Author Frances Kay / Category: Cremation Urns / Last Updated March 23, 2024
Reviewed Alexandra M. Adelyn. Read time: 36 minutes
Cremation has risen in popularity over the past 50 years and affordability plays a major reason in that rise1. With nearly 60% of households living paycheck to paycheck2, when a death occurs families are more apt to choose cremation over burial due to the associated costs of each. According to Time Stamped, the 2023 median cost of a funeral with viewing and cremation was $6,280 while the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $83003.
Cremation jewelry affords families the option of having a part of the ashes of their loved one with them inside a piece of jewelry. These pendants, rings, bracelets and more can hold a small tribute to the deceased in a manner that is personal yet discreet.
Everlasting Memories has been involved in the funeral industry for over 20 years. As one of the first online retailers to offer cremation jewelry, we have served over 80,000 families and grown our line of cremation jewelry from several hundred to an online inventory of over 6,000 distinct pieces.
OUR BACKGROUND ON CREMATION JEWELRY
WHAT IS CREMATION JEWELRY?
HOW AND WHY WOULD SOMEONE CHOOSE CREMATION JEWELRY?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF CREMATION JEWELRY?
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING CREMATION JEWELRY
CREMATION JEWELRY MATERIALS
PERSONALIZING CREMATION JEWELRY
CUSTOM CREMATION JEWELRY
OUR CUSTOMER FAVORITES
HOW TO FILL YOUR CREMATION JEWELRY
CREMATION JEWELRY CARE INSTRUCTIONS
CREMATION JEWELRY FAQ'S
CONCLUSION
We offer a combined staff expertise of 80+ years of knowledge and have been successful because we have been in our customers shoes. We have lost spouses, parents, grandparents, best friends, siblings and children. Our compassion and care stems from a desire to truly help our customers find some comfort because we have been there and know firsthand how crucial that comfort is in moving forward.
Quality is paramount at Everlasting Memories - quality of products and customer service. We are proud to be BBB accredited and a member of the International Cemetery, Crermation and Funeral Association (ICCFA). The ICCFA is the only international trade organization that represents all segment of the funeral and cemetery industry. We are fully transparent with our on-site customer reviews as well as our reviews on Facebook, Google and Etsy as we believe that the customer experience is the foundation from which we succeed.
Originally known as mourning jewelry, cremation jewelry dates back to the late 1800’s4. Hair was taken from the head of the deceased and incorporated into jewelry such as a brooch or a bonnet and given to the next of kin. A pendant, ring or other jewelry has a small hollowed out interior that is accessed by removing a threaded screw. The screw may be the bail at the top of the pendant or on the back, side or bottom of the jewelry.
Approximately a pinch or ⅛ teaspoon of cremated ashes or other remembrance can be added to the interior and sealed inside. The exterior of the cremation jewelry gives nothing away about what the interior of the jewelry contains and the styles range from pendants and rings to keychains, bracelets and more.
Cremation jewelry has evolved over time and designs such as forever sealed cremation jewelry seals the ashes inside the jewelry and creates a modern remembrance that is completely waterproof and indistinguishable from regular jewelry. Cremation jewelry continues to be one of the most innovative and widely accepted ways in which individuals and families can have a visual and personal reminder of their loved one.
There is no right or wrong answer as to why someone would use cremation jewelry. Cremation jewelry is designed to give the wearer a tangible reminder of a loved one or pet that has passed away and keep that memory close to you5. You can also use cremation jewelry as a visual reminder only of someone that has passed - it does not have to be worn on the person nor does it have to be filled with cremated ashes or another tribute.
How someone would use cremation jewelry is also dependent on that individual or family. Where cremation jewelry is design to be worn, it can also be placed on display in the home6. You may choose to put the cremation jewelry in safe keeping in order to pass it down to a future generation as a family heirloom.
The wide selection of styles of cremation jewelry means that you have the opportunity to fine tune your memory of your loved one. The styles are easily integrated into every lifestyle and offer a discreet and visual way to honor someone you cherished.
One of the most versatile styles of cremation jewelry, cremation necklaces are available in a wide assortment of shapes, themes and materials. Hearts, nature and animal inspired, bold masculine designs and more make cremation jewelry pendants an ideal choice for the entire family.
