If you’re experiencing a cremation for the first time, the concept of Cremation jewelry may be unfamiliar to you. This guide is for you and will inform you on the basics of cremation jewelry: a brief history and different options and styles to choose from. 

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Cremation Jewelry: A History

To put it simply, cremation jewelry is a handheld, mini memorial and tends to have a small compartment meant to hold a portion of someone’s ashes or even a memento such as a dried flower, lock of hair, or soil from the place of burial. GetUrns has a wide variety of cremation jewelry in the form of cremation pendants, cremation bracelet beads, and even matching earrings for a complete set. 

While the practice of wearing a loved one’s remains may seem morbid, mourning jewelry has a long and rich history dating back to the 16th century revival of the latin phrase “Memento Mori” which directly translates to “remember death,” or “remember you will die.”

The expression was mostly used to refer to jewelry used to signify the occurrence of a death. These initial pieces consisted of brooches or necklaces that were more symbolic than functional: unequipped to hold anything while serving as a physical reminder of a lost loved one. 

The presence of cremation jewelry made with a compartment for ashes didn’t actually come about until the Georgian era of 17th century England. These early pieces were wonderfully crafted - hand carved in the finest materials available, capable of holding ashes, dried flowers, and even intricately braided hair. Mourning became synonymous with fashion and people were extravagant in their expression of grief. This practice of showcasing one’s grief was normal and even encouraged as a coping mechanism to work through the experience of losing a loved one. 

But Why Cremation Jewelry?

But why do people choose to put their loved ones inside a pendant or charm? Try to think about it this way; experiencing death is the hardest thing people deal with, yet they are still expected to return to their daily routines with relative ease. This is near impossible for some, their grief can overpower them and leave them unable to cope. Cremation necklace pendants, cremation beads, and cremation earrings are now a way for grieving people to hold their loved ones close at all times, making cremation jewelry ideal for those who are having a particularly tough time while mourning. 

Modern cremation jewelry to hold ashes has evolved into a subtle form of mourning - a private thing for the bereaved rather than a recognized, outward display of grief. Cremation jewelry allows someone dealing with the loss of a loved one the chance to keep their loved one close by while also giving them the privacy of subtlety. The general public cannot tell the difference between cremation jewelry and a regular piece of jewelry, making cremation jewelry a great and private way to honor someone’s memory. 

Another great characteristic of modern mourning jewelry is the ability to gift someone with these beautiful pieces. The inconspicuous nature of a cremation pendant or a cremation bracelet bead makes these products the perfect gift to a grieving friend. 

Rather than purchase a cremation urn for someone, which is a serious responsibility, cremation jewelry is an ideal method of showing sympathy while not having to be too involved in the after death process. So for those of you who want to express your concern and assist but do not want to potentially get the urn wrong, cremation jewelry for ashes is a great alternative. If you are in charge of purchasing the urn however, please read our Cremation Urn Buying Guide to make the best informed decision. 

What Can I Put Inside Cremation Jewelry?

Your cremation jewelry is versatile with regards to what you can put in it, although the opening is very small. If your loved one was cremated, you can place just a pinch of ashes on the inside. Other ideas for filling it include a small pinch of dirt from the spot where they were buried, a small lock of hair, or sand from their favorite beach. You can select what is most meaningful for you, although most people elect to use a pinch of cremated ashes.

How To Fill Cremation Jewelry?

Most cremation jewelry to hold ashes conveniently comes with a filling kit, which may include: a microfiber cloth for cleaning, a spoon/spatula unit for scooping ashes, and a precision packing tool with pointed ends.

To make the process easier, some people also prefer to have a small funnel to make it easier to drop the ashes into the pendant with extreme precision. Another common choice is to purchase a clear, adhesive glue to help seal the pendant shut after filling.

How to Fill Your Cremation Jewelry or Pendant

Step #1. Find and prep the right workspace.

It is very important that you carefully prepare the right workspace for filling your cremation jewelry. Make sure that the area is a flat, level surface, without any crowded items. It should also be a very well-light area. Find a dining room table or office with excellent natural lighting as well as lighting fixtures, because seeing the small screws and placing the ashes are going to be difficult in low-light settings. You will also want to make sure there are no open windows or fans in the room, because the slightest breeze can spread ashes or cause small screws to go astray.

Step #2. Find the opening of the pendant or bead.

With cremation jewelry, you’ll typically find two types of openings. The first is a threaded screw-top opening which can usually be opened with your hand, slight pressure, and a few turns.

The second type of opening is a screw usually located on the backside of the bead or pendant. If it’s the small screw opening on the back, then you will need to use the appropriately sized Allen wrench or screwdriver to open it.

Step #3. Fill the pendant or bead.

Carefully place the screw on a level surface so you don’t lose it. Then, lay the pendant or bead down with the opening facing up. Make sure it is stable and balanced. Use the scooping utensil to separate a small bit of ashes from the box or bag of ashes, and carefully hold it over the opening of the bead or pendant. If you have a funnel, use it to precisely drop the ashes into the body of the cremation pendant without spillage. Then, use the pointed precision utensil to carefully pack the ashes in and make sure they clear the opening so you can still close it when you insert the screw.

Step #4: Clear and close the pendants for ashes.

Using the precision tip, carefully check each of the grooves on the screw top and use the tip to remove any ashes caught in the grooves. This will help eliminate difficulties reapplying the closure piece and making sure it is able to securely close on the unit. Take the closure unit, and hold it in one hand, firmly, while you also stabilize the pendant on the table with your other hand. Insert it evenly into the opening, so it’s perfectly aligned.

Twist the screw firmly back into place until it is tight and secure, you may have to use an allen wrench or screwdriver to properly close the opening. If you want to permanently seal the closure shut, some people elect to use a small dollop of permanent, clear glue onto the sides of the grooves so that when you secure it shut, it closes permanently.

Step #5. String your jewelry back onto the chain or bracelet.

The fifth and final step is to loop the bead or pendant back onto the chain or necklace that you will be wearing your pendant or bead on. Make sure the bead/pendant is facing the right direction and is perfectly aligned in the loop. Use the microfiber brush to give the pendant/bead and the chain a brushing over to remove any fingerprints or remnants of stray ashes.

How To Clean Cremation Jewelry?

You must be incredibly careful with the chemicals used for cleaning; many commercial cleaners cause varying degrees of harm to cremation jewelry. Bleach or bleach base products will darken a sterling silver piece and can completely dissolve solid gold if left to soak long enough.

The best method for shining jewelry metals is to simply give a good rubbing with a dry, lint free cloth, 1-2 times a month. This will remove any built-up oils or grime and expose the natural luster of the pendant or bead.

While there are plenty of silver or gold soaks for you to use, we do not personally recommend any of these be used since the liquid could compromise the piece and damage the remnants placed inside.

Why Choose GetUrns For Your Cremation Jewelry Needs?

GetUrns is a leading retailer for luxury cremation jewelry - providing beautiful sterling silver, gold, and stainless steel cremation jewelry so you can always have your loved one near. Our cremation jewelry for ashes selection comes in everything from necklace pendants, bracelets, bracelet beads, and even earrings for a complete set. At GetUrns, it is our goal to help you in any way possible during your time of loss. The GetUrns Family aims to serve and assist you choose the perfect cremation urn to properly memorialize your loved one.

Different Types of Cremation Jewelry

GetUrns has a wide variety of cremation jewelry in the form of cremation pendants, cremation bracelet beads, and even matching earrings for a complete set. Listed below are some of GetUrns most popular cremation jewelry options. Take a look to get an idea of what type or style of jewelry would best suit your needs. 

Sterling Silver Wings of Hope Lavender Butterfly Cremation Pendant

Elegant and feminine, the Wings of Hope Lavender Pendant is a beautiful representation of butterflies which are powerful symbols of renewal and rebirth, making this pendant a perfect tribute for your deceased loved one. The butterfly comes with a hollow compartment inside to hold a small portion of cremated remains. The Wings of Hope Butterfly pendant also comes in two other finishes: Blue and White. 

Rose Gold Leaning Heart with Crystal Sterling Silver Cremation Pendant

The Leaning Heart pendant is a gorgeous piece with a dual toned finish in rose gold and rhodium plated sterling silver. Placed in the center of the left curve sits a bright and shiny Swarovski Crystal, adding to this piece’s luxurious look. The surface of the pendant is smooth and shiny, while the edges are textured to provide a wonderful contrast for an eye catching design.

Sterling Silver Feather Cremation Pendant

Simple and stunning, the Feather Pendant is a delicate and detailed piece of jewelry and serves as a bold but tasteful necklace. This pendant is delicately crafted out of durable sterling silver and holds a small pinch of ashes so you can keep your loved one near and dear. 

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For those who are grieving a beloved animal companion, GetUrns offers cremation jewelry specifically with our furry friends in mind.

Sterling Silver Princess Cat Cremation Pendant

The Princess Cat Pendant is a near exact replica of the Princess Cat Urn, just miniaturized into a pendant so you can carry a bit of your love right next to your heart. The best thing is, cat cremation jewelry has the ability to carry more than just ashes; you can place a whisker or bit of fur from your beloved cat instead. The Princess Cat Pendant comes in the same three finishes as the urn:Midnight,Bronze,Pearl. 

Paw Pendant Cremation Jewelry

With a subtle but classy look, the paw pendant is an elegantly designed piece - a wearable memorial of your sweetheart. Made of Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver; this pendant is incredibly high quality and is crafted to last. It’s design also allows you to proudly wear this necklace without being obvious to its purpose, helping you to find comfort with your pet but still have privacy in its contents. 

Sterling Silver Leaning Heart Paw Prints Cremation Pendant

This pendant is delicately crafted out of durable sterling silver, presenting a gorgeous dual toned leaning heart with tiny paw prints walking along, symbolizing our pets path across the rainbow bridge. Place a few strands of your pet’s fur or a portion of their ashes inside to commemorate the life they lived with you. 

Sterling Silver Loveheart With Paws Cremation Bead

This bracelet bead is a gorgeous piece featuring a sterling silver heart with a few embossed paw prints to honor your furry friend. This bead can hold a pinch of cremated remains so you can always carry them with you wherever you go.

Cremation Jewelry - Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Open My Pendant/Bracelet?

Some cremation jewelry is opened by twisting a screw or ball located on the piece.

Using the filling kit which may be provided, unscrew the threaded screw or ball on the cremation jewelry piece. Insert a pinch of ashes into the pendant/bead using the spoon/toothpick/funnel provided.

Once the pendant or bead has been opened, fill with a pinch of ashes or mementos. Then close the piece using the same method to open. If you’d like to permanently seal the jewelry, simply place 1-2 drops of epoxy glue on the threads before screwing the ball or screw closed.

Now That It's Filled, I Can't Close the Cremation Pendant/Bead.

The only reason the screw would not insert the entire way is if the pendant has too many ashes inside. We recommend removing some cremains and trying again. The screw must be inserted straight into the cavity hole, if there is even a slight tilt, this could cause the screw to not lay flush.

Also be sure to wipe the screw with a cloth first so there are no remnants of cremains on the threads.

Does The Jewelry Come With A Chain/Bracelet Included?

LoveUrns pendants always come with a chain, simply lift the gray flap inside the pendant box and the chain will be resting there.

Madelyn pendants come with a black satin cord.

Cremation beads do not come with the bracelet; those must be purchased separately.

For more information, please visit Xiuyuan.

Can Cremation Jewelry Get Wet?

We do not recommend wearing your cremation jewelry while in the shower, swimming, or exercising. The moisture and chemicals can damage the jewelry piece, regardless of the metal type. Submerging any cremation jewelry in water can introduce humidity inside, potentially disturbing your loved one inside.

Can Cremation Jewelry Be Engraved?

GetUrns does not offer engraving on any cremation jewelry. If interested, we recommend sourcing jewelers in your area who offer engraving and have them inspect the piece to see if engraving is possible.

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Cremation jewelry is an elegant and subtle method of honoring and carrying a lost loved one close. Take a look through the rest of GetUrns to see the large variety of cremation jewelry pieces to commemorate a human or pet, in the form of pendants, beads, or earrings.

How to Shop for a Cremation Jewelry Urn

When you consider the right kind of memorial for a loved one, you have a lot of options available. If your loved one was cremated, you can opt to have the remains buried, or keep them in a variety of urns, keepsakes, or cremation jewelry. As an urn, cremation jewelry continues to increase in popularity. You can find the most fitting tribute in a small piece that you can wear or display with honor. With this guide, you will know the most common types of cremation jewelry, the benefits and drawbacks of various jewelry materials, how to fill the urn, and how to ensure your cremation jewelry lasts as long as your memories.

What Is Cremation Jewelry?

Cremation jewelry looks much like any other type of jewelry, but it fills a special purpose. People buy cremation rings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, or keychains because they want to honor a loved one who has passed. The jewelry usually contains an urn that you can fill with a small amount of cremated remains. You may want to buy cremation jewelry for a variety of reasons, including:

• Keeping a loved one close to you
• Sharing remains among several family members and friends
• Providing a lasting memorial that takes up little space

Cremation jewelry often holds a very tiny amount of ashes, depending on the size of the urn. You might be able to fit a small pinch inside a cross or barrel urn, while round pendants could hold up to a quarter of a cubic inch of ashes.

Why Choose Cremation Jewelry?

Cremation jewelry makes a lovely option that you can choose to help you remember a loved one as you move through the grieving process. You can find options that suit any style of dress and work within your budget. As keepsakes, cremation jewelry makes a wonderful choice for gifts at a memorial service, burial, or scattering ceremony.

Types of Cremation Jewelry

Cremation jewelry comes in a variety of types, including:

• Necklaces and pendants
• Bracelets
• Keychains
• Rings
• Photo jewelry

With this information, you can learn the appeal of each jewelry type, as well as the general costs.

Necklaces

Cremation jewelry necklaces allow you to keep a loved one close to your heart, making them the most popular type. Although most cremation jewelry in this style comes as a pendant, most people prefer to place it on a chain to make it easy to hang or display. Necklaces and pendants come in a variety of materials and styles, and most offer the ability to hold a pinch of ashes. Depending on the material and other components you might add to the necklace, these options cost $20 to $900 or more.

Bracelets

People who want a stylish way to honor a loved one may choose from a selection of cremation jewelry bracelets. In most cases, the bracelets have a component made of metal or wood that will hold a small amount of ashes or other tokens, usually in the shape of a barrel or heart. Bracelets cost $20 to $200, with price depending mostly on the type of material and the complication of the bracelet design.

Keychains

Keychain urns offer flexibility for people who want a constant reminder of a loved one, but who might not prefer to wear jewelry. Keychains can be as simple or complex as you like, with bright colors or natural styles. Keychain urns are usually made from stainless steel or wood, to increase their durability. The simplest keychains cost $15, while those with engraving or pictures might cost up to $100 or more.

Rings

Wearing a ring to honor a loved one is a tradition that dates to the Middle Ages. A ring is small and easily portable, able to hold a photograph, a lock of hair, or a small portion of ashes. Since rings are meant to be worn snugly, you’ll need to make sure that you get the right size when you order. Cremation rings cost $30 to $750 or more. Custom pieces or expensive materials, such as diamonds or gold, run up to $2,000 or higher.

Photo Jewelry

Photo jewelry became popular in the s, particularly for remembering a loved one. People can add a photo to a pendant, ring, or keychain, available to look at whenever they want. These days, you can have a photo engraved directly onto a metal surface, so that the image remains as fresh as your memory. Photo jewelry comes in a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and composite materials. You can expect to pay $30 to $100 or more.

Cremation Jewelry Materials

Cremation jewelry is made from a variety of materials, and some pieces will include more than one. Typically, you can choose from the following:

• Stainless steel
• Silver
• Gold vermeil
• 10KT, 14KT, or 18KT gold
• Glass
• Wood

By browsing through the different materials, you can find an option that suits your sense of style and your budget.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel offers a material that is generally easy to clean and maintain, with a beautiful shine that resembles silver. Stainless steel is more likely to hold up in a variety of environments, and it usually costs much less than silver or gold. It doesn’t have quite the luster of silver, which can be a drawback for some people. Typically, stainless steel cremation jewelry costs $15 to $150.

Silver

Sterling silver jewelry creates a brilliant luster that is iconic. If you love a cool color for a ring or pendant, silver is the way to go. Solid silver is too soft for many jewelry options, so many manufacturers add a small amount of another metal to increase durability. Silver can be harder to clean, and you’ll need to maintain it regularly to avoid tarnishing it. You may not find as many options in silver as you can in stainless steel, and you’ll pay $100 to $250 or more.

Gold Vermeil

Gold vermeil makes an affordable alternative to jewelry with a higher gold content. Gold vermeil jewelry involves the use of stainless steel or sterling silver and a layer of gold plating that is at least 10KT. With this option, you get a durable piece of jewelry that looks like real gold, because the outer layer is real gold. You can still have photos or other engraving on the surface, and the result costs $50 to $250 or more.

10KT, 14KT, 18KT Gold

When you shop for gold cremation jewelry, the karat tells you how much of the material is made from solid gold. For example, 14KT gold cremation jewelry is a bit more than half gold, with other materials like nickel or copper to increase the durability. Higher karats may mean softer material, higher cost, and more upkeep. Then again, gold is a standard because there’s nothing else like it. You can get gold in a variety of colors, and the price point often gives you an amazing quality of craftsmanship. For these jewelry pieces, you can pay $500 to $2,000 or more.

Glass

Glass cremation jewelry offers an interesting alternative to the metal or stone materials common in jewelry. Glass is blown and shaped, which gives you the ability to get a piece with swirls of color or intricate designs. As long as you can avoid dropping or crushing the item, glass jewelry can be easy to clean and maintain. Since glass is a readily accessible material, you can expect to pay $20 to $100 for most options.

Wood

For those who want something that looks more natural or rustic, wood jewelry urns make an excellent option. You can get it in a variety of styles and colors, from a pale oak to a deep walnut. Keeping the wood from getting wet is key, and it can crack or scratch under pressure. If you’re willing to keep it dry and safe, you can get a lovely piece for $20 to $75 or more.

How to Choose the Right Keepsake

Before you choose a piece of cremation jewelry, you should answer a few questions about who you intend it for and how you will use it. The answers will help you narrow down the list of options, so that you can find the perfect one without having to spend hours searching.

Who Will Receive the Jewelry?

Buying cremation jewelry for yourself or someone in your household is easiest, because you can make choices or consult them directly. If you intend the piece for a friend or relative with whom you don’t spend a lot of time, you may want to ask them or someone in their household about the types of jewelry that they like to wear. Browse colors and materials that will go well with their style of clothing. Consider choosing a piece that they can easily wear and maintain, especially if they don’t have experience taking care of gold or silver.

How Will You Use It?

The way you will use the jewelry affects the types you might consider buying. If you want to wear the jewelry, consider options that will work well with the kind of clothing you would wear with it. Make sure that you won’t lose a pendant or accidentally send it through the wash with your clothing, or take off a ring to wash your hands and lose it.

If you would prefer to display the jewelry, you have a number of options:

• Display case
• Shadowbox
• Rearview mirror
• Ornament

When you choose an ornament or a piece for your rearview mirror, select materials that are less likely to break or scratch if they fall or come in contact with other surfaces.

Will It Hold Ashes?

Although many pieces of cremation jewelry can hold a pinch of ashes, you don’t necessarily have to put remains in them. If you don’t have access to the ashes, or if you don’t want to put them in the urn, you can choose other things, such as:

• Lock of hair
• Soil from a burial site
• Small snippet of clothing
• Slip of paper with a message

If you want to put ashes in the jewelry, confirm that you understand where the ashes will be kept and how much you can put inside it. Some cremation jewelry pieces do not have an urn.

Filling Your Jewelry Urn

You could ask the funeral home or crematorium if they can fill the cremation jewelry for you, but you can also do it yourself. To complete this task, you’ll need the cremated remains, a small funnel with a tip that fits inside the urn opening, and some super glue or silicone epoxy to permanently seal the urn. To fill the urn, you should complete the following steps:

• Find a flat surface for the project, and remove clutter.
• Place the bag of ashes on the surface, and open it.
• Inspect the jewelry for signs of damage, and find the opening to the urn.
• Open the urn, which may require pulling a plug or twisting a cap.
• Place the tip of the funnel into the urn.
• Scoop a small amount of ashes and pour it into the funnel.
• Shake or jiggle the funnel a little to allow the remains to move.
• Confirm that you have enough room to close the urn, and remove some ashes if necessary to close the urn.
• Set the piece as you would like it to lay, and add a dab of super glue or epoxy to the closed urn to seal it.
• Allow the glue to cure for 24 to 48 hours before wearing.

If the jewelry has a threaded closure, make sure that the urn is completely closed before you add the glue. 

Caring for Your Jewelry Urns

To care for your cremation jewelry urns, you should plan to keep the jewelry dry and generally safe. If you don’t seal the urn permanently, there is a possibility that it could come open or get lost during movement. Avoid submerging the jewelry in water. Jewelry may be water-resistant, but it is usually not waterproof. Swimming pools often have harsh chemicals that can damage the surface or cause the urn to open. Soaps and solutions you use in the shower can damage the jewelry, as well.

To clean the jewelry, buy a microfiber cloth to remove dust or debris. A damp cloth can remove spills or stains from metal or glass, but you may prefer to use a wood polish for wood jewelry. Keep a polishing cloth for silver, and polish it every few months to keep the shine.

Start Shopping for a Cremation Jewelry Urn

Now that you have everything you need to know, you can start shopping for the ideal piece of cremation jewelry. Cremation jewelry allows you to remember a loved one when you need it most, with a lovely token or photo to keep your memories sharp. Before you make a choice, you should confirm that you understand the benefits and considerations for the various options:

Jewelry Type: Necklaces, bracelets, keychains, rings, or photo jewelry

Jewelry Material: Stainless steel, silver, gold vermeil, solid gold, glass, or wood

Cost: $15 to $2,000, paying the most for 18KT gold

Many people grieve the loss of a loved one, especially those who were close to them in life. With cremation jewelry, you can feel your loved ones close to you again.

Key Takeaway:

Cremation jewelry lets you feel a loved one near while remembering them in a special keepsake fitting your style and cost needs. This meaningful, affordable option makes honoring a loved one's memory close to your heart achievable.

For more Cremation Ashes Jewellery(fr,nl,pt)information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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