What is Cremation Jewelry? Complete Guide + 6 Main Types

Losing someone you love is hard. In the midst of grief, many families search for ways to keep their loved one's presence close. Some choose traditional urns, some scatter remains in meaningful places. Other people choose memorial jewelry to carry their remembrance with them every day.

What is cremation jewelry? These memorial pieces hold a small amount of cremated remains, a lock of hair or another keepsake in a wearable form.

Not sure about how memorial jewelry fits into your cremation planning? The team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

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What Is Cremation Jewelry?

Cremation jewelry (also called memorial jewelry) holds a small keepsake of a loved one who has passed. Most pieces contain a secure compartment for storing cremated remains.

You can also use the jewelry to hold other meaningful keepsakes, including:

• A lock of hair from your loved one
• Dried flowers from the funeral service
• Soil from a meaningful place
• Small pieces of fabric from favorite clothing

The container inside the memorial jewelry is small. You usually need less than a teaspoon of remains to fill the container. This allows multiple family members to each have their own piece while keeping most of the remains in an urn.

6 Types of Cremation Jewelry

Memorial jewelry comes in many styles. Each type suits different needs and preferences. Here are the most common options of cremation jewelry you'll find.

1. Urn Necklaces

Urn necklaces typically include a small vial or cylinder to hold the cremated remains. The cylinder screws closed. The pendant keeps the contents safely sealed inside.

You can find these in stainless steel, sterling silver, gold and other metals. Many jewelers offer engraving, such as names, dates or short phrases that capture your loved one's spirit.

2. Locket Necklaces

Lockets offer two purposes in one piece. One side holds a photograph. The other contains remains or hair. Heart shapes remain popular, but you'll also find crosses, Stars of David and military emblems.

Many people choose lockets because they feel familiar and comforting.

3. Cremation Rings

Memorial rings typically include a small chamber to store cremated remains within the band or in the setting. Bands come in smooth, braided or textured styles.

Rings work well for a subtle look. Something that you'll notice throughout the day without drawing attention. Materials range from affordable stainless steel to precious metals, like sterling silver and gold.

4. Cremation Bracelets

Bracelets keep your loved one close without wearing a necklace. Some designs attach a small pendant to a chain or leather band.

Others weave a hollow bead into the bracelet itself to store the cremated remains. Many styles include plates where you can engrave a name or symbol.

5. Memorial Keychains

Keychains solve the problem for people who don't wear jewelry. These pieces attach to your keys or bag. They travel everywhere you go.

They are also subtle, as most people won't realize what the keychain contains unless you choose to share.

6. Memorial Diamonds

Companies use heat and pressure to create lab-grown diamonds from the carbon in remains or hair. This process takes several months and costs up to a few thousand dollars.

Once created, jewelers can set these diamonds into rings or necklaces. Families design them to become heirlooms passed through generations.

How to Choose the Right Memorial Jewelry for You

Choosing cremation jewelry is personal. Find something you love wearing that honors your relationship. These practical factors will help guide your decision.

• Consider your daily routine: Think about when and where you'll wear the piece. Do you work with your hands every day? A necklace might be more practical than a ring.
  
  Do you rarely wear necklaces? A bracelet might feel more natural. Do you wear jewelry rarely? Some people choose keychains because they carry keys constantly, while jewelry might stay on the dresser.

• Decide on visibility: Some memorial jewelry looks like regular jewelry. Rings, lockets and certain bracelets blend in completely. Other pieces, like distinctive urn vials, stand out more.
  
  If you prefer not to draw attention to your cremation jewelry, choose a discreet style. If you're comfortable sharing your loved one's memory, a visible piece might feel right.

• Check the closure security: Look for pieces with screw closures rather than simple plugs. The threading should feel smooth and tight when you close it.
  
  Stainless steel and precious metals hold up better than plated materials. You don't want to risk losing the contents.

How to Fill Cremation Jewelry

Filling memorial jewelry requires care but follows a straightforward process. Most pieces come with a small filling kit that includes a funnel and instructions.

In some cases, the cremation provider handles these steps for you, especially if you’ve ordered jewelry through them. But in case you’re doing it on your own, follow these steps:

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Choose a quiet time when you won't feel rushed. Lay out a soft cloth on a flat surface. This protects the jewelry and catches any spills. Gather the jewelry piece, the remains and your filling kit before you begin.

Step 2: Open the Piece

Unscrew or open the closure slowly. Most pieces have a small screw or bail you'll need to remove. Place this piece somewhere safe, like a small dish, so it doesn't roll away.

Step 3: Fill and Seal

Insert a small funnel into the opening. Gently pour a tiny amount of remains through the funnel. Stop before you overfill. Use a toothpick to clear any remains from the threading.

Apply jewelry adhesive to the threads if you want extra security. Screw the piece closed slowly until it sits flush and tight.

Many families find this process emotional. You can do it alone or have someone with you. If handling the remains directly feels too difficult, some cremation providers will fill the jewelry for you.

Caring for Your Memorial Jewelry

Memorial jewelry needs the same care you'd give any precious piece. A few additional considerations protect what it contains.

• Keep it away from water: Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming or any water activity. Moisture can cause tarnishing. Water exposure could weaken adhesive seals over time.

• Remove it during physical work: Take off cremation jewelry during exercise, yard work or activities where it could get caught or damaged. Rings can bend, necklaces can break and bracelets can snag.

• Clean it gently: Use a soft jewelry cloth on the exterior. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific metal. Never immerse the entire piece in cleaning solution.

• Store it safely: Keep your jewelry in a jewelry box or soft pouch when you're not wearing it. This prevents scratches and protects it from impact. Always have a designated spot where the piece lives.

When Cremation Jewelry Makes Sense

Memorial jewelry works beautifully for many people. Understanding if it's right for you helps honor your grief in the way that serves you best.

Cremation jewelry might be right if you find comfort in physical connection. Some people need something tangible they can touch throughout the day.

The jewelry reminds them that their loved one is still with them in a small but meaningful way.

It works well when you want something personal that you control completely. Unlike a grave site or memorial space, cremation jewelry belongs solely to you. You decide when you wear it and when you share its meaning.

Not everyone feels comfortable carrying remains on their person. If the concept makes you uncomfortable, honor that feeling. You can keep the remains in a decorative urn at home, scatter them in a special place or wear traditional jewelry that reminds you of your loved one instead.

Pre-Planning for Memorial Jewelry

Many people who pre-plan their cremation wonder if they can make decisions about memorial jewelry in advance. The answer is yes, with some practical considerations.

You can document your end-of-life wishes. Note whether you'd like family members to have memorial pieces.

Suggest specific styles that reflect your personality. You might even purchase pieces in advance for specific family members.

Remember that cremation jewelry is ultimately for the living. Your family members will wear these pieces and find comfort in them. Giving them freedom to choose styles that feel right can be a gift in itself.

What’s Cremation Planning?

Some people complete cremation planning well in advance as part of their end-of-life preparations. Many families find it helpful to start cremation planning anytime after their loved one goes into hospice care.

Planning ahead reduces stress during grief and ensures your wishes are documented. When you pre-plan, you also lock in current pricing and remove difficult decisions from your family during an emotional time.

Your documented preferences become a gift to the people who will carry out your wishes. If cremation jewelry matters to you, you also have the option to document which family members should receive pieces.

Finding the Right Memorial Keepsake

Now you know what cremation jewelry is and how it works. These memorial pieces offer a tangible connection to someone you've lost.

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Whether you choose a simple pendant, an engraved ring or a memorial diamond, the right piece brings comfort and honors your unique relationship.

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When you're ready to explore memorial jewelry, whether it is for yourself or as part of cremation arrangements, After is here to help.

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We offer a range of cremation jewelry options designed to hold a small keepsake of a loved one. Options include simple heart necklaces, urn-style pendants, symbolic loop designs and more personalized fingerprint pieces.

Prices start around $95 for classic pendants and go up to about $248 for custom fingerprint memorial jewelry. There are also meaningful designs, like tree-inspired pendants and birthstone styles, typically priced between $110 and $129.

If you're still wondering “what is cremation jewelry” and need to talk to someone about design specifics or want to explore other memorial options, call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427 or check out the memorial keepsakes we offer online.

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Common Questions About Cremation Jewelry

How Much Do I Need to Fill a Piece?

You need less than a teaspoon to fill most cremation jewelry. The chambers are intentionally small. This small amount means several family members can each have their own memorial piece while keeping most of the remains in an urn or scattering them.

Can I Travel With Memorial Jewelry?

Yes, you can travel with memorial jewelry through airport security. The small amount inside won't cause problems. The metal in the jewelry itself may trigger metal detectors, just like any other jewelry you wear.

What If the Seal Breaks?

If the seal breaks, stop wearing the piece right away to avoid losing the contents. Most jewelers can fix or replace the closure. Keep the jewelry in a safe container and reach out to the manufacturer or a jeweler who works with memorial pieces.

Can I Wear It Every Day?

Yes, you can wear cremation jewelry every day if you want to. Many people do exactly that. The constant presence brings comfort. Make sure you take it off before showering, swimming, sleeping or doing physical work to protect both the jewelry and what's inside.