Atelier Journal

Ashes and hair can be incorporated into glass in a stunning way. In my studio in The Hague, I handcraft every bead using a technique called lampworking. I melt a small amount of ash or a few strands of hair into hot Italian glass, layer by layer. I send back whatever remains, or keep it, just as you prefer. Below, I explain what happens within the glass and why no two beads are the same. What happens when ash or hair is incorporated into glass? When ash or hair merges with glass, a subtle reaction occurs under the influence of heat. The material essentially comes to life, forming tiny bubbles that settle into the glass like soft trails. A truly unique process, as distinctive as a fingerprint. This is also known as "The Last Breath." Carbon Energy refers to the role of carbon in this process.A quiet reminder of how something can change, yet never completely disappear. 🤍 When creating memorial jewelry incorporating ash or hair, glass is heated to a molten, almost breathing state. In that moment, the material can react to the temperature.After cremation, ash consists mainly of mineral residues, such as calcium phosphates. However, bone in living tissue is never pure mineral; it has always been interwoven with organic structures. That connection does not disappear entirely. When ash comes into contact with the intense heat of molten glass, these remaining organic compounds can react, contributing—along with the unique properties of each material—to the patterns that remain visible in the glass. Hair works differently. Hair consists largely of keratin, a protein rich in carbon. When this comes into contact with the liquid, glowing mass of molten glass, a reaction takes place. Small amounts of gas, carbon dioxide, and water vapor are created, which do not always escape before the glass cools and hardens. What remains are fine air inclusions. Soft, organic patterns. Structures that can never be replicated exactly. Why is every glass memorial piece different? No memorial piece is ever the same. That is because: every bit of ash or hair has a different composition the reaction to heat can never be exactly repeated the formation of bubbles and structures happens spontaneously Even when two pieces of jewelry are made in the same way, they will always differ from each other. Carbon Energy The term Carbon Energy has a concrete basis, but it also carries a deeper meaning. It refers to what happens when carbon-containing material, hair, and/or residual particles react to intense heat. Carbon is one of the most stable elements in existence. It endures, it transforms, and it remains visible within the glass.    Where science and meaning meet What you see in the glass is the result of a physical process. But what it carries goes much further than that. The inclusions are formed from material that was once part of someone. They were created under intense heat and captured in a form that lasts. Not something that escapes, but something that becomes visible. Memorial jewelry that doesn't feel like it Many traditional ash jewelry pieces are immediately recognizable as memorial jewelry. For some, that feels too heavy and too literal. At The Seventh Sea, I have chosen a different approach. Minimalist, refined, and modern 🤍 Jewelry that can be worn like any other piece, while simultaneously carrying a deeply personal meaning. Discreet, intimate, and visible only to those who know the story. Wearing a memory For me personally, this is one of the most special aspects of the work. That something which feels so intangible can take shape. That you can wear it close to your skin in everyday life. In moments of joy, in moments of longing. Always close by.   Looking for a personal memorial piece? Would you like to have ash or hair incorporated into a piece of jewelry that suits your style and feelings? At The Seventh Sea, every piece is handmade with care, patience, and respect for the story it carries. No two pieces are ever the same.And that is exactly the intention 🤍