Cremation necklaces can be used to remember pets too. Pet cremation jewelry can be worn as a daily reminder of your beloved animal.
The interior compartment where the remembrance is added is typically accessed by unscrewing the bail at the top of the cremation pendant or by locating and removing the discreetly placed threaded screw.
Cremation necklaces can often be personalized by choosing a different chain in a different length or finish to add some contrast to the pendant. Additionally, birthstone accents and engraved text offer other ways to personalize your selection.
A beautiful way to create a lasting memory of a loved one that has passed, cremation rings will hold a small amount of cremated ashes inside the interior of the ring. The rings are available in a wide variety of different metals and styles from fashion rings to more classic bands and understated looks.
Cremation rings are available in both mens and women’s sizes and most can be on the inside of the band or the top of the ring with initials, a word or a short phrase. Choose memorial rings for ashes as a discreet way to hold close a reminder of a spouse, a parent, a child or even a cherished pet.
For men we have an exclusive collection of Men's Cremation Rings and handcrafted Women's Cremation Rings.
Not sure how to size for your cremation ring? Watch our cremation ring sizing video here!
Crafted from leather, titanium and more, cremation bracelets create an alternative a way to remember a loved one. Cremation bracelets are designed to fit every wrist size and the exterior of the bracelet never reveals that the interior holds a pinch of cremated ashes or other remembrance.
Cremation bracelets come in three different styles: cuff, link and bangle. Cuff cremation bracelets are an ideal choice for those that have smaller wrists as the bracelets are not adjustable. Link style cremation bracelets are an option for a wide variety of wrist sizes as they can be shortened by removing lengths or lengthened by adding links.
Bangle cremation bracelets fit an average sized wrist, around 8", and slip over the hand. Some bangle styles can be squeezed gently to create a fit that is more snug.
Cremation keychains are a great option for those that are looking for a way to hold close a memory of a loved one but don’t wear a lot of jewelry. The assortment of themes and materials means that you can choose the cremation keychain that best suits your lifestyle.
The wide selection of cremation keychains means that you can really fine tune your choice. Whether remembering a loved one or a beloved pet, keychains for ashes are a great way to bring that memory with you wherever your travels take you.
Some ideas when choosing your cremation keychain for ashes:
Cremation keychains are a great idea for children that have experienced their first loss. The cost is affordable and the keychains can be filled with a small scroll, a piece of t-shirt or bits of fur in lieu of ashes. The keychains can also easily attach to a backpack.
We spend a lot of time on the go and rearview mirror cremation jewelry allows you to take a reminder of your loved one on your travels in the car. The pendants do not obstruct your driving view and provide a visual reminder of the deceased.
You are not limited to just adding ashes to the interior of your rearview mirror cremation jewelry. A small piece of their favorite worn t-shirt, some dirt or ground from their favorite walking trail or beach or even a few strands of their hair can be sealed inside the cremation jewelry.
These rearview mirror pendants can be filled with a remembrance of your choosing. Rearview mirror cremation ash jewelry includes a filling kit as well as a clear filament with magnetized ends for you to display.
Choosing cremation jewelry is a very personal decision. Here are some things to consider to help you find the ideal piece for your individual situation.
Deciding between traditional cremation jewelry and Forever Sealed jewelry is one of the most things to consideration. Traditional cremation jewelry has a small interior compartment that is accessed either by removing a screw or by unscrewing the bail. The ashes are then placed inside the jewelry and sealant is applied to the threads of the screw or bail to secure the ashes inside.
With Forever Sealed cremation jewelry, the ashes are professionally added to the interior of the jewelry during the creating process. Once the ashes are added, they are forever sealed inside. There is no threaded screw. Forever Sealed cremation jewelry is completely waterproof and indistinguishable from regular jewelry.
It's important to consider whom will be filling the jewelry. If you or the funeral home will be filling the jewelry, traditional cremation jewelry will be your best option. If you prefer to have Everlasting Memories fill the jewelry, you can take advantage of our professional filling service and/or choose Forever Sealed cremation jewelry. We will send an ash collection kit that contains everything you need to gather, collect and send the ashes back to us.
Consider the recipient when choosing cremation jewelry. Are they active? How old are they? For those that lead active lifestyles, they may prefer a ring or a bracelet that doesn't move around during physical activity. Older fingers or children's fingers aren't quite as nimble as those of an adult and clasps may be challenging. Think about their lifestyle and what will easily integrate into their day-to-day routine.
Size is another thing to consider when choosing cremation jewelry. A dainty sized pendant, ring or smaller chain might not be ideal for a man that has a tall or broad stature. A woman with smaller hands might prefer a thin fingerprint band in lieu of a wider cuff ring that could look out of place on smaller hands or shorter fingers.
Always consider material when choosing cremation jewelry. Some metals such as stainless steel do not scratch or tarnish and are a great option when it comes to keychains. 14k gold is ideal for those that are looking for a long term investment in their cremation jewelry or that have a metal sensitivity.
Knowing a little bit about the metals used in cremation jewelry can help you make the most informed decision possible. Learn more about the most commonly used cremation jewelry metals and what options are available with each.
Stainless steel is an alloy that is made up of titanium, nickel and chromium and the metal is resistant to scratches and tarnishing6. Stainless steel is highly durable and is similar in look to sterling silver however without the higher associated costs.
Stainless steel cremation jewelry is an ideal choice for those that are looking for an everyday item to wear. Steel is also a good option for young adults that may not be ready for the responsibility for caring for a higher priced cremation jewelry pendant, ring or bracelet.
Sterling silver is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other alloys and is the most popular metal used in jewelry7. 925 sterling silver is derived from the composition of 925 parts silver for every 1000. Sterling silver is considered a soft metal which makes it prone to scratches and it does require regular maintenance to keep its shine.
Sterling silver cremation jewelry is available in pendants, bracelets and rings and the selection of styles and themes is broad and varied. Sterling silver is a great choice for those that are looking for everyday jewelry and you can select more ornate styles for special occasions to simple bands and basic shapes that wear well on a daily basis.
Gold plated jewelry provides the look of solid gold at a fraction of the cost. A thin layer of gold is plated onto a base metal and the base is typically brass, copper or sterling silver8. Gold plating is very sensitive to wear and tear and requires regular maintenance. Gold plating does wear off over time and may require replating in years to come.
For those looking for gold jewelry yet with a limited budget, gold plated cremation jewelry is a great option. Our selection of gold plated necklaces has options for men, women and children and every pendant includes a matching gold plated chain. All of our gold plated cremation jewelry is gold plated over sterling silver.
We clear coat our Gold Plated jewelry with a clear ceramic coating. This protects the plating, adds durability and makes the plating last considerably longer.
Black cerakote plated jewelry features a specialized coating that has a polymer ceramic finish9. Cerakote is very durable and is resistant to scratches and dents.
Black plated cremation jewelry is a great option for those that are looking for something outside the ordinary. All of our black plated jewelry has a sterling silver base and we apply the cerakote finish in house. Additionally, most of our sterling silver cremation jewelry can have a cerakote finish at the customer's request.
Pure gold is 24K which means 24/24 parts are gold. 14K gold means that 14/24 parts are gold, roughly 58.33% is gold and the rest is other metals10. Gold does require regular maintenance and cleaning and is a solid investment that will not lose its value over the course of time.
All of our 14k yellow and white gold cremation jewelry is completely custom made to order. We offer hundreds of different designs for you to choose from but we can also do a custom design. We provide a proof of the design for you to approve before production begins and the process takes about 3-4 weeks from order to delivery.
The color of gold changes when adding different metals or the gold is alloyed10. 14K white gold is 10-20% nickel plus copper, tin and sometimes maganese or platinum. Like yellow gold, white gold is an investment that will not lose its value in the years to come and requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
14k white gold is a great option if you are looking for a family heirloom to pass down to future generations. All of our gold jewelry is made to order and we do offer custom designs.
14K rose gold contains gold plus the addition of copper10. Known for it's pale rose color, the higher the karat of rose gold, the less pink the gold appears. For example, 12k rose gold will have a much more definitive pink color while 18k rose gold is barely distinguishable from 18k gold.
