The practice of creating memorial jewelry incorporating cremation ashes and birthstones represents a contemporary evolution in personalized remembrance. While traditional birthstones have long held symbolic meaning, their integration with ashes within rings and other jewelry pieces offers a deeply personal and tangible connection to loved ones. This article explores the materials, processes, and customization options available in creating these unique keepsakes, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The concept of memorial jewelry is not new. Victorians famously crafted jewelry incorporating hair or other relics of the deceased. However, the modern practice of embedding cremation ashes within gemstones or resin, alongside traditional birthstones, is a relatively recent development. The sources do not detail a specific historical origin for this practice, but rather focus on its emergence as a customizable option for grieving individuals. The personalization aspect builds upon the long-standing tradition of birthstones representing individual identity and connection, now extended to honor the memory of those who have passed. The ability to incorporate ashes alongside birthstones allows for a multi-layered tribute, representing both the individual remembered and their familial connections.
Materials and Construction
The creation of these rings utilizes a range of materials, primarily sterling silver and gold plating, with options for solid 14k gold. The core of the design often involves either creating a stone from ashes or infusing ashes behind existing stones. Several methods are employed to achieve this.
One technique involves using UV resin, layered with a hardener in a 1:1 ratio, to encapsulate the ashes and other keepsakes like dried flowers, hair, or even clothing fibers. This resin is used to create a standalone stone or within the jewelry bezel itself. The sources emphasize the importance of using 3A quality resin for optimal clarity and durability.
Alternatively, ashes can be placed in a compartment behind a gemstone. This is demonstrated in designs featuring star sapphires, where the ashes are visible when the pendant or earring is turned around, offering a discreet yet personal connection. Another method involves hollowing out the setting of a stone, such as a white sapphire stud earring, to create a space for the ashes.
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is frequently used as a birthstone substitute in plated rings, offering a cost-effective alternative to natural gemstones. However, solid gold pieces can accommodate real diamonds and other gemstones. Necklace chains are typically made of 14k gold-plated sterling silver, with some components potentially utilizing brass alloy. All materials used are stated to be nickel-free.
Customization Options
A significant aspect of these memorial rings is the degree of customization available. Clients can choose the metal type (sterling silver, plated gold, or solid gold), the birthstone color, and even request tints to be added to the cremation ashes to achieve a desired hue – including blue, yellow, red, green, purple, pink, orange, black, or white. The use of a loved one’s birthstone color is a particularly popular personalization option.
Beyond color, the inclusion of other keepsakes is also possible. Dried flowers, locks of hair, or fragments of special items can be preserved within the resin alongside the ashes. Designs can range from simple bands with alternating stones to more elaborate settings featuring hidden compartments or visible inclusions. The ability to choose the design and style allows for a truly unique and meaningful tribute.
Gemological Properties & Stone Types
The sources primarily discuss the use of CZ and sapphires, with mentions of diamonds and other gemstones available for solid gold settings. Detailed gemological properties beyond these basic identifications are not provided. CZ, a common diamond simulant, shares a similar appearance but lacks the hardness and brilliance of a natural diamond. Sapphires, known for their durability and range of colors, are frequently used in designs where a visible stone is desired. The sources do not provide refractive indices, hardness ratings, or chemical compositions for any of the stones mentioned.
The creation of stones from ashes does not involve traditional gemological properties, as the resulting material is primarily resin-based. However, the quality of the resin and the careful layering process are crucial for creating a durable and visually appealing keepsake stone.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to maintain the appearance and integrity of these rings. While the jewelry is stated not to turn the skin green, plated rings are susceptible to scratching, particularly in high-wear areas. Solid gold pieces offer greater durability and resistance to scratching. Resin stones require particular attention, as they can yellow or scratch if not properly cared for.
The sources recommend avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is advised. For rings containing real gemstones, the care instructions would align with those recommended for the specific gemstone type.
The Process: From Keepsake to Ring
The process begins with the client providing the ashes or other keepsakes. A cremation packaging kit and instructions are typically provided to ensure proper collection and packaging. Once received, the materials are carefully incorporated into the chosen design.
Working with resin requires specialized techniques to compact, polish, and seal the ashes securely, preventing them from escaping. The turnaround time for creating a ring is typically 6-10 weeks from the arrival of the keepsakes.
Examples of Custom Designs
The sources highlight several examples of custom designs. One client requested a ring featuring a white sapphire center stone surrounded by rubies and alexandrites, representing family members, with a hidden compartment beneath the sapphire to hold the ashes. Another design involved stud earrings with white sapphires, hollowed out to contain ashes visible when tilted. A necklace and earring set featured hidden compartments behind the bezels of star sapphires, allowing for a discreet display of the ashes.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the process and the ability to create truly personalized and meaningful memorial jewelry.
Table of Materials and Options
| Material | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | Sterling Silver, Plated Gold (White, Yellow, Rose), Solid 14k Gold (White, Yellow, Rose) | Plated gold more prone to scratching; Solid gold is more durable. |
| Stone | CZ, Sapphire, Diamond, Other Gemstones | CZ used in plated rings; Diamonds & other gemstones for solid gold. |
| Inclusions | Cremation Ashes, Hair, Dried Flowers, Fabric, Sand/Soil | Resin encapsulates these materials. |
| Ash Color | Natural, Tinted (Blue, Yellow, Red, Green, Purple, Pink, Orange, Black, White) | Allows for personalized color schemes. |
Conclusion
Memorial rings incorporating ashes and birthstones represent a modern and deeply personal way to honor and remember loved ones. The combination of traditional birthstone symbolism with the tangible presence of ashes creates a unique and meaningful keepsake. The wide range of customization options, from metal type and stone selection to the inclusion of other keepsakes, allows for a truly individualized tribute. While the sources do not provide extensive gemological details, they highlight the craftsmanship and care involved in creating these delicate and emotionally significant pieces of jewelry.