Discover Why a Cremation Pendant is the Best Cremation Jewellery Idea You’ve Heard
Discover Why a Cremation Pendant is the Best Cremation Jewellery Idea You’ve Heard
Kenny Scott | May 20, 2016 | Cremation Pendants
Are you unsure of what to do with your loved one’s ashes now they’re gone?
When you’ve just lost a loved one, the subject of what to do with their ashes probably won’t seem important. After all, we all need time to grieve and reflect on those special moments we spent together, before even considering how to go on without them.
However, if you’ve been left with ashes, you might start to wonder about the best way to honour your loved one’s memory.
Having worked in glass design for over 20 years now, I know that memorial glass is becoming an increasingly popular choice – and cremation pendants can be a particularly beautiful way to remember someone special
All you need is a small spoonful of your loved one’s ashes to create a gorgeous cremation pendant, so below, I’m going to talk you through the process involved.
Why choose a cremation pendant?
Cremation or memorial pendants can be particularly striking pieces of jewellery, that will easily stand out and be noticed. It’s also a lovely way of keeping your loved one close to your heart at all times.
Another good thing about pendants is that they are generally made to be quality, long-lasting sterling silver products that you’ll be able to wear for years to come – although the quality can vary depending on the company you buy from.
The creation process
I’m sure the process every company uses is going to be slightly different, but below I’m going to talk you through my own process, so you’ll know exactly what’s involved:
Step 1:
First, you choose the colour of pendant 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:
The coloured glass is then heated up to around 1500 – 1400 degrees, until it becomes sort of a honey texture.
Step 3:
Once it’s ready, I capture the ashes within the glass, using heat and a combination of coloured and clear glass to seal it in.
I wish I could take credit for the next part, but in truth, the ashes form their own unique pattern in the glass caused by a mixture of gases and air.
You could say, they each have their own personality and no one piece ever looks the same!
Step 4:
The final product sits in a kiln for around 24 hours, until it has cooled back down to room temperature, and is ready for the next step.
Step 5:
Once the glass has reached room temperature, I then use diamond wheels to grind and polish the bottom. The product is now ready to be set in hallmarked silver.
Step 6:
Once the finished pendant is ready, I will email photos to you along with an invoice. Your special pendant is then sent out to you via Royal Mail Recorded/Signed For or Special Delivery.
How long does it take?
Memorial pendants 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 glass quicker, as well as bringing an extra personal touch to the table.
Personally, I know how important it is to have peace of mind and get your loved one’s ashes back as quickly as possible, which is why I try to process every order within two weeks, and keep you updated at every stage of the process.
Cost
Cremation pendants can usually cost anywhere between £100 – £450 – perhaps more depending on the material you want to use (sterling silver, white gold, gold).
Although cost can’t be ignored, I would 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.
To help you decide, I’ve put together the blog ‘8 Questions to Help you Choose the Best Cremation Jewellery Company’.
Conclusion
If you’re stuck on the difficult subject of what to do with loved ones’ ashes, cremation pendants can be a wonderful, touching way of remembering a loved one. All you need is a small spoonful of ashes, and it means you can have your loved one close to your heart at all times.
The delicate process involved demands experienced hands, and the cost can be anywhere between £100 – £450. But remember – always choose a cremation jewellery company wisely, and ensure you’re confident your loved ones’ ashes will be in good hands.