Our 14k rose gold jewelry is made to order and the entire process takes approximately 3 weeks. Rose gold cremation jewelry is a great option for those looking for a replacement wedding band in memory of a loved one or a uniquely designed pendant that holds special meaning.
Sometimes we want a little extra to make our cremation jewelry selection be a direct reflection of not only our loved one but also ourselves. We offer several ways in which you can make your cremation jewelry unique to you.
Add a few letters or words of personalized text to your cremation jewelry for human ashes! Initials, a name, a nickname or even a date that holds special meaning can increase the personal investment of your selection. Be sure to look for how much engraving the jewelry will hold. For cremation jewelry that can only be engraved with three letters, customers often choose initials or 143 (I love you letter count).
One of my personal favorites is when a customer chooses a phrase that holds special meaning between them and their loved one. We have a 'family' pendant that features all of our initials plus a dog paw that creates a circle around the pendant. At the center is our family motto: Family First. It's something that is unique and special to all of us.
Cremation jewelry pendants includes a 20” matching chain but you can also choose a chain upgrade. Our high quality chains are available in in five different lengths. This allows you to dramatically change the way in which your pendant is displayed.
Chain selection is important if you are choosing a gift for someone. Older adults might prefer a chain that they don't have to undo and they can just slip over their head to take it on and off. Others may prefer a shorter chain that allows for more of a choker style.
We carry a selection of cremation jewelry that not only will hold some cremation ashes but also can be engraved with a picture of your loved one. Simply upload the photo along with any cropping instructions and we take it from there.
I have given so many photo keychains that I have lost count. There is something about the ability to view a photo of children, a couple, a pawprint - we've even done restaurant receipts that hold special meaning. If you question whether or not we can do it - ask us! In most cases, we can do exactly what the customer is asking for.
Birthstone rider hearts can be paired with any cremation pendant and are available in silver, gold plated, black plated and rose gold plated. The hearts are available with a birthstone representing January through December and are a unique way to further personalize your jewelry.
And don't be afraid to think outside the box! Birthstones aren't just to remember their birthday but can be as a reminder of your birthday, the month you were married or for any month that holds special meaning.
Sometimes you can't find exactly what you are looking for and we invite you to reach out and talk to us about a custom design. All of our custom cremation jewelry is designed, cast, polished and engraved by us in Great Falls, MT, USA. We send proofs along the way to keep the customer fully a part of the process.
Custom cremation jewelry is available in both traditional and Forever Sealed styles. As discussed earlier, traditional cremation jewelry has a small threaded screw that when removed, exposes the interior compartment. With Forever Sealed cremation jewelry, we send an ash collection kit for less than ⅛ teaspoon of cremated remains or another remembrance of personal choosing. The remembrance is forever sealed inside the jewelry with no visible screw.
This custom piece features a Cerakoted Black piece of Sterling Silver with a textured Rose Gold center inset into the pendant. This piece is Forever Sealed with the the customers loved ones ashes inside.
This is a custom Sterling Silver pendant made with a textured finish on the front. Our customer wanted something they could touch and feel and rub with their thumb. The pendant is Forever Sealed with the customers loved ones ashes inside.
To begin the process, send an email to sales@evrmemories.com and notate in the subject line 'custom order'. Please include all design details, images, etc. and we will begin the design process. Once the proof is approved, casting begins and an ash collection kit (if applicable) is mailed out. Your custom design will typically ship in about 10 business days from when the order is processed.
Sometimes with all of the choices available it can be a challenge to find the cremation jewelry for ashes that we are looking for. Our three most popular cremation jewelry necklaces are our customer favorites and take the guesswork out!
The cremation jewelry for ashes have been chosen time and time again and are backed by five star customer reviews. Each includes a matching chain, a filling and sealing kit and comes packaged in a jeweler's gift box and presentation box.
The Silver Heartfelt Journey Ashes Into Jewelry is a heart shaped pendant with detail that surrounds the center heart. The center of the pendant is a green gemstone like resin that is combined with a very small amount of cremated ashes. The pendant can be engraved with several lines of text and is priced under $250.
