Why Glass Rings are the Most Popular Cremation Jewellery for Ashes

Kenny Scott | May 20, 2016 | Cremation Glass Jewellery

Are you looking for a way to keep someone you lost close to you?

After years of working with glass and cremation jewellery, this is now one of the main reasons many of my customers first hear about me.

They are usually coping with the loss of someone special, and are essentially looking for a way to eternalise their loved one’s memory – which is why cremation jewellery for ashes (essentially encapsulating ashes within glass) is becoming so popular.

Cremation glass rings are just one of the options available, and all you need is a tiny spoonful of your loved one’s ashes to produce a beautiful, high quality ring you can wear for years to come.

Below I’m going to tell you why so many people choose cremation glass rings, as well as my own unique process for making them.

Why choose a cremation glass ring?

Glass rings tend to be dramatic pieces that can shine beautifully in the light. Every time you look down at your hand, you can think of your loved one.

One of my customers also said that it’s almost like having them holding your hand wherever you go, which in my opinion is a particularly lovely thought.

The Creation Process

The process for making cremation glass rings will most likely differ quite widely depending on which company you choose. Below, I’m going to talk you through my own creation process, so you can get a better idea of what’s involved.

Step 1:

You choose your desired colour and ring style (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 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 – this is when the ring truly takes form.

I wish I could take credit for this next bit, but it’s really all down to the ashes themselves, which form their own, unique pattern in the glass – helped along by a mixture of gases and air. No two rings are ever alike!

Step 4:

The final product sits in a kiln for 24 hours, until it has cooled back down to room temperature.

Step 5:

Once the glass has reached room temperature, I then use diamond wheels to grind and polish the bottom until it’s ready to be set into a beautiful silver ring, made by my silversmith.

Step 6:

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

How long does it take?

Memorial glass rings 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 glass rings faster. Personally speaking, I know that most of my customers want their loved ones’ ashes back as soon as possible, which is why I try to process all orders within two weeks.

I also keep them updated at every stage of the process, which is incredibly important.

Cost

Cremation rings can usually cost anywhere between £220 – £495 or maybe more, depending on which type of precious metal you use (sterling silver, white gold or gold).

Although cost may be one of the biggest factors to influence 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.

And remember, just because something is pricier, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better quality. Look for a balance between cost, quality and professionalism – and you’ll be onto a winner.

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

Conclusion

Rings have fast become one of the most popular types of cremation jewellery for ashes, and it’s easy to see why. All you need is a small spoonful of your loved one’s ashes, and you’ll be left with a beautiful ring you can wear for many years to come – almost like having them hold your hand wherever you go.

The careful process involved does need experienced hands, and the cost can be anywhere between £220 – £495 or more depending on the metal used.

Take my advice: don’t be scared to do a bit of online window shopping, and make sure you’re comfortable and confident in the company and final product before sending ashes away in the post.