I've been making jewelry since 1996, but I began making memorial jewelry after my mother died. I wanted to keep something of her with me that didn't look like a keepsake, just a ring I'd wear every day. Since then I've made memorial pieces for people remembering family, friends and much-loved pets.
If you're thinking about a piece for someone you've lost, this guide explains how it works, what happens to the ashes, and what to expect when you order. Take your time with it. There's no rush.
What is memorial jewelry?
Memorial jewelry, also called cremation jewelry or ashes jewelry, is a ring, pendant or locket made to hold a small amount of a loved one's cremated remains. It lets you carry them with you, rather than keeping them only in an urn at home.
A lot of cremation jewelry sold online is mass-produced stainless steel with a screw-top vial. Mine is different: each piece is handmade to order in solid 14k gold or sterling silver, and the ashes are sealed inside, not screwed in. It's meant to be worn every day for a lifetime, and to look like fine jewelry first.
How a cremation ring works
Every memorial piece I make has a small hidden compartment built into the design. In a ring it's part of the band; in a pendant or locket it's tucked inside the piece. From the outside you can't tell it's there. To anyone else it's simply a beautiful ring.
I place a small amount of the ashes into the compartment myself, then seal it permanently at my bench. Once sealed, it never reopens. That's deliberate: nothing can loosen, leak or be lost, even after years of daily wear.
Only a very small amount of ash is needed, so most of the remains can stay with your family or be scattered as you planned. [Tricia to add: roughly how much ash each piece holds.]
What happens when you order
- Choose your piece and metal and check out online as usual, or call me first if you'd like to talk it through.
- I email you instructions for sending the ashes to my studio safely.
- I make your piece by hand, place the ashes inside and seal the compartment.
- It's shipped back to you, usually about 2–3 weeks after the ashes arrive. [Tricia to confirm: counted from order or from arrival of the ashes.]
If you live nearby, you're welcome to bring the ashes to the studio in person instead. [Tricia to confirm.]
Choosing a ring or a necklace
There's no right answer, only what feels right to you.
A cremation ring stays in sight on your hand all day, and many people find comfort in being able to touch it. The Ashes Band with 6 Diamonds and the Memorial Ashes Band with 3 Diamonds look like any fine diamond band and can even be worn as a wedding ring. The Pear Shaped Chalcedony Cremation Ring is softer and more colorful.
A memorial necklace sits close to the heart and can be tucked under clothing when you want to keep it private. Look at the Heart Cremation Necklace, the Eternal Cremation Necklace or the Diamond Cremation Ashes Locket.
All of these are made in 14k gold, and most also in sterling silver. You can see every piece in the Memorial Jewelry collection.
Questions people ask me
Can I open the compartment later?
No. It's sealed permanently so the ashes can never be lost. If that matters to you, call me before ordering and we can talk it through.
Can I wear it every day, in the shower or while sleeping?
Yes. Because the compartment is sealed, it's made for everyday wear like any other gold or silver piece. [Tricia to confirm her care advice.]
Can I use my pet's ashes?
Yes. Many people choose memorial jewelry for a much-loved dog or cat, and the process is exactly the same.
Is memorial jewelry only for ashes?
No. Some families use a lock of hair or a little soil from a special place. [Tricia to confirm she accepts these.]
How long does it take?
About 2–3 weeks, since every piece is made by hand to order.
Can I see the pieces in person?
Yes. My studio is at 102 E Front St, Hancock, NY 13783, open Thursday to Saturday 11 am–6 pm and Sunday 12–4 pm. You can also call me at (917) 279-3583.
Keeping them close
Grief doesn't follow a schedule, and there's no right time to choose a memorial piece. Some people order within weeks; others wait years. Whenever you're ready, I'm here to help, by phone, by email or at the studio.
Browse the Memorial Jewelry collection, or call me at (917) 279-3583.
— Tricia