Olivia H. Verified Buyer
"It's Beautiful"
I can't express enough the kindness that I received specifically from Hallie. She was very kind when I was asking questions about my order. The necklace itself is beautiful. I upgraded the chain and it feels like very nice quality. My Mom had passed again and recently and I wanted to keep her close. I do recommend.
This dog tag style Black Pleasant Rectangle Cremation Jewelry is made of stainless steel and is black plated. The interior can be accessed by unscrewing the bail and both the front and the back side of the pendant can be engraved. The pendant is a great option for a young adult that has experienced their first loss and the pendant is priced at under $100.
Wendy M. Verified Buyer
"This is perfect for my son"
This is perfect for my son to celebrate his Grampa always.
The 14k Gold Small Candid Heart Forever Sealed Jewelry is a heart shaped pendant with a small cutout in the upper right corner of the heart. A small amount of cremated ashes or another tribute is forever sealed inside the pendant once the pendant has been cast. The heart is then polished and shipped directly from our facility in Great Falls, MT. We oversee the entire process from start to finish and the end result is an heirloom quality keepsake that can be passed down to future generations.
Kurt F. Verified Buyer
"The product exceeded my expectation"
I highly recommend Everlasting Memories. Their customer service is second to none. I was completely impressed with their professionalism.
We understand that adding cremation ashes to cremation jewelry is not typically something we do every day. We have provided step by step instructions on how to fill and seal your cremation jewelry. For a more detailed explanation watch our video on how to fill your cremation jewelry below, or download our instructions in PDF format.
Gather the filling and sealing kit, the cremation jewelry and the cremated ashes on a work space such as a kitchen table that is free of clutter and other debris.
The screw may be on the bottom of the bail, on the back of the cremation pendant or on the side or bottom of the cremation jewelry. Remove the screw by either unscrewing the bail or by using the included screwdriver in your filling kit to remove.
Place the tip of the funnel securely into the opening. Place a small amount of ashes into the funnel and use the filling sticks to gently push the ashes through the funnel and into the cremation jewelry. DO NOT OVERFILL.
Reinstall the screw and make certain that the top of the screw is flush with the pendant. If the screw is not flush with the pendant than the pendant has been overfilled and some of the ashes need to be removed from the interior compartment.
Remove the screw one last time and using a toothpick, apply a very thin layer of the sealant to the threads of the screw and the threads of the opening. Immediately reinstall the screw back into the opening of the cremation pendant and twist tightly. The hoop of the bail should always sit perpendicular to the pendant so that the pendant will lie flat against your chest.
Wipe away any excess sealant and thread the necklace back through the bail.
NOTE: We do offer a professional filling service where we can send out a collection kit for you to send a small amount of ashes. We also can design, create and forever seal the ashes inside a custom pendant or ring.
Cleaning cremation jewelry for ashes is easy to clean and a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. Follow the below steps to keep your cremation jewelry looking brand new for years to come.
Step 1: Use a soft lint free cloth or jeweler's cloth once every two weeks to gently wipe the surface of the cremation jewelry. This will remove any oil or build-up on the surface of the jewelry.
Step 2: Polish the jewelry after cleaning with a polishing cloth. The cloth will enhance the natural beauty of the metal and create a beautiful shine.
Step 3: Store your jewelry in a safe location. When not wearing your cremation jewelry for ashes, be sure to place the necklace or jewelry in a safe location such as a jewelry box or armoire. Never leave your cremation jewelry on the counter next to the sink or in a location where it could accidentally get damaged.
We include a high quality 20” matching chain with every cremation jewelry pendant order. However, should you choose to transfer your pendant to another chain you most certainly can.
Forever Sealed cremation jewelry is the best choice if you are looking for jewelry that is 100% waterproof. The ashes of the deceased are forever sealed inside and there is no visible screw.
If you select traditional cremation jewelry, sealant is included and should be applied to the threads of the stopper as well as the threads of the opening. This creates a seal which keeps the ashes safe and secure inside the pendant or cremation jewelry.
We do recommend that you remove your cremation jewelry before showering, bathing or swimming as harsh chemicals found in pools and soaps and shampoos can compromise the integrity of the metal and the seal, putting the interior remembrance at risk.
