How to Choose Memorial Jewellery for Ashes: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

When someone we love passes away, we search for ways to keep their memory close. One of the most intimate ways to do that is through memorial jewellery — a piece you can wear every day, quietly holding a part of someone you never want to let go.
But with so many styles, materials, and options available online, how do you choose the right cremation jewellery?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before choosing a necklace, ring, or keepsake that holds ashes — from practical decisions to emotional considerations.
What Is Memorial Jewellery?
Also called cremation jewellery or ash jewellery, these pieces are designed to hold a small portion of your loved one’s ashes — or in some cases, a lock of hair, dried flowers, or even a written message.
They come in many forms:
- Necklaces for ashes
- Rings
- Bracelets
- Ceramic pendants
- Lockets or discreet keepsakes
Some are simple and minimal. Others are handcrafted, detailed, and deeply personal — made to order to reflect each person's unique memory.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Keep Inside
The most common choice is cremation ashes, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Many people choose to include:
- A lock of hair
- A short note or message
- Dried flowers from the funeral
- Sand or soil from a special place
Tip: If you want to include a photo, name, or meaningful symbol, look for ceramic keepsakes where the design is permanently transferred onto the porcelain during kiln firing — making it weatherproof and built to last.

Step 2: Choose a Jewellery Type That Suits You
Think about how you’ll wear it — every day, only on special occasions, or display it in a safe place?
- Necklaces for Ashes: The most popular and versatile option.
- Rings: Elegant and symbolic, but more exposed to wear and tear.
- Bracelets: Comfortable and discreet.
- Keepsake Pendants: Often ceramic-based, made to order, and cherished as display pieces.
Step 3: Understand Materials – And Why They Matter
Mass-Produced Stainless Steel Jewellery
- Affordable and widely available
- Often includes a screw-cap vial for ashes
- Limited styles and mass-produced finishes
Handcrafted Ceramic with 925 Silver or Gold
- Each piece is made to order, not mass-produced
- Features a high-fired porcelain stone with your photo or design transferred via laminated printing
- The transfer is kiln-fired for a weatherproof and fade-resistant result
- Mounted on solid sterling silver (925) or gold — no plated metals
- Elegant, minimalist, or vintage styling options available

Step 4: Personalisation Matters
The more personal the piece, the more powerful it becomes.
Look for options that allow you to:
- Include names, dates, or quotes
- Transfer fingerprints, handwriting, or photos onto the ceramic
- Select symbolic shapes like hearts, circles, or crosses
Step 5: Think About Longevity and Care
- Porcelain: Durable and weatherproof when kiln-fired, but should be handled with care
- 925 Sterling Silver: May tarnish but can be polished to restore shine
- Gold: Highly resistant and low-maintenance
- Stainless Steel: Tough and scratch-resistant, but lacks the warmth and value of artisan work

Step 6: Choose a Maker You Can Trust
Before you order, check that the artist or store:
- Handles ashes with care and respect
- Explains how ashes are sealed into the piece
- Offers clear communication throughout the process
- Has reviews or testimonials from past customers
Remember: true memorial jewellery is more than a product — it’s a service of memory and care.
Final Thoughts
Choosing cremation jewellery isn’t just about finding something beautiful. It’s about finding something meaningful. Something made with care. Something you can hold onto, quietly and forever.
If you're drawn to quality, detail, and memory that doesn’t fade, our made-to-order ceramic and silver memorial jewellery offers an elegant and lasting tribute to the ones you carry in your heart.