Short answer: Handprint and fingerprint keepsakes preserve the shape of a hand or the pattern of a fingertip, as a cast, an ink or clay impression, or a charm. A print can be taken before or soon after a death. Ask how the print is made, what happens to the image, and how to keep it private.
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What is a handprint or fingerprint keepsake?
Please read this first
Funeral Clear does not make or sell these items yet. We are collecting requests and will try to match families with independent makers. We cannot promise a reply time or that a maker will be available for your idea.
A handprint or fingerprint keepsake keeps the shape of a hand, a foot or the pattern of a fingertip. It might be a clay impression, a plaster or resin cast, an ink print on paper, or a fingerprint engraved on a pendant or ring.
These keepsakes often matter for the very young and the very old. Many hospitals and hospices already offer simple handprints, so ask the care team first.
How is a handprint or fingerprint keepsake made?
Common methods are:
- Clay or salt-dough impression: the hand is pressed gently into soft material, then dried or baked.
- Ink print: a safe, washable ink is used to make a print on paper or card.
- Alginate and plaster cast: a soft molding material takes the shape, and plaster or resin is poured into the mold. This is a more detailed 3D copy, and it takes practice and care.
- Fingerprint charm: a fingerprint is taken in ink or scanned, then engraved, stamped or cast in metal such as silver.
- 3D scan: a hand is scanned and a model is printed or cast. See our guides on 3D keepsakes and privacy.
Who is a handprint or fingerprint keepsake a good fit for?
These keepsakes suit families who want something physical and gentle that holds a person's presence. A hand cast can sit on a shelf, while a fingerprint charm can be worn daily.
They may not suit everyone. Taking a print or cast of a person who has passed can be emotionally hard. If it does not feel right, there is no obligation. A photograph of the hands is also a beautiful keepsake.
What materials, sizes and timelines are typical?
Prints range from a fingertip to a full hand or foot. Charms are small; casts may be life-size. Timelines are best described in general terms: a clay or ink print can be done in minutes, while casting, finishing and metalwork can take days to weeks. Plan around the maker's own estimate and treat it as a guide, not a promise.
| Method | Typical result | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ink print | Flat print for framing or a card | Simple, low cost, easy to repeat |
| Clay impression | Shallow keepsake tile | Fragile until fired or fully dry |
| Plaster or resin cast | 3D hand or foot | Needs a careful, patient process |
| Silver or other metal charm | Wearable fingerprint piece | Ask whether it is engraved or cast |
What drives the price of a handprint or fingerprint keepsake?
Makers set prices in different ways, so it helps to know what sits behind a quote. In general, these things move the price:
- The method: ink is simple; casting and metalwork take more skill.
- Size, from a fingertip to a full hand.
- The material, especially precious metal.
- Finishing, such as painting, framing or mounting.
- Whether a visit in person is needed.
- Packing, delivery and insurance.
Ask for a written quote that lists each part, so you can compare like with like.
What should I ask a maker?
Bring this list to your first conversation. A good maker will be glad to answer.
- How is the print or cast taken, and how long does it take?
- Is the method safe for delicate or elderly skin?
- Who keeps the fingerprint image or scan afterward?
- Can I have any images deleted once I have the piece?
- What are the materials, and are they suitable for jewelry?
- What if the first attempt does not work?
What are the red flags to watch for?
Most makers are honest and careful. These signs are reasons to slow down or walk away:
- No clear process for taking a print respectfully.
- No policy on storing fingerprints or hand images.
- Use of a print for sale or advertising without permission.
- Pressure to decide on the spot.
- Claims that the material contains ashes with no explanation.
Who owns my photos and files, and what about privacy?
A fingerprint is biometric data. It can identify a person, so treat it with real care. Ask whether the image is stored, and for how long. Ask that it be used only to make your piece. Our guide on 3D scanning and privacy explains the questions in more depth.
A child's print is just as sensitive. Do not allow a maker to keep or share it for marketing.
How do I care for it, and how long will it last?
Clay and plaster pieces are fragile and best kept dry, on a shelf, out of the sun. Resin and metal are tougher, though metal may tarnish, and can be polished gently.
Ink prints fade in strong sunlight, so frame them with UV-protective glass and hang them away from windows.
Is there a lower-cost or do-it-yourself option?
This is one of the easiest memorials to do yourself. You can make an ink print with a stamp pad, press a hand into air-dry clay, or ask the hospital or hospice if they can help.
Take several photos of the hands as well. They cost nothing and can be turned into something else later.
When should I not rush this decision?
If you would like a print of a person who is dying, there may be a short window, and you can ask a nurse or chaplain to help. If it is too much, it is fine to skip it.
If the person has already died, you can still choose a cast or a charm later from photos. Nothing needs to be settled this week.
Frequently asked questions
Can a handprint be taken after death?
Often yes, with care. Ask the funeral home or hospice what they can offer, and only do it if it feels right.
What is the difference between a print and a cast?
A print is flat, like ink on paper. A cast is a 3D copy made from a mold.
Is a fingerprint charm real silver?
It depends on the maker. Ask what the metal is and how it is marked.
Can I do this at home?
Yes, ink prints and clay impressions are simple to make at home.
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.
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.
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.
What are low-cost ways to create a lasting memorial?
Meaningful memorials do not have to be expensive, and many families choose simple and personal ideas. Examples include a memory book, a framed photo collage, a shadow box, a donation to a charity in the person's name, a tree or garden planting, or a dedicated family recipe night. An online memorial page can gather photos and stories from far-away friends. What to do: choose something that reflects your loved one's interests, invite family and friends to contribute a memory, and set a modest budget so the memorial feels like comfort rather than pressure.
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