Ashes set within material but not enclosed in metal
Appearance
Traditional jewellery appearance with gemstones
Ashes often visible within the design
Long-term performance
Designed for long-term durability
May change over time depending on conditions

How Resin and Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery Differ

Although both methods can be used to create meaningful memorial jewellery, they are constructed in very different ways. The way the ashes are incorporated affects how secure they are, how the jewellery looks, and how the piece may perform over time.

Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery

In sealed chamber memorial jewellery, a small amount of ashes is carefully placed inside a hidden compartment within the metal itself. The chamber is then permanently sealed, so the ashes remain fully enclosed and protected inside the piece.

This allows the jewellery to retain a traditional fine jewellery appearance, often with diamonds or other gemstones, while keeping the ashes discreetly held within the structure of the design.

Learn more about sealed chamber memorial jewellery

Resin Memorial Jewellery

In resin memorial jewellery, the ashes are mixed into a liquid resin before the material is cured and set within the design. This process creates a visible memorial element within the jewellery.

Resin is set using curing methods such as UV light or chemical hardening, depending on the materials used. Because resin is a different material from metal or glass, its long-term appearance and performance can be more affected by wear, moisture, sunlight and general ageing.

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between resin and sealed chamber memorial jewellery depends on what matters most to you. Both methods can create a meaningful piece, but they offer different qualities in terms of durability, appearance and how the ashes are held.

If you prefer a design where the ashes are visible within the jewellery, resin may be appealing. However, if long-term durability, security and a traditional fine jewellery appearance are important, many people choose sealed chamber designs.

Sealed chamber jewellery allows the ashes to be permanently enclosed within the metal, while also supporting designs with diamonds or other gemstones. This combination of security and craftsmanship is often an important factor for those looking for a piece designed to last.

Taking the time to understand these differences can help you choose memorial jewellery that reflects both your preferences and how you would like the piece to perform over time.

Resin-Free Memorial Jewellery

Why We Don’t Use Resin

Resin and sealed chamber memorial jewellery differ not only in how the ashes are held, but also in how the materials perform over time. While resin allows the ashes to be visible within the design, it is a different material from metal or glass and may be more affected by wear, moisture, sunlight and general ageing.

At Ashes With Art, we focus on creating memorial jewellery designed to last. For this reason, we specialise in sealed chamber and glass techniques, using precious metals and traditional jewellery methods to ensure each piece is secure, durable and made to be worn long-term.

Learn more about why we don’t use resin

Learn More About Memorial Jewellery

If you would like to explore memorial jewellery in more detail, the pages below explain different methods, durability and comparisons to help you understand the key differences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resin vs Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery

What is the difference between resin and sealed chamber memorial jewellery?

The main difference is how the ashes are held within the jewellery. In sealed chamber designs, the ashes are placed inside the metal and permanently enclosed. In resin jewellery, the ashes are mixed into the material and are often visible within the design.

Which is more durable, resin or sealed chamber jewellery?

The main difference is how the ashes are held within the jewellery. In sealed chamber designs, the ashes are placed inside the metal and permanently enclosed. In resin jewellery, the ashes are mixed into the material and are often visible within the design.

Is sealed chamber memorial jewellery more secure?

Yes, sealed chamber jewellery is designed so the ashes are permanently enclosed within the metal, meaning they cannot be accessed or lost once the piece is complete.

Does resin memorial jewellery change over time?

Resin memorial jewellery can change over time depending on how it is made and how it is worn. Exposure to sunlight, moisture and general wear can affect its appearance, which is why long-term performance may vary compared to more durable materials.

Are ashes visible in sealed chamber jewellery?

No, in sealed chamber jewellery the ashes are hidden within the metal. This allows the piece to maintain a traditional jewellery appearance.

Can ashes be removed from sealed chamber jewellery?

In many sealed designs, the ashes are permanently enclosed once the piece is completed. However, with professionally made sealed chamber jewellery, it may be possible for the ashes to be accessed by a jeweller if required, depending on how the piece is constructed.

Which type is better for long-term wear?

For long-term wear, many people choose sealed chamber jewellery because it combines durable materials with a method that protects the ashes within the structure 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.

Browse Ashes Jewellery

Siobhan Jones, Founder and Creative Director at Ashes With Art

Siobhan Jones

Founder & Creative Director, Ashes With Art

Siobhan established her studio in 1996 and leads the creative direction behind Ashes With Art. Her work spans fused glass, sealed chamber and fine jewellery memorial designs, with a focus on durable construction, carefully chosen materials and pieces created to hold ashes or hair securely and respectfully.

Learn more about Siobhan Jones