The emergence of breastmilk jewelry represents a novel and deeply personal approach to keepsake design, increasingly incorporating birthstones to enhance its sentimental value. This unique form of jewelry allows mothers to preserve a tangible connection to their breastfeeding journey and commemorate significant milestones through the inclusion of cherished materials like breastmilk, ashes, hair, umbilical cord remnants, and dried flowers, alongside the vibrant colors of cubic zirconia birthstones. These pieces, primarily rings and pendants, are crafted from solid metals, often sterling silver with plating options in white, yellow, or rose gold, and offer a customizable way to honor motherhood and personal stories.
A Modern Keepsake Tradition
The practice of preserving biological materials in jewelry is not entirely new, with Victorian-era mourning jewelry utilizing hair as a remembrance of loved ones. However, the use of breastmilk is a distinctly modern phenomenon, gaining popularity over the last decade. One artisan notes having been in business for close to 10 years and having created over 25,000 pieces, demonstrating a growing demand for these personalized keepsakes. The impetus behind this trend stems from a desire to encapsulate the intimate and fleeting moments of breastfeeding, transforming them into lasting tributes. These pieces are not merely accessories; they are powerful symbols of empowerment and pride for mothers, representing the strength and love inherent in the maternal experience.
Materials and Creation
The core of this jewelry lies in the preservation of breastmilk, a process achieved through the use of resin. One creator specifically mentions utilizing a background in pharmacy to develop chemical tests and methods for effective breastmilk preservation. Other inclusions commonly used include placenta, cremated ashes, umbilical cord remnants, hair, and dried flowers. The amount of material required varies depending on the piece and the number of items desired; approximately half an ounce of breastmilk is sufficient for creating three to five pieces.
The jewelry itself is constructed from solid 925 sterling silver, with options for plating in white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Cubic zirconia birthstones are frequently incorporated, allowing for personalization based on birth months. Rings are available in adjustable sizes or standard US sizes 4-10, including half sizes. The inclusion of birthstones allows for further customization, with options for a single color throughout or a combination of four different birthstones.
Design Variations and Styles
Several distinct styles of breastmilk and birthstone jewelry are available. These include:
- Pendants: Birthstone pendants are set in 8mm sterling silver settings, available with white gold or rose gold plating.
- Rings: A variety of ring designs are offered, including half-band rings featuring a single birthstone, marquise bezel rings with alternating breastmilk bezels and cubic zirconia stones, and full band rings.
- Necklaces: Various necklace styles are available, including designs named "The Adeline," "The Bond of Love," "The Halo," "The Jane," "The Olivia," "The Quinn," and "The Whitney."
- Bracelets: Tree of Life bracelets are also offered as part of the collection.
The Marquise Bezel Ring, for example, features a simple band with alternating breastmilk bezels and cubic zirconia birthstones, and is available with plating in 14k white, yellow, or rose gold. The Half-Band Birthstone Ring incorporates one birth month stone into a half breastmilk band.
The Significance of Birthstones
The addition of birthstones to breastmilk jewelry elevates the sentimental value of these pieces. Birthstones, traditionally associated with specific months of the year, carry symbolic meanings and are believed to possess unique properties. While the sources do not detail the specific meanings associated with each birthstone, the inclusion of these gems allows mothers to further personalize their keepsakes, connecting them to the birth month of their child or another significant individual. The birthstones used are typically cubic zirconia, offering a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative to natural gemstones.
Ordering and Customization
The process of acquiring breastmilk jewelry typically involves a personalized order. Customers select the desired piece, metal type, birthstone(s), and inclusion type. Following the order placement, detailed instructions are provided for sending the inclusions. Some companies offer Inclusion Collection Kits for US residents, simplifying the shipping process. Due to the custom nature of the jewelry, alterations or refunds are generally not offered after an order is placed. Customers are encouraged to share their stories and preferences to help create a truly unique and meaningful keepsake.
Turnaround Time and Care
The creation of these personalized pieces requires time and meticulous craftsmanship. Turnaround times generally range from 6-10 weeks from the receipt of the inclusions. While the jewelry is crafted from durable materials, certain considerations are necessary for maintaining its appearance. Rose and yellow gold plating, in particular, may be susceptible to scratching with daily wear. The jewelry is designed to avoid causing skin discoloration, but proper care is recommended to preserve its luster and integrity.
A Growing Market and Trusted Artisans
The market for breastmilk jewelry has experienced significant growth, with one artisan reporting over 25,000 pieces created and boasting over 1,000 five-star reviews. This success is attributed to the unique and deeply personal nature of the jewelry, as well as the trustworthiness and reliability of established artisans. The ability to encapsulate cherished memories and create lasting tributes to motherhood has resonated with a growing number of individuals seeking meaningful keepsakes.
Table of Available Materials and Options
| Feature | Options |
|---|---|
| Metal | Sterling Silver, White Gold Plated, Yellow Gold Plated, Rose Gold Plated |
| Inclusions | Breastmilk, Placenta, Cremated Ashes, Umbilical Cord, Hair, Dried Flowers |
| Birthstone | Cubic Zirconia (various colors corresponding to birth months) |
| Ring Sizes | Adjustable, US Sizes 4-10 (including half sizes) |
| Jewelry Type | Pendants, Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets |
Conclusion
Breastmilk jewelry, enhanced by the inclusion of birthstones, represents a contemporary and profoundly personal form of keepsake design. It allows mothers to transform the intimate experience of breastfeeding into a tangible and lasting tribute, celebrating the bond between mother and child. The combination of biological materials, precious metals, and vibrant birthstones creates a unique and meaningful piece of jewelry that embodies love, strength, and cherished memories. The growing popularity of this trend underscores a desire for personalized keepsakes that capture the essence of life's most precious moments.