How to Turn Ashes Into Jewellery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Turning ashes into jewellery is a beautiful and intimate way to remember a loved one or cherished pet. Memorial jewellery allows you to keep someone close in a subtle, personal way — a piece you can wear every day, or hold for comfort whenever you need it.
Here’s a clear guide to the steps involved in creating a wonderful, handcrafted piece that incorporates a small amount of cremation ashes.
1. Choose Your Jeweller
Ordinarily, we would advise choosing a reputable jeweller who specialises in memorial or cremation jewellery — someone experienced in handling ashes with care and creating bespoke pieces.
Fortunately, we’ve made this easy for you. We offer a trusted, hand-selected range of memorial pieces: Ashes Jewellery.
2. Decide on the Type of Jewellery
Consider what you’d like to wear or gift:
Pendant
Ring
Bracelet
Earrings
Charm or bead
You can also choose:
Metal type: silver, gold, rose gold, platinum
Ashes setting: glass, resin, or a hollow chamber
Personalisation: engraving, birthstones, gemstones, or meaningful symbol designs
This is your tribute — it should reflect your loved one, your relationship, and your own style.
3. Separate a Small Amount of Ashes
We provide a simple pack to help you do this. Only a teaspoon of ashes is needed, and most of that will be returned.
If handling the ashes feels too emotional, you can ask your funeral director or crematorium staff — the good ones are more than willing to help.
4. Discuss the Design With Us
Share your ideas, preferences, and any personal touches you’d like included. We’ll guide you through:
Different styles
Settings
Colour options
Customisation possibilities
Whether you want something discreet or something statement, we’ll help shape the perfect memorial.
5. Send the Ashes to the Jeweller
Follow the instructions provided for packaging and posting the ashes.
A small amount of ashes can legally be sent through the post in the UK, and we always recommend using a secure, trackable method.
Your package will be handled with the utmost respect from the moment it arrives.
6. The Jewellery-Making Process
Once received, your jeweller will:
Carefully handle and prepare the ashes
Incorporate a tiny portion into resin or glass (or place them into a designed chamber)
Craft your piece by hand
Permanently encapsulate the ashes so they are secure and protected
Most pieces take 4–8 weeks to complete, depending on the design and studio workload.
7. Final Touches
After the main piece is created, the jeweller will:
Add any engravings or gemstones
Polish and finish the piece to ensure durability and shine
Carry out quality checks
This is where the piece truly comes to life.
8. Delivery of Your Finished Jewellery
Your memorial jewellery will be securely packaged and returned to you, often with a certificate of authenticity or relevant documentation.
When you hold the finished piece for the first time, you’ll understand why so many people choose this unique way to honour their loved ones.
A Few Final Notes
Every jeweller works slightly differently — processes, timeframes, and prices can vary. It’s always wise to compare options before choosing a provider.
But if you choose Scattering Ashes, you can be sure that experience, compassion, and craftsmanship come as standard.