Breastmilk rings represent a contemporary and deeply personal form of jewelry, gaining popularity as a way for mothers to preserve and cherish the experience of breastfeeding. These rings are uniquely customized, often incorporating inclusions such as breastmilk itself, alongside other sentimental items like ashes, placenta, umbilical cord remnants, dried flowers, and notably, birthstones. The addition of birthstones to these keepsake rings allows for further personalization, connecting the maternal journey to individual family members and their birth months. This article will explore the creation, materials, and customization options available in breastmilk rings, with a specific focus on the integration of birthstones.
The Rise of Keepsake Jewelry
The practice of creating jewelry from bodily substances or remnants of significant life events is not entirely new. Victorian mourning jewelry, for example, frequently incorporated hair of deceased loved ones. However, breastmilk jewelry represents a modern adaptation, driven by a desire to commemorate the intimate and often fleeting experience of breastfeeding. As noted by Tree of Life Breastmilk Jewelry, these rings are more than mere accessories; they are “a powerful form of empowerment and pride for mothers.” The rings serve as tangible reminders of the bond between mother and child, encapsulating a period of intense connection and nurturing.
Materials and Creation
Breastmilk rings are primarily crafted from solid metals, most commonly sterling silver. Plating options, including rose gold and yellow gold, are also available, offering aesthetic variety. The core element, breastmilk, is preserved through a resin process, ensuring its encapsulation within the ring’s structure. Other inclusions, such as placenta, cremated ashes, umbilical cord, hair, and dried flowers, are also incorporated using similar preservation techniques.
The inclusion of birthstones typically involves the use of cubic zirconia (CZ). These gemstones are selected to correspond with the birth month of the mother, her child, or other family members, adding a personalized touch to the design. Prairie Keepsake offers rings with either a single birthstone color or a combination of four different birthstones, allowing for a diverse range of customization.
It’s important to note that, due to the custom nature of these rings, returns are generally not accepted. However, manufacturers emphasize a commitment to resolving any product issues that may arise.
Customization Options and Ring Styles
Several distinct styles of breastmilk rings are available, each offering unique aesthetic and design features.
- Half-Band Birthstone Rings: These rings feature a half-band design, incorporating a single birthstone. Magic Milk Mama offers these in silver, rose gold-plated, or yellow gold-plated sterling silver.
- Marquise Breastmilk Rings: Prairie Keepsake specializes in marquise-shaped bezel rings, featuring alternating breastmilk bezels and cubic zirconia birthstones. These rings are available with various plating options, including 14k white, yellow, or rose gold plated sterling silver.
- Oval Timeless Rings: Mammas Liquid Love offers oval-shaped rings that can be personalized with breastmilk and birthstones.
- Center of My Universe Rings: Also from Mammas Liquid Love, these rings feature a central design incorporating breastmilk and birthstones.
- Heirloom Rings: Milk Couture Co. offers a style referred to as the “Heirloom” ring, though specific details regarding its design are limited in the provided sources.
Beyond these specific styles, manufacturers encourage customers to share their personal stories and preferences to create truly unique pieces. This collaborative approach ensures that each ring reflects the individual journey and sentiments of the mother.
Inclusions: Quantities and Considerations
The amount of inclusion required varies depending on the item and the number of pieces desired. Generally, approximately 1/2 ounce of breastmilk is sufficient for 3-5 pieces of jewelry. Other inclusions require smaller quantities: 1 capsule of placenta for 2-3 pieces, 1/2 teaspoon of cremated ashes, 1/2 the umbilical cord stump, approximately 20 strands of hair (1 inch long – availability varies by item), and 2-3 flower petals.
A crucial point to note is that, with the exception of ashes, most inclusions are held on file for one year after the purchase date, allowing customers to create additional items in the future. This provides flexibility for expanding the collection of keepsakes.
Care and Maintenance
While the jewelry is designed to be durable, certain considerations are important for maintaining its appearance. The sources indicate that the jewelry will not turn skin green. However, rose and yellow gold plating are more susceptible to scratching with daily wear compared to white gold plating. Regular cleaning and careful handling are recommended to preserve the ring’s beauty and integrity. Specific cleaning instructions are not detailed in the provided sources.
Birthstones and Their Symbolic Significance (Limited by Sources)
The provided sources do not delve into the historical or metaphysical significance of specific birthstones. However, the inclusion of birthstones in these rings clearly demonstrates a desire to imbue the keepsake with additional meaning and personalization. The choice of a particular birthstone allows mothers to connect the ring to the birth month of their child or other loved ones, adding a layer of sentimentality and familial connection.
Turnaround Time and Ordering Process
The creation of these custom rings requires a significant amount of time. Turnaround times typically range from 6-10 weeks from the arrival of the keepsake materials to the manufacturer. Once an order is placed, customers receive instructions via email regarding the proper collection and shipment of their breastmilk and other inclusions. Due to the personalized nature of the product, changes or cancellations are generally not permitted after an order has been placed.
Table of Available Materials and Plating Options
| Material | Options |
|---|---|
| Base Metal | Solid 925 Sterling Silver |
| Plating | Silver, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold |
| Inclusions | Breastmilk, Ash, Placenta, Umbilical Cord, Hair, Dried Flowers |
| Birthstones | Cubic Zirconia (CZ) - Various Colors |
Conclusion
Breastmilk rings with birthstones represent a unique and emotionally resonant form of keepsake jewelry. They offer mothers a tangible way to commemorate the profound experience of breastfeeding and to celebrate the bond with their children. The ability to personalize these rings with birthstones further enhances their sentimental value, creating a lasting tribute to family and the journey of motherhood. While the provided sources offer a focused view on the creation and customization of these rings, they highlight the growing trend of personalized jewelry that celebrates life’s most precious moments.