Cremation Jewelry: a Growing Trend to Memorialize Loved Ones

Losing a loved one is never easy, but cremation allows their memory to live on in a meaningful way. Many families choose to transform cremated remains (also known as cremains) into wearable art, allowing them to keep their loved one's memory close. Among various options such as paintings, pottery, tattoo ink, and vinyl, cremation jewelry has become a popular choice for immortalizing a loved one through the process of cremation. Jewelry is one option for permanent memorialization that offers a unique and personal way to honor your loved one.

Cremation jewelry comes in three main forms: 

1. Jewelry That Holds Ashes: Keepsake Urns 

• Keepsake urn necklaces or pendants offer a simple and cost-effective way to keep your loved one close. 
• These metal or glass charms hold a small amount of ashes and can be engraved and personalized to your liking. 
• Prices vary based on materials, size, and personalization. 

2. Cremation Ashes Embedded into Jewelry 

• This method involves embedding a small amount of ashes into the jewelry itself, creating personal and sparkling pieces using materials like resin or glass. 
• The artist may require a minimal amount of your loved one's cremated remains (typically less than a teaspoon). 
• Prices vary depending on the chosen design.

3. Cremation Diamonds 

• Memorial diamonds, made from hair and/or cremated remains, are real diamonds containing 100% carbon. 
• Synthetic diamonds are lab-grown, reducing costs and time while offering customization and quality. 
• The process involves sending hair or a portion of ashes to a lab-grown diamond producer and requires more ashes (about 1 cup, 8oz) compared to other cremation jewelry. 
• Additional "lab carbon" may be added to support the diamond's growth. 

The diamond creation process involves: 

• Extracting pure carbon by exposing the materials to high temperatures. 
• Pressing the carbon powder under high pressure and temperature, using various press designs (belt-press, cubic-press, and split-sphere press). 
• The HPHT process can take several months to half a year, depending on desired carats and diamond color. 
• A rough diamond is formed, which is then polished, cut, and mounted into jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or rings. 

When choosing a cremation diamond, consider the Four Cs: clarity, color, cut, and carats, to better understand the features. 

Cremation diamonds are comparatively more expensive than other cremation jewelry. However, keep in mind that cremation is generally more cost-effective than burial, which can help you budget for the creation of the diamond. 

Our Memorial Store offers a variety of cremation keepsakes and jewelry. Memorializing your loved one with cremation jewelry provides a unique and lasting way to keep their memory close to your heart during your grieving process.

To learn more about how to use cremation ashes in a ceremony, take a look at our article 8 Tips for Planning an Ash Scattering Ceremony.