What Is Memorial Jewelry? Different Types of Memorial Jewelry You Can Choose From

You cared deeply for your lost loved one, and obviously want to memorialize him or her in a respectful but special way that is just as unique as he or she was. Some funeral homes and cremation service providers offer memorial jewelry that you can choose from. In this article, we will discuss what they are, the different types of memorial jewelry as well as where to buy them.

Borek Jennings Funeral Homes is a cremation service provider in Brighton, MI and surrounding areas. For over 20 years, we have served the families in the community with dignity and quality service. Our staff is composed of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Give us a call today at (810) 231-0200 

Memorial jewelry makes a thoughtful gift to be given to family and friends. The memorial jewelry can also act as a daily reminder of that person’s life, even if it is not worn on the body. The most popular type of memorial jewelry is usually bracelets due to its versatility in styles which you can wear every day without too much fuss while still making sure they look nice enough for special occasions. Some people find solace knowing their loved ones are with them all the time.

What is memorial jewelry? 

Memorial jewelry, most commonly known as cremation jewelry or funeral jewelry, is simply a method for individuals to hold near to a loved one. Depending on how you want the piece to be ornamented, cremation jewelry comes in a variety of shapes, styles, sizes, and pricing ranges.

Memorial jewelry can come in many forms, from necklaces and rings to lockets, pendants and bracelets, but every form is a special reminder of the deceased.  Memorial jewelry can be worn or displayed, but it is not only for the person who was lost. Friends may also wear memorial jewelry to remember their loved one and gain strength from its symbolism.

How does memorial jewelry work?

Memorial or cremation jewelry is made from jewelry that has been infused with the ashes of a loved one. Unlike traditional cremation jewelry, which keeps the ashes hidden inside a small chamber on the memento, cremation jewelry manufactured from ashes actually incorporates the ashes into the jewelry’s design.

Once a body is cremated, the family sends the remains to a jeweler. The remains, consisting of minerals like calcium phosphates, are combined with molten glass gold, silver, platinum or other materials using special encasement methods to mold the remains and the metals together. The goal is this molding is to display and protect the cremated remains. Since every person’s chemical makeup is slightly different, every piece of memorial jewelry will have a slightly different chemical reaction, resulting in different colors, shapes, and patterns. In other words, every piece of memorial jewelry will be just as unique as the person it’s made from. Families can also choose to include items like hair or dried flowers in the jewelry piece for even more uniqueness.

Types of memorial jewelry

1. Viai urn 

• The most recognizable type of memorial jewelry.
• Also known as traditional vial urn.
• It comes in a pendant form.
• Has a secure interior for keeping ashes or other mementos.
• Can be engraved with a design, wordings, names, etc.

2. Locket necklace 

• Similar to a vial urn but in a locket form.
• Comes in a heart shape or round shape.
• A tiny locket that can be opened up for inserting pictures, ashes, mementos and more.
• Can be engraved with a design, wordings, names, etc.

3. Cremation bracelets 

• Similar to a vial urn but in the form of a bracelet.
• Can be worn as an armband or anklet, depending on its design and style.
• Comes in different shapes like round, rectangular or flat.
• Optional features such as charms inside for more uniqueness.
• Can be engraved with wordings, names etc. 

4. Cremation rings

• Comes in a traditional banded ring.
• Has a hollow interior to put ashes or hair.
• Comes in many different designs, styles and shapes.
• Can also be worn as a necklace with chains.

5. Resin Crystal

• Created from clear resin, ashes, and other colors.
• The ashes infused can have a unique pattern and style.
• The crystals adorn jewelry of all shapes and sizes.

6. Memorial diamonds

• Created from cremation ashes.
• Has a unique pattern and color depending on the kind of diamond created.
• Can be used to create pendants, rings or other kinds of jewelry.   

7. Keychains

• Unlike jewelry, keychains is a common item but still a stylish accessory to carry with you.
• Has a hollow interior for ashes, hair or other mementos.
• Can be carried around in pockets and purses.
• A common item you can carry every day.

If you’re considering memorial jewelry for your lost loved one, there are a few things you should keep in mind: material, the deceased, and style. Though you can have memorial jewelry in almost any material, you should think about how and how often you’re  going to wear it, as some materials are more durable  than others. For example, if you’re making a ring that you’re only going to wear on special occasions, resin is fine. However, if you want to wear the ring on a daily basis, you need a stronger material like silver.

 Also, keep in mind how the deceased would want to be memorialized. Think about his or her styles, preferences, and even interests for inspiration. How do you think you could best memorialize your lost loved one? You should choose memorial jewelry in a style that you will actually wear. If you don’t like big pendants, maybe choose a small bracelet or locket. Be sure that you choose a style that fits your comfort level or considers a piece that is simple and timeless for the coming generations.

Where can I buy memorial jewelry?

Nowadays, you can find memorial jewelry in just about any store. You could try a department store or even online like Etsy or Amazon. Just be sure to do your research before making an expensive purchase. Be certain that the company is reputable and has been selling memorial jewelry for many years with satisfied customers. Make sure they have a good return policy if anything goes wrong with the product too so you don’t feel stuck in an unfortunate situation like getting bad quality pieces of jewelry made from low-grade metals or cheap stones.

Memorial jewelry is just one of the many options you have to memorialize a lost loved one after cremation. If memorial jewelry isn’t for you, you can always choose a more traditional method like displaying the remains in a cremation urn, scattering them, burying them, or putting up a headstone.

Borek Jennings Funeral Homes is here to help if you are looking to arrange a personalized funeral or cremation service in Brighton, MI. Stop by and visit us or give us a call today at (810) 231-0200 for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss.