Author Frances Kay / Category: Cremation Jewelry / Last Updated February 6, 2025
Reviewed Alexandra M. Adelyn. Read time: 20 minutes
INTRODUCTION
WHY MATERIAL CHOICE MATTERS FOR DURABLE MEMORIAL JEWELRY
BEYOND MATERIAL: THE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF LASTING MEMORIAL JEWELRY
MAINTAINING YOUR MEMORIAL JEWELRY: CARE TIPS FOR LASTING WEAR
CONCLUSION
A cherished piece of jewelry can be more than just an accessory—it can be a comforting connection to someone we hold dear. Memorial jewelry, especially durable cremation jewelry, allows us to keep a loved one close in a deeply personal way. Whether worn daily or on special occasions, these keepsakes should stand the test of time, just like the memories they represent.
The heart on the left shows tarnish on a lower quality pendant. The pendant on the right is highly polished and crafted using quality materials and craftsmanship.
However, not all pieces are made to last. Many people worry about tarnishing, scratching, or breakage, especially with frequent wear. Choosing long-lasting memorial jewelry requires knowing which materials and craftsmanship will ensure its durability. With over 19 years of experience in sterling silver and gold jewelry, we've worked with countless memorial pieces and understand what makes them both beautiful and resilient. This guide will help you make an informed decision, exploring the best materials, expert construction techniques, and essential care tips so your treasured piece remains as strong as the love it represents.
When choosing jewelry materials for a meaningful keepsake, durability is just as important as beauty. A memorial piece is something you want to last—not just for years, but for generations. Whether you’re considering solid gold memorial jewelry or jewelry made from ashes, the right metal makes all the difference in ensuring your piece stays strong, untarnished, and beautiful over time1.
Memorial jewelry comes in a variety of metals, each with its own strengths. Sterling silver is a classic choice, balancing affordability with lasting quality. 14k gold—available in yellow, white, and rose—offers timeless beauty with exceptional durability. Stainless steel is another sturdy option, while base metals like brass and copper may look nice at first but often don’t hold up well over time.
Not all metals are created equal when it comes to durability. Pure gold and silver are naturally soft, which is why they’re blended with other metals to create stronger, longer-lasting jewelry.
Gold Karats & Alloys: 14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold mixed with stronger metals like silver and copper, making it much more resistant to everyday wear than higher karat gold, which is softer2.
Sterling Silver Strength: Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver3, blended with 7.5% strengthening alloys like copper to enhance durability, luster, and wear resistance. Pure silver is too soft for everyday jewelry, so these alloys make sterling silver a stronger, more practical choice.
✔ Increased Hardness – Strengthening metals improve scratch and bend resistance.✔ Enhanced Luster – Alloy blending helps sterling silver maintain its bright, reflective shine.✔ Improved Tarnish Resistance – Modern alloys slow oxidation, making maintenance easier.
At our shop, we use laboratory-grade nitrogen in the casting process to minimize oxidation, ensuring a smoother, longer-lasting finish. This extra level of care guarantees our sterling silver cremation jewelry remains beautiful and durable for years to come.
Notice the difference between pure silver on the left and sterling silver on the right. The difference in luster is noticeable and shows where sterling silver gets its shiny finish.
We've worked with sterling silver casting4 for years, and it’s one of the best choices for memorial jewelry. When properly treated, sterling silver resists tarnishing and remains strong over time. Unlike plated metals, which can wear down and reveal an inferior base underneath, sterling silver is solid throughout—making it a reliable option for everyday wear.
Some gold jewelry is only gold-plated, meaning a thin layer of gold is applied over a base metal. I’ve seen cases where plated jewelry starts to fade or even turn green within weeks. This doesn’t happen with solid 14k gold memorial jewelry. It holds its shine and strength for decades, making it a worthwhile investment.
A memorial piece isn’t just about the metal—it’s about how it’s made. Even the highest-quality gold or silver won’t last if the craftsmanship isn’t there. That’s why expert casting methods are key to creating jewelry that is both beautiful and exceptionally durable.
