Which materials are suitable for memorial jewelry?

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 🤍