All of our cremation jewelry pendants for ashes include a 20” high quality matching chain. We also have a beautiful selection of upgraded chains in a variety of lengths and different finishes. This allows the customer the option to totally customize their selection and choose a length that works best for them.
We sure do! We offer chain upgrades for our cremation jewelry. Your cremation jewelry necklace includes a 20” matching chain and we offer upgraded chains measuring 18”, 20”, 22”, 24” or 30” chain in black, silver, gold or rose gold finishes.
You can find the engraving specifications for all of our cremation jewelry for ashes on each individual product page. If you have questions about a specific cremation jewelry pendant and you can’t find engraving information, give us a call at 1-877-723-4242 or email us at sales@evrmemories.com and we will be happy to assist!
If you have a custom design question for a cremation jewelry necklace or a cremation ring, give us a call at 1-877-723-4242 or email us at sales@evrmemories.com. We may be able to point you in the direction of what you’re looking for or collaborate on a totally unique design.
All of our 14k gold and 14k white gold cremation rings are custom made to order and production does not start until your order is placed. From the time you place your order to delivery in the continental United States, it takes about 3-4 weeks for your ring to be created, produced, packaged, shipped and then delivered.
Absolutely! Sometimes we may be able to offer a few letters or a word of engraving on the cremation jewelry you are looking at. Give us a call at 1-877-723-4242 or email us at sales@evremories.com with your engraving needs. Be sure to specify the pendant in the email.
We do offer overnight shipping on our cremation jewelry in the continental United States. Orders must be received by 12:00 pm MST for overnight shipping guarantee.
Yes! We do offer a professional filling service and would be happy to assist.
Most of our cremation jewelry can be custom made to order in 14k gold. Call us at 1-877-723-4242 or send us an email at sales@evrmemories.com with your questions and we will be happy to assist.
Engraving varies from cremation jewelry to cremation jewelry. If it is not on the product page, call us at 1-877-723-4242 or send us an email at sales@evrmemories.com. Every effort will be made to accommodate your engraving request.
Yes we do! We ship our cremation ashes jewelry all over the world. Please note that Everlasting Memories is not responsible for duties or tax incurred from another country’s custom department. Visit here to learn more about our shipping policies!
Our cremation jewelry provides you with a personal and discreet way to honor your loved one and brings a measure of comfort by having a part of them close to you. Let us help you choose the cremation jewelry that best suits your memories and your lifestyle by calling us today at 1-877-723-4242 or email at sales@evrmemories.com.
Works Cited:
Frances Kay is an outstanding writer and industry expert with over 30 years of experience. She is based in Massachusetts, where she began her journey as a wordsmith, recognized for her writing skills since a young age. By the age of 10, Frances was already a published author, and since then, she has honed her craft, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence in her literary endeavors.
Frances Kay is a distinguished authority in the cremation industry with almost two decades of experience. Her contributions to the industry are unparalleled, with over 50 guides and articles that enlighten and inform. She has lent her expertise to numerous blogs, sharing poignant narratives that reflect her personal experiences with life and loss, resonating deeply with her audience.
Frances Kay's influence in the realm of cremation jewelry is varied and extensive. Her collaboration with jewelry designers underscores her commitment to innovation and excellence. From research and design to manufacturing and marketing, Frances has played a pivotal role in bringing forth groundbreaking cremation jewelry and cremation related products. These products serve as tangible memorials and offer solace to grieving families, blending personalization with affordability in a seamless union.
Frances Kay is a professional and devoted wife and mother. She cherishes her time with family, finding solace and joy in their presence. In her leisure time, she finds respite in the gym, nurturing her physical well-being and indulging in the therapeutic act of gardening. Her love for animals is evident in the time she dedicates to her beloved dogs, enriching her life with their companionship.
Through her enduring commitment to creativity and expression, Frances Kay continues to weave narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. Her writing serves as a beacon of comfort and understanding, offering solace to those navigating the complexities of life and loss. Frances endeavors to impart wisdom and empathy with each word penned, fostering connections that transcend boundaries and inspire hope.