Many cremation jewelry manufacturers create their pieces by soldering two halves together, leaving a large interior cavity for ashes. While this maximizes internal space, it significantly reduces the amount of precious metal in the piece, making it lighter and structurally weaker over time. That is not how our pieces are made.
At our shop, we use a lost-wax casting process—a method trusted for generations—to create solid, heirloom-quality jewelry. Each piece is cast as a single solid form, ensuring superior weight, strength, and longevity. We then use a proprietary technique to carefully create a small, secure cavity for the ashes. This means our jewelry contains far more precious metal than traditional designs, making it heavier, more durable, and truly built to last for generations.
With this expert craftsmanship, your cremation jewelry isn’t just a keepsake—it’s a timeless tribute worthy of your loved one’s memory.
When it comes to crafting strong, detailed jewelry, wax casting is the gold standard. As a jeweler, I would never use resin for casting. Wax has been used for thousands of years with consistent results, while resin can create issues like uneven burnout and weaker final pieces. Wax burns out cleanly, leaving a perfect mold for the metal, ensuring better detail and strength.
To ensure every intricate detail is flawlessly captured, we print our wax models using a 3D Systems wax printer with a 9-micron capability. For perspective, a human hair is approximately 70 microns, meaning our precision is nearly eight times finer. The lower the micron, the higher the precision, allowing us to achieve exceptionally fine details—from delicate engravings to lifelike fingerprint impressions. At 9 microns, our designs maintain sharp definition and minimal imperfections, resulting in jewelry that is both stunning and enduring. This advanced technology enables us to craft heirloom-quality pieces with unmatched accuracy and durability.
At our facility, we take pride in quality. We use mostly virgin metals, with less than 50% recycled material in our castings, ensuring the purity and strength of each piece. The right metal choice ensures your jewelry remains as strong as the memories it represents.
A beautiful memorial pendant deserves a chain that’s just as strong. After all, what good is a well-crafted piece if the chain or clasp can’t hold up over time? The right chain and clasp keep your jewelry secure, ensuring it stays close to you without worry.
Not all chains are made to handle daily wear. Some are too delicate and prone to breaking, while others tangle easily. That’s why we carefully choose chains that are both strong and comfortable. Whether it’s a classic snake chain or a more durable wheat or rope chain, we make sure it’s designed to hold the weight of your piece while maintaining its elegance.
In the picture, you can see our free stainless steel snake chain holding a 30lb dumbbell without breaking. We finally got the chain to break at 40lbs, but it was remarkable to see a standard chain withstand such an extreme test. This level of strength ensures that your jewelry remains secure and reliable for everyday wear, giving you confidence that your keepsake is made to last.
The clasp is one of the most overlooked but important parts of any necklace. We use heavy-duty lobster clasps because they’re known for their strength and reliability5. Unlike spring-ring clasps, which can wear out over time, lobster clasps are built to stay secure and easy to use, so you don’t have to worry about your necklace coming undone unexpectedly.
Beyond the chain and clasp, the little details matter too. We use solid jump rings and reinforced end caps to connect everything together, ensuring a secure hold that won’t weaken over time. By carefully selecting the best chains, clasps, and findings, we create memorial jewelry that isn’t just beautiful, but built to last—so you can wear your cherished piece with confidence every day.
Your memorial jewelry is more than just a piece of metal—it’s a cherished connection to someone special. With a little care, it can stay beautiful for years to come. Whether made from solid sterling silver or solid 14k gold, proper cleaning and storage will help maintain its shine and strength.
Sterling silver is a strong and lasting metal, but it can darken over time if exposed to air and moisture. To keep it looking its best:
Gently polish with a soft silver cloth to remove any tarnish.
Wash occasionally with warm water and mild soap, then pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Store in an anti-tarnish pouch or lined jewelry box to minimize exposure to air and humidity.
At our facility, we take extra steps to reduce oxidation during casting, but simple care will keep your silver shining.
