Could Cremation Jewellery Charms be the Perfect Keepsake?

Kenny Scott | May 20, 2016 | Ash into Beads

Are you looking for the best way to honour your loved one’s memory and keep them close to you?

Having worked in glass design for over 20 years now, this is one of the main reasons many of my customers approach me, having recently (or not so recently) lost someone they love.

They’re essentially looking for a way to eternalise their loved one’s memory, which is why cremation jewellery – essentially encapsulating ashes within glass – is becoming so popular.

Cremation jewellery charms are just one of the options available, and all you need is a tiny spoonful of your loved one’s ashes to make them.

Below I’m going to tell you why they’re a particularly practical choice, as well as my own unique process for making them.

Why choose cremation jewellery charms?

Jewellery charms and charm bracelets are particularly popular at the moment (think Pandora), with many choosing to wear them on a day-to-day basis. So, a cremation jewellery charm is a practical, easy way to keep your loved one with you by adding them to your existing bracelet.

Cremation jewellery charms are also incredibly versatile (you can even add them to a necklace), and because you only need a very small amount of ashes, it’s easy to get a few charms made at once to distribute amongst family members.

The creation process

The process for making cremation jewellery charms will vary from company to company, but below, I’m going to talk you through my own creation process, so you can have an idea of what’s involved.

Step 1:

First, you choose the colour of charm you want (options can be found either online or in your order pack, but some companies – myself included – will do their best to accommodate a colour of your choosing).

Step 2:

For cremation charms, I like to use a punty iron, which is heated up to 1300 degrees. I then gradually build up the layers of coloured glass.

Step 3:

Next, I add the ashes, and seal with clear glass to give added depth and ensure the charm is perfectly rounded off. The charm should really begin to take form now.

I wish I could take credit for the next part, but in truth, the ashes form their own unique pattern in the glass. This is caused by a mixture of gases and air.

Step 4:

The charm then sits in a kiln and sits overnight at 560 degrees, before being cooled right down to room temperature, ready for the next step.

Step 5:

When the charm is ready, I detach it from the metal, and then do the silverwork. I attach the charm to silver hallmark gromets which can be added to any regular charm bracelet.

Step 6:

Once the finished charm is ready, I will email photos to you along with an invoice. Your special cremation jewellery charm is then sent out to you via Royal Mail Recorded/Signed For or Special Delivery.

How long does it take?

Memorial charms can usually take some of the bigger companies as long as 6-8 weeks to produce – mainly because they have so many orders to process.

Saying that, there are some smaller companies that can produce cremation charms quicker, as well as bringing an extra personal touch to the table.

Personally speaking, I know how important it is to have peace of mind and get your loved one’s ashes back as soon as possible, which is why I try to process every order within two weeks. I also keep you updated at every stage of the process.

Cost

Cremation charms can usually cost anywhere between £50 – £80 and should be made with sterling silver.

Although cost may be a major factor in your decision, I would personally recommend shopping around carefully and finding an experienced company that not only suits your budget, but also makes you feel confident and reassured that your loved one’s ashes are in good hands – not forgetting the final quality product.

To help you decide, I’ve put together the blog ‘8 Questions to Help you Choose the Best Cremation Jewellery Company‘.

Conclusion

Cremation jewellery charms can be a versatile, practical way to remember a loved one and keep them close to you on a daily basis – all you need is a small spoonful of ashes.

The delicate process involved requires experienced hands, and the cost can be anywhere between £50 – £80 when made with sterling silver.

My main advice here is: don’t be afraid to shop around, and make sure you’re comfortable and confident in the company and final product before sending ashes away in the post.