What Is Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery?
How Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery Works
Sealed chamber memorial jewellery contains a small internal compartment that is created within the structure of the jewellery during the manufacturing process. This chamber is designed to hold a small amount of ashes, hair or fur from a loved one.
Once the ashes or hair have been carefully placed inside the chamber, the opening is permanently sealed using precision laser welding. This process fuses the metal together without the use of adhesives, glue, resin or mechanical closures.
After sealing, the chamber becomes part of the metal structure of the jewellery itself. This creates a secure enclosure designed to keep the contents safely contained while allowing the visible design of the jewellery to remain elegant and timeless.
Because the ashes are enclosed within the metal rather than visible inside a material such as resin or glass, sealed chamber jewellery can incorporate traditional jewellery features including diamonds, gemstones and precious metal settings.
Illustrative cutaway showing how ashes are securely sealed within the metal in sealed chamber memorial jewellery.
Different Terms Used for Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery
Within the memorial jewellery industry, sealed chamber designs are sometimes described using different terminology. While the wording may vary, these terms generally refer to jewellery where ashes, hair or fur are placed inside a small compartment within the precious metal.
You may see this construction method described using phrases such as:
- Ashes inside jewellery
- Ashes enclosed within jewellery
- Hidden ashes jewellery
- Internal chamber memorial jewellery
- Hidden compartment jewellery
- Secret chamber jewellery
Although the terminology may differ between jewellers, these descriptions typically refer to jewellery where the memorial material is placed inside the metal before being permanently sealed.
Materials Used in Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery
Because the ashes are enclosed within the precious metal structure of the jewellery, sealed chamber designs can be crafted using the same materials used in traditional fine jewellery.
This allows memorial jewellery to maintain the strength and durability expected from solid precious metals, while still securely containing the ashes of a loved one.
- Sterling silver
- 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold
- Platinum
- Lab-grown diamonds
- Natural or lab-grown gemstones such as sapphires, rubies or emeralds
Because the ashes are stored discreetly inside the metal itself, the jewellery can incorporate traditional jewellery features such as gemstone settings, engraved details and polished precious metal finishes.
How Long Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery Lasts
Because the ashes are enclosed within solid precious metal, sealed chamber memorial jewellery is designed to last for generations when cared for in the same way as traditional fine jewellery.
The chamber is permanently sealed using precision laser welding, creating a secure enclosure within the metal structure of the jewellery. This avoids the use of resin, adhesives or mechanical closures that could weaken the piece over time.
When crafted from solid precious metals such as gold, platinum or sterling silver, the jewellery can be worn and maintained just like any other high-quality jewellery piece.
Like all jewellery, occasional professional servicing is recommended to maintain gemstone settings, surface finishes and overall condition.
The Four Main Types of Memorial Jewellery
Memorial jewellery can be created using several different construction methods. Each method incorporates ashes in a different way and offers different visual and structural characteristics.
| Method | How Ashes Are Included | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery | Ashes are placed inside a hidden chamber within the precious metal and permanently sealed. | Durable, discreet construction that allows traditional jewellery designs. |
| Glass Memorial Jewellery | Ashes are fused into molten glass during kiln firing. | Ashes remain visible within the glass. |
| Resin Memorial Jewellery | Ashes are suspended inside resin or epoxy. | Lower cost but may yellow, soften or degrade over time. |
| Self-Fill Memorial Jewellery | A small compartment is filled by the customer using a screw closure. | DIY option with a removable chamber. |
Sealed Chamber Memorial Jewellery
How ashes are included: Ashes are placed inside a hidden chamber within the precious metal and permanently sealed.
Key characteristics: Durable construction that allows traditional jewellery designs while securely containing ashes inside the metal.
Glass Memorial Jewellery
How ashes are included: Ashes are fused into molten glass during kiln firing.
Key characteristics: Ashes remain visible within the glass element of the jewellery.
Resin Memorial Jewellery
How ashes are included: Ashes are suspended within resin or epoxy.
Key characteristics: Resin can sometimes yellow, soften or degrade over time depending on the materials used.
Self-Fill Memorial Jewellery
How ashes are included: A small compartment is filled by the customer using a screw closure.
Key characteristics: DIY approach where the compartment can be reopened if required.
Sealed Chamber vs Self Fill Memorial Jewellery
Some memorial jewellery is designed to be filled by the customer using a small screw or threaded compartment. These self-fill designs can provide a lower-cost option and allow the chamber to be reopened if needed.
Sealed chamber memorial jewellery works differently. The ashes are placed inside the jewellery by professional jewellers before the chamber is permanently sealed using precision laser welding.
This creates a discreet and secure enclosure within the metal itself, allowing the jewellery to look like traditional fine jewellery while keeping the contents safely contained.
You can learn more in our guide to Sealed Chamber vs Self Fill Memorial Jewellery.
Can Ashes Be Melted Into Metal?
Some memorial jewellery companies incorporate ashes by mixing them directly into molten metal during casting. While this may sound appealing in theory, cremation ashes contain minerals and impurities that are not normally present in precious metal alloys.
When ashes are introduced into molten metal, these impurities can interfere with the structure of the alloy. This can result in metal that is more brittle and potentially more prone to cracking or structural weakness over time.
For this reason, many professional jewellers avoid incorporating ashes directly into precious metal alloys. Sealed chamber memorial jewellery takes a different approach by placing the ashes inside a dedicated compartment within the jewellery before permanently sealing the chamber.
This allows the jewellery to retain the structural integrity of the precious metal while still securely containing the ashes inside the piece.
What Can Be Placed Inside Memorial Jewellery?
Memorial jewellery is most commonly created using cremation ashes, but other materials can also be incorporated depending on the design and construction method used.
Many designs can safely incorporate:
- Cremation ashes
- Hair from a loved one
- Fur from a pet
- A small fabric thread or textile fragment
Only a very small amount of material is typically required. Any unused ashes or hair are carefully returned with the completed jewellery.
FAQ's
Memorial jewellery is jewellery that contains or incorporates a small amount of cremation ashes, allowing people to keep a physical reminder of a loved one close to them. The ashes can be included in different ways depending on the construction method used, such as sealed chambers, fused glass gemstones, resin settings, or self-fill compartments.
Ashes can be incorporated into memorial jewellery using several different techniques. In sealed chamber jewellery, the ashes are placed inside a small compartment within the precious metal and permanently sealed. In glass memorial jewellery, ashes are fused into molten glass during kiln firing. Other methods may suspend ashes in resin or allow customers to place ashes into a screw-top chamber themselves.
Only a very small amount of ashes is typically required. In most cases, less than a teaspoon is sufficient to create a memorial jewellery piece. Any unused ashes are carefully returned with the completed item.
Yes. Many memorial jewellery designs can incorporate hair from a loved one or fur from a pet. These materials can be placed inside sealed chambers or incorporated into glass elements depending on the design.
Well-constructed memorial jewellery can be suitable for everyday wear. Pieces made using traditional jewellery techniques and solid precious metals are designed to withstand normal daily use. Durability will vary depending on the construction method and materials used.
Sealed chamber memorial jewellery contains a hidden compartment within the precious metal. Ashes, hair, or fur are placed inside this chamber before it is permanently sealed, typically using precision welding techniques. This allows the jewellery to look like traditional fine jewellery while safely containing the memorial material inside.
Some companies mix ashes into molten metal during casting. However, cremation ashes contain minerals and impurities that can affect the structure of precious metal alloys. For this reason, many jewellers prefer alternative methods that keep the metal structurally sound while still incorporating the ashes.
The lifespan of memorial jewellery depends largely on the materials and construction method used. Jewellery made from solid precious metals using traditional techniques can last for many years with normal care. Materials such as glass gemstones are also colour-stable and durable, while other materials used in some memorial jewellery may degrade or change appearance over time.
Many memorial jewellery designs made from solid precious metals are suitable for everyday wear and can tolerate normal contact with water. However, as with all fine jewellery, it is usually recommended to remove jewellery during activities such as swimming, heavy exercise, or exposure to harsh chemicals to help maintain its long-term condition.
Yes. Memorial jewellery can be created using ashes from a loved person or a pet. Many people choose to create pieces in remembrance of dogs, cats, horses, and other animals.
Related Memorial Jewellery Guides
If you’d like to explore the different construction methods used in memorial jewellery in more detail, the guides below explain how each approach works and how they compare.
TRANSPARENCY YOU CAN ALWAYS ASK ABOUT
Choosing memorial jewellery is a deeply personal decision. Families trust us with something irreplaceable, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Sealed chamber memorial jewellery allows ashes, hair or fur to be placed inside a discreet internal compartment within the precious metal before being permanently sealed using precision laser welding.
Any unused ashes or hair are always carefully returned with the completed piece. If you would ever like more detail about a design, material or process, you can contact our team and we will be happy to help.
