Short answer: Cremation jewelry is a pendant, ring or bead made to hold a tiny portion of a loved one's ashes, or to carry a fingerprint or glass keepsake. It takes a very small amount, so ask the maker exactly how much. Look closely at how it is sealed and what the maker will return.
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What is cremation jewelry?
Please read this first
Funeral Clear does not make or sell memorial products yet. This page is a free guide. If you would like help finding an independent maker, you can send us a request, with no obligation and no promise of a reply time.
Cremation jewelry holds a small amount of ashes close to you. It can be a pendant that opens, a bead or charm, a ring with a hidden chamber, or a piece of glass with a little ash inside.
Many people choose it to share a loved one among relatives, or to have something to wear while the rest of the ashes stay in an urn or are scattered.
What kinds of ashes jewelry and keepsakes exist?
| Kind | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial necklace with a chamber | A small hollow pendant is filled and closed | Check how the opening is sealed |
| Keepsake pendants and charms | A tiny vial or compartment sits inside the design | Often the simplest and most flexible |
| Ashes into glass | A small portion is set inside blown or fused glass | Handmade, so each piece differs; see our guide |
| Ring or bracelet with a chamber | A hidden space holds a small amount | Wear and moisture can matter for sealing |
| Fingerprint keepsakes | A fingerprint is pressed or engraved into metal or clay | Does not need ashes at all |
A fingerprint keepsake is a gentle option for families who prefer not to use ashes. It needs a clear print, which is sometimes available from records, an old card or a finger impression taken by the funeral provider.
How much ashes does cremation jewelry need?
A very small amount, but the exact amount depends on the piece. Ask the maker how much their design holds, and whether you fill it yourself or send the ashes to them.
A few teaspoons would be too much for almost any piece. If you are sharing ashes among several family members, plan how to divide them first, and ask the funeral provider or crematory to set a portion aside.
- Ask for the capacity of the piece, in plain terms.
- Ask whether the maker returns the unused ashes, and how.
- Ask how the ashes are handled, who touches them and where the work is done.
Is it safe, and how is it sealed?
Sealing is the part to look at most closely. A good piece closes with a screw cap, a threaded plug, or is permanently sealed with a fused or bonded closure. Ask which one the maker uses and what they advise for water, heat and daily wear.
The ashes themselves are dry and stable, but a poor seal can leak or open. Treat the piece the way you would treat any fine jewelry, and avoid pools, hot tubs and harsh cleaning products unless the maker says it is safe.
- How the piece is closed, and whether it can be opened again
- Whether it is made for everyday wear or only occasional wear
- What the maker advises for water and cleaning
- Whether the metal is solid or plated, and how it wears over time
- How the piece is packaged and returned to you
How do I choose, and what should I ask a maker?
- Decide whether you want ashes inside the piece, or a fingerprint or other keepsake instead.
- Think about how it will be worn: daily, on special days, or kept in a drawer.
- Choose a design and material you will be comfortable with for years.
- Ask the maker the questions below and get the answers in writing.
- How much ash does it need, and what happens to the rest?
- How is it sealed, and how long should the seal last?
- What is the timeline, and what happens if something goes wrong?
- Who handles the ashes, and how are they tracked from start to finish?
- What is the written return and remake policy?
Be cautious of any maker who is vague about how the ashes are handled or who rushes you. Take the time you need.
Where do I go next?
- Ashes into glass, diamonds and stones
How glass and gem keepsakes are made.
- Handprint and fingerprint keepsakes
Keepsakes that do not use ashes.
- How to commission a custom memorial
Questions, timelines and red flags.
- Cremation urns
Choosing a main urn to go with a keepsake.
- Ask us about an independent maker
Tell us what you have in mind and we will try to match you with an independent maker.
Related services
- Cremation services: options, process and costHow cremation works, cremation cost, how direct cremation differs from cremation with a service, what prices include, and your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule.See this service →
- Direct cremation: what it includes and what it does notDirect cremation is cremation soon after death with no ceremony. See direct cremation cost, what is included, timing and how to find a provider near you.See this service →
- Memorial services and celebrations of lifeA memorial service honors someone without the body present. Learn about timing, venues, formats, what it costs to host one and how to plan it calmly.See this service →
Frequently asked questions
What is cremation jewelry?
