How much ash is used in memorial jewelry?

Only a very small pinch — far less than a teaspoon. That means one person's ashes can be used to make several keepsakes for different family members, with plenty left over.

Is the ash visible in the jewelry?

It depends on the type. In a sealed pendant the ashes are hidden inside a chamber. In glass- or resin-infused pieces the ashes are usually visible as a subtle swirl or fleck within the material.

Keepsakes

Jewelry made from ashes

Memorial jewelry lets you keep a loved one physically close. A small amount of ashes is either sealed inside a piece or permanently set into glass or resin during the making of it.

Our picks

Our Favorite Cremation Jewelry

The pieces we recommend most, chosen across every style of ashes jewelry. Each holds a small portion of ashes, so several family members can each keep one.

Best keepsake

Cara Small Heart Sterling Silver Ashes Necklace

$344

A small sterling silver heart with a hidden chamber, worn every day without announcing itself.

See necklace→

Best pendant

Eternal Teardrop Gold Pendant

$220

A classic gold teardrop with a secure chamber. The piece we suggest first when someone is unsure.

See pendant→

Best ring

Embrace Sterling Silver Cremation Ring

$280

Two bands wrapped together, one holding the ashes. Quietly symbolic and comfortable to wear.

See ring→

Best for men

Asher Sandblasted Titanium Ashes Ring

$325

Sandblasted titanium with the ashes sealed inside the band. Understated and tough enough for daily wear.

See ring→

Best glass

Crystal Charms Cremation Glass Heart Pendant

$215

Ashes swirled into hand-blown glass, so a trace of them is visible in the light.

See pendant→

Best diamonds

Halo Diamonds 14K Gold Cremation Pendant

$335

A 14K gold pendant ringed with diamonds around the ashes chamber, for a dressier keepsake.

See pendant→

Best pet memorial

Cherish Gold Pet Memorial Ring With Fur

$1679

A solid gold ring made with your pet's ashes or fur, crafted to order for a companion who mattered.

See ring→

Products link to You Are Forever, our sister memorial store, or to partners; we may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown were current when this guide was updated.

How it works

There are two broad approaches. 'Holding' jewelry, such as a cremation pendant, has a small hollow chamber that you fill with a pinch of ashes and seal. 'Infused' jewelry incorporates the ashes into the material itself — most often hand-blown glass or resin — so they become a permanent part of the design.

Either way, only a tiny portion of ashes is needed, so a single person's ashes can be shared across several keepsakes for different family members.

Common types

✓Cremation pendants — a chamber that holds a small amount of ashes
✓Glass-infused pieces — ashes swirled into hand-blown glass beads or pendants
✓Resin jewelry — ashes set into colored resin rings, pendants or charms
✓Cremation diamonds — lab-grown diamonds made from the carbon in ashes (covered in their own guide)

What to consider

Quality and craftsmanship vary widely. Look at how the piece is sealed, the materials used, and whether the maker has clear instructions for filling it. Ask about turnaround time for infused pieces, since those are made to order.

FAQ