A memorial piece is one of the most personal forms of remembrance. It carries a small piece of someone you miss. Ashes, a lock of hair, a piece of fabric or sand from a place of significance. Because the contents are so valuable, the material of the jewelry is just as important. Not every material is suitable for preserving memories safely and beautifully for many years. Below I'll tell you which materials are most commonly used for memorial jewelry and why certain materials, such as glass and precious metals, are so popular. Glass: a timeless material for memorial jewelry Glass is one of the most unique materials used for memorial and cremation jewelry. My own handmade memorial jewelry uses high-quality Italian glass, built up layer by layer. Within these layers a small amount of ash, hair, fur or sand can be incorporated. The unique thing about glass is how it interacts with light. When you wear the jewelry, the glass subtly catches the light, beautifully preserving the memento forever. Glass also has important practical advantages. The material is extremely durable and doesn't discolor like some synthetic resins. Glass is also water-resistant, so a glass memorial piece can be worn daily without worry. Many people choose glass for this very reason. It feels pure and timeless, and has an almost organic depth that preserves memories! Precious metals: gold and silver In addition to the material in which the memory is incorporated, the metal of the jewelry also plays a major role. The most commonly used metals for memorial jewelry are: 14 carat gold Sterling silver White gold or rose gold These metals are durable, skin-friendly, and retain their beauty for years. Moreover, they are precious metals that retain their value. In many minimalist memorial jewellery pieces, the glass is combined with a subtle gold or silver setting so that all attention is focused on the memorial element. Gold filled: a sustainable alternative to solid gold A material that is becoming increasingly popular in high-quality jewelry is gold filled. Gold-filled consists of a thick layer of real gold mechanically bonded to a core of another metal. The difference from a standard gold-plated coating is significant. With gold-filled, the gold layer is much thicker and therefore much more durable. The benefits of gold filled jewelry include: A warm look of real gold Much more wear-resistant than gold-plated Suitable for daily wear A more affordable alternative to solid gold When gold-filled jewelry is properly cared for, it can remain beautiful for years without the gold layer wearing off quickly. That's why many people choose gold filled when they want the look of gold, but are looking for a slightly more accessible price point. Resin and other materials Some memorial jewelry is made with resin or epoxy resin, but I personally use this in all the memorial rings I offer. This material can be cast transparently, leaving ashes or hair visible. Although resin is a commonly used technique, it also has some drawbacks. Synthetic resin can be more susceptible to scratches or discoloration from sunlight over time. That is why some memorial jewelry makers prefer to use glass, which retains its clarity and color better. The material behind a memory A memorial piece isn't just made of material. It carries a story. It might contain a small amount of ashes, a lock of hair, a piece of fur, or sand from a place that was important. By using carefully chosen materials, that memory remains safe and visible. Materials such as glass, gold, silver and gold filled make it possible to keep a memory close in a gentle and lasting way. A little piece of someone you miss, to carry with you in the light 🤍

  A place where loss, love, and memory can coexist A place where nothing needs to be rushed, explained, or solved.I never wanted to just make “products.” I wanted to create handmade memorial jewelry that feels soft, personal, and timeless. At The Seventh Sea, I craft memorial jewelry in which ashes, hair, or another cherished element are carefully incorporated into a tangible keepsake. Not to hold onto grief, but to carry love close by. Why I make memorial jewelry by hand Every piece of memorial jewelry starts with a story. I do not work with stock. Each piece is built from scratch with attention and care. The glass beads are handmade using traditional lampwork techniques. During the heating process, a small amount of ash or hair is carefully incorporated into the molten glass. Through heat, movement, and time, a unique pattern emerges, making the energy of your loved one or pet visible. No two ash or memorial jewelry pieces are ever the same. That uniqueness is essential to me. A life cannot be repeated. Neither can a piece of memorial jewelry. The Last Breath When ash or hair merges with glass, a subtle reaction occurs under the influence of heat. The material, as it were, begins to move, forming small bubbles that nestle like soft traces within the glass. A truly unique process, as characteristic as a fingerprint. This is also known as 'The Last Breath'. Carbon Energy refers to the role of carbon in this process. A silent reminder of how something can change, but never completely disappears... 🤍 Subtle minimalist cremation jewelry you can truly wear Many people who find The Seventh Sea are looking for cremation jewelry that isn't immediately recognizable as such. They yearn for something soft, refined, and wearable. Something that becomes part of daily life, yet carries deep meaning. I design minimalist, tranquil memorial jewelry that can be worn every day. Without feeling heavy. Without being confrontational. Jewelry that naturally becomes a part of you. Handmade memorial jewelry in the Netherlands All memorial jewelry is handmade in my studio in The Hague. From the initial contact to the final shipment, the entire process remains with me. This allows me to work with attention, precision, and respect. Ash is always processed in very small quantities. Any remaining material is returned safely or kept carefully, depending on your wishes. Transparency and trust are a matter of course in this process.   Memorial jewelry for loved ones and pets I make memorial jewelry for people who have lost a loved one, but also for those grieving a beloved pet. The bond with an animal is often pure, constant, and deeply felt. That loss, too, deserves softness and attention. Some choose colors that remind them of eyes, fur, or energy. Others simply choose what feels comfortable to wear daily. There is no right choice. Only your choice 🤍 A personal process, without pressure Choosing an ash or memorial piece of jewelry is an intimate decision. You don't need to know exactly what you want before getting in touch. There is room for questions, doubt, and silence. I will guide you step by step, at your own pace. Nothing needs to be rushed. A memory that moves with you A piece of memorial jewelry from The Seventh Sea is not about closure. It is about presence. About the realization that love does not disappear. Sometimes you wear it every day.Sometimes only when you need it most. Either way, it is there.Soft. Lasting 🤍