Cremation jewelry is a pendant, ring, bead or glass piece made to hold a very small portion of ashes, or a fingerprint or other keepsake. It lets you carry a reminder of a loved one with you.
How much ashes do you need for cremation jewelry?
A very small amount, though the exact amount depends on the piece, so ask the maker. Ask whether the unused ashes are returned and how they are handled.
Is cremation jewelry safe to wear every day?
It can be, if the piece is properly sealed and made for daily wear. Ask the maker how it closes and what they advise for water and cleaning.
Can ashes be turned into glass?
Yes, a small portion of ashes can be set inside handmade glass. Each piece is different, so ask the maker about the process, the timeline and what is returned.
Can I get a fingerprint keepsake without ashes?
Yes, a fingerprint can be pressed or engraved into metal or clay, with no ashes involved. It needs a clear print, which may come from records or an impression taken by a provider.
What should I ask a maker of ashes jewelry?
Ask how much ash it needs, how it is sealed, how the ashes are handled and tracked, and what the written return policy is. Get the answers in writing before you send anything.
How do I choose a trustworthy maker of memorial keepsakes?
A trustworthy maker will explain clearly how they handle ashes, what they charge, and what you will receive. Look for clear pricing, written policies for chain of custody, return of unused ashes, and a way to contact them by phone or email. Reviews can help, but check more than one source. Be cautious of any maker that pressures you or is unclear about shipping or insurance. What to ask: ask how the ashes are tracked, how long production takes, what the warranty is, and what happens if you are not satisfied. Funeral Clear does not make these items.
Can ashes be made into jewelry?
Yes, a small amount of cremated remains can be sealed in or incorporated into jewelry such as pendants, rings, or bracelets. Some designs hold ashes in a small chamber, while others blend them into glass or resin. Prices vary widely by material and craftsmanship. Funeral Clear does not make or sell jewelry, and we provide information only. What to ask: ask the maker how the ashes are handled, whether you can send a small amount or deliver them in person, what is returned to you, and what the return and repair policies are.
Can ashes be turned into glass art?
Yes, some artists blend a small amount of cremated remains into molten glass to make paperweights, ornaments, orbs, or sculptures. Each piece is handmade, so patterns and colors vary, and no two are exactly alike. Turnaround can take several weeks, depending on the artist's schedule. The ashes are mixed or encased, and the amount needed is usually small. Funeral Clear does not make or sell glass memorials, and this answer is for information only. What to ask: ask the artist how much ashes are needed, how they track and protect the remains, and what happens if a piece breaks during production.
What keepsakes can be made from a loved one's ashes?
Several kinds of keepsakes can be made from a small portion of ashes, and many families choose them as a personal way to remember a loved one. Options include jewelry, glass art, keepsake urns, memorial stones, and pressed or sealed pieces. A small amount of ashes is usually enough. Funeral Clear does not manufacture or sell memorial products at this time, and this page is for information and referral only. What to ask: ask any artist or maker how much of the ashes they need, how the item is made, and how the ashes are handled and returned.
Is 3D printing a memorial safe and private?
3D printed memorials, such as a small figure or a model of a hand or face, can be meaningful, but privacy deserves a few questions. A provider may use photos, scans, or measurements, and those files could be stored or shared. Ask before you send anything. Some products may also include a small amount of ashes mixed into material. Funeral Clear does not produce 3D printed memorials, and this is information only. What to ask: ask what data the provider collects, how long it is kept, whether it is deleted on request, and whether it is used for any other purpose.
Does Funeral Clear sell memorial products?
No, Funeral Clear does not manufacture or sell memorial products at this time. Our memorial pages provide information about the types of keepsakes that exist and the questions to ask, and we may help you find a provider. We are not a funeral home or a memorial maker. What to do: use our pages to learn what options exist, compare makers on price and how they handle ashes, and read each company's policies before you buy. If we add products or partners later, we will describe how we are paid on the relevant page.
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