Unlike silver, solid 14k gold memorial jewelry won’t tarnish, but it can still collect oils, dirt, and tiny scratches. To keep it in great shape:
Wipe it regularly with a jewelry cloth to maintain its natural glow.
Wash with warm water and mild soap when needed, and dry thoroughly.
Store separately to prevent scratches—especially for waterproof cremation jewelry that’s meant for everyday wear.
Even the best jewelry can show signs of wear over time. Watch for:
Darkening on silver, which is easy to clean but should be addressed before it builds up.
Clasps or chains feeling loose, a sign they may need tightening or repair.
Scratches or tiny dents, which can often be buffed out by a jeweler if needed.
By following these simple care tips, your memorial piece will stay strong and beautiful, just like the memories it holds.
Memorial jewelry is more than just something you wear—it’s a meaningful connection to someone special. That’s why choosing the right materials, craftsmanship, and care makes all the difference. We’ve talked about the benefits of solid sterling silver and 14k gold, the importance of quality casting methods, and simple ways to keep your jewelry looking its best.
At our Everlasting Memories, we believe in creating jewelry that lasts. Every piece is made with solid metals, not plated alternatives, so you never have to worry about fading or wear over time. Great craftsmanship and strong materials mean you’re getting a quality piece built to be treasured. Whether you prefer sterling silver or 14k gold, we take care in every step to ensure your jewelry is beautiful, durable, and made to be worn every day.
If you're looking for a meaningful, well-crafted piece, we’d love for you to browse our collection or reach out with any questions. We’re here to help you find something special—because the right piece should last a lifetime.
Works Cited
1. "The Essential Guide To Choosing Jewelry Metals"; Deepwear; https://deepwear.info/blog/the-essential-guide-to-choosing-jewelry-metals/
2. "24 Facts About Gold"; Gold.org; https://www.gold.org/about-gold/gold-facts
3. "Sterling Silver: Everything You Need To Know"; Jewelry Informer, 06 May 24; https://jewelryinformer.com/silver/sterling-silver/
4. "How To Cast 925 Silver: A Comprehensive Guide for You"; Jewelry Lucas; 15 Nov 23; https://jewelrylukas.com/how-to-cast-925-silver/
5. "Jewelry Clasp Types: The Pros and Cons of Each Clasp Type"' Anna Currell, Quick Jewelry Repairs, 28 Jun 23; https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/articles/jewelry-clasp-types-pros-cons/
Frances Kay is a preeminent authority in the writing and cremation industries, revered for her expertise, integrity, and compassionate approach. With over 30 years of literary excellence, she has earned an unshakable reputation as a trusted voice, seamlessly blending deep industry knowledge with a rare gift for storytelling. A published author by the age of 10, Frances has spent her life honing her craft, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to producing work that educates, inspires, and profoundly resonates.
As a leading figure in the cremation industry for nearly two decades, Frances Kay’s contributions are unmatched. She has authored over 50 definitive guides and articles that serve as indispensable resources for families, professionals, and industry leaders alike. Her work extends beyond writing—she is a driving force behind advancements in cremation urn design, manufacturing, and marketing. Through strategic collaborations with distributors and master artisans, she has been instrumental in developing innovative, high-quality memorials that honor loved ones with dignity and meaning.
Frances’s expertise extends far beyond technical knowledge; she possesses an innate ability to understand the emotional complexities of grief, offering guidance with both authority and empathy. Her compassionate insights—rooted in personal experience—have helped countless individuals find solace in their time of need. Her writing does more than inform; it uplifts, comforts, and fosters a deep sense of connection.
Beyond her professional achievements, Frances Kay is a devoted wife and mother who treasures the bonds of family. She finds balance and renewal through fitness, gardening, and the companionship of her beloved dogs. Her personal and professional lives intertwine seamlessly, reinforcing her mission to create work that speaks to the heart.
Through her dedication to knowledge, innovation, and heartfelt storytelling, Frances Kay remains a pillar of trust and wisdom. Her writing continues to illuminate the path for those seeking understanding, ensuring that every word she pens carries the weight of experience, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.