In the aftermath of losing a loved one, many people seek mementos, or physical reminders to celebrate their loved one and keep them close. One of the most popular ways to honor a loved one in the modern era is a piece of cremation jewelry.
But what types of cremation jewelry are available and how should you choose the right fit?
The Basics of Cremation Jewelry
Cremation jewelry is a broad category of jewelry that includes any piece designed to house cremated ashes and/or honor a loved one’s memory. This piece of jewelry serves as a physical keepsake, a reminder of the person who passed, and a powerful memento mori that can help a person process their feelings even long after the initial grieving process.
According to In The Light Urns, “Embracing reminders of mortality through keepsakes like cremation jewelry can help us process our grief and appreciate the preciousness of life.”
Some people like to have a portion of the cremated ashes with them on a regular basis so they can still feel close to the person they lost. Others like the ongoing reminder of mortality. Still others appreciate the jewelry as a piece of jewelry primarily, including it as an emotionally resonant piece in the rest of their ensemble.
Types of Cremation Jewelry
There are many types of cremation jewelry to choose from, but the most popular include:
- Necklaces. Necklaces are very popular choices for cremation jewelry, allowing you to hang a pendant or other trinket around your neck. Generally, these are designed to be small and minimalistic, so they can be worn for a wide variety of occasions.
- Rings. If you’re looking for something even more subtle, consider a cremation jewelry ring. You can get something perfectly fitted to your finger, so you really have to take it off.
- Bracelets. Another common option is to seek cremation jewelry in the form of a bracelet around your wrist.
Whatever type of jewelry you choose, you’ll have almost unlimited options for shape, form, and overall appearance. You can choose a shape that was meaningful to your loved one or your relationship with them, such as a cross, an anchor, or something simple like a heart. You can choose to customize something totally new from scratch. You can also include a photo of your loved one, so you see them every time you catch a glimpse of the piece of jewelry.
Materials for Cremation Jewelry
There are many materials used for cremation jewelry as well.
- Gold/silver. Gold and silver are close rivals in the jewelry industry. Both materials are rare, beautiful, easily malleable, and resistant to corrosion and wear and tear. Accordingly, both gold and silver are worthy considerations for your cremation jewelry.
- Stainless steel. If you’re looking for something a bit less expensive, but equally resistant to corrosion, consider stainless steel cremation jewelry.
- Glass. Glass cremation jewelry offers a distinctive look and some unique advantages, such as allowing you to incorporate a layer of transparency in your creation.
- Wood. And if you’re looking for something with a more natural appearance, you can even create cremation jewelry from wood.
Choosing the Right Piece
If you’re looking for the right piece of cremation jewelry, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Shop around. First, take some time to shop around. There are many different shapes and styles of cremation jewelry, and there are no rules for what you can create or purchase. See what’s available before you make any big decisions.
- Consider customizations. In some places, you can customize your cremation jewelry as you see fit. This allows you to create something perfectly suited to your loved one and your relationship with them.
- Line up with your loved one’s personality. Consider creating or purchasing something that lines up with your loved one’s personality. Get something that instantly makes you think of them – and something that reminds you of the way they were.
- Select something you’ll enjoy wearing. It’s also a good idea to select jewelry that you’re genuinely going to enjoy wearing. This way, you’ll be more incentivized to wear it regularly. Every time you wear it, you’ll remember your loved one.
- Think about the future. There is evidence to show that people have been using mementos to honor and remember their loved ones for more than 2,000 years. There’s no guarantee that your memento will last for 2,000 years, but it could be something that you pass on to future generations. Keep this in mind during your selection.
Cremation jewelry is one of the best ways to honor a loved one’s memory, since you’ll be able to keep their cremated ashes close to you, symbolize your relationship, and keep that symbol with you every day. With so many options to choose from, mourners can find exactly the right piece for their needs.
