The intersection of motherhood and memorial jewelry has given rise to a unique and increasingly popular trend: breastmilk jewelry incorporating birthstones. This practice involves preserving a mother’s breastmilk – alongside other biological elements like ashes, hair, or even dried flowers – within handcrafted jewelry pieces, often accented with birthstones representing family members. While not traditional gemstones in the conventional sense, the birthstones integrated into these pieces add a layer of personalized meaning and aesthetic appeal. This article will explore the creation, customization, and significance of this modern form of keepsake jewelry, drawing solely from available information.
The Rise of Biological Keepsakes
For nearly a decade, companies have specialized in creating jewelry from deeply personal materials. Mamma’s Liquid Love, established for close to ten years, reports having crafted over 25,000 pieces, demonstrating a significant and growing demand for this type of memorialization. These businesses cater to a desire to hold onto cherished memories and biological connections in a tangible form. The process allows for the inclusion of breastmilk, placenta, cremated ashes, umbilical cord remnants, hair, and dried flowers, transforming these elements into wearable art.
The appeal lies in the intimate nature of the materials used. Breastmilk, in particular, represents nourishment, bonding, and the unique experience of motherhood. Incorporating these materials into jewelry allows mothers to carry a physical reminder of this period close to their hearts. The longevity of the pieces is a key consideration for manufacturers, with a focus on using high-quality materials designed to last a lifetime.
Customization and Materials
A defining characteