Finding a way to keep a loved one close after loss is one of the most deeply human needs we have. Memorial jewellery with ashes has become one of the most meaningful answers to that need — a wearable keepsake that holds both memory and presence in a single, beautiful piece. At Nateva Porcelain, our ash pendants are crafted from rhodium-plated sterling silver or gold, personalised with a custom ceramic stone, and filled by you at home — making the entire experience as intimate and personal as the tribute itself.

If you're wondering how the process works — from placing your order to wearing your finished pendant — this step-by-step guide walks you through every stage. No surprises, no uncertainty. Just clarity, comfort, and the confidence to honour your loved one in exactly the way they deserve.

What Makes Nateva Porcelain's Memorial Jewellery Unique?

Before walking through the step-by-step process, it's worth understanding what sets our approach apart from other ash jewellery on the market — because it is genuinely different in several important ways.

Many ash jewellery providers require you to send your loved one's ashes to them, which can feel deeply uncomfortable for many families. At Nateva Porcelain, you never send your ashes anywhere. Instead, we send the pendant directly to you — complete with everything you need to fill and seal it yourself, in your own time, in the privacy of your own home.

Our pendants are made from premium gold or rhodium-plated sterling silver. We specifically plate our silver pieces with rhodium—a rare, precious metal from the platinum family—to give them a brilliant, long-lasting shine and superior scratch resistance. Because sterling silver is naturally a softer metal, this protective layer ensures your memorial remains as resilient as the memory it holds.

To understand more about why so many families choose memorial jewellery as their way of remembering, our article on why memorial jewellery is a meaningful way to keep loved ones close is a wonderful place to start.

Step 1 — Choose Your Pendant and Metal

The first step is selecting the pendant that feels right for you. Nateva Porcelain's memorial jewellery collection includes a range of shapes and styles, all available in sterling silver or gold.

Things to consider when choosing your pendant:

• Metal preference: Gold adds a sense of warmth and luxury. Our sterling silver offers a classic, timeless look, but with an added benefit: it is rhodium-plated. Since standard sterling silver is a softer metal and prone to minor scuffs, the rhodium plating acts as a protective shield, making the piece more scratch-resistant and exceptionally shiny.
• Shape and size: Consider how the pendant will sit when worn. Some people prefer a smaller, more discreet piece for everyday wear; others want something more statement-making.
• Style: Browse our memorial pendant collection to find a design that speaks to you and reflects the character of the person you're honouring.

Step 2 — Personalise Your Ceramic Stone

This is the step that transforms a beautiful pendant into a truly one-of-a-kind tribute.

Each Nateva Porcelain ash pendant features a ceramic stone set into the front of the piece. This stone is personalised with your chosen design — whether that's a photograph, a name, a date, or a meaningful symbol.

How the Ceramic Stone Is Personalised

Once you've placed your order, you submit your chosen design. We print it onto the ceramic stone using a specialist process before kiln-firing it at high temperatures. This infuses the design directly into the surface of the stone, bonding it permanently. It will not fade, peel, or scratch off over time.

Step 3 — We Craft and Ship Your Pendant

Once your design is confirmed, we craft your pendant. The ceramic stone is kiln-fired, the metal is polished to a high-shine finish (ensuring the rhodium plating on our silver pieces is flawless), and the piece is quality-checked.

What Arrives in Your Package

• Your finished memorial pendant in a quality gift box.
• A filling kit (scoop, funnel, and screwdriver).
• Clear, step-by-step instructions for filling and sealing your pendant at home.

Step 4 — Filling Your Ash Pendant at Home

This is a deeply personal step. You only need a tiny amount of ashes—about a pinch. Because the compartment is small, you can create multiple pendants for different family members from the same ashes.

1. Choose a calm moment.
2. Prepare a clean surface.
3. Open the compartment using the included screwdriver.
4. Use the funnel and scoop to gently transfer a small amount of ashes.
5. Reseal the compartment securely.

Step 5 — Wear and Cherish Your Memorial Pendant

Your pendant is designed for daily wear. Thanks to the rhodium plating on our sterling silver designs, your pendant is better equipped to handle the "bumps" of daily life than standard silver jewellery. It remains brighter, resists tarnishing, and stands up to scratches much more effectively, while the kiln-fired ceramic remains resistant to the elements.

Caring for Your Memorial Jewellery with Ashes

Keep It Away from Harsh Chemicals

Remove your pendant before swimming or using cleaning products. While rhodium plating adds a layer of protection, harsh chemicals like chlorine can eventually wear it down.

Clean Gently

Use a soft, dry cloth. Because the rhodium plating provides such a high natural shine, you won’t need aggressive polishing or abrasive chemicals to keep it looking new.

Check the Closure Periodically

Every few months, ensure the screw closure is still tight. If it feels loose, use your screwdriver to gently tighten it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rhodium plating safe for sensitive skin?

Yes! Rhodium is hypoallergenic. Because it creates a barrier over the sterling silver, it can actually help those who usually have sensitivities to silver or nickel alloys.

How much ash is needed?

Just a small pinch. This allows you to keep the majority of the ashes for other purposes or to create multiple keepsakes.

A Tribute That Is Truly Yours

The finished pendant — crafted in gold or rhodium-plated silver, bearing a kiln-fired image that will never fade — is a result of care and intention. It’s a piece that is truly yours, in every sense.

Browse our full range of memorial jewellery today and find the tribute that honours your loved one in exactly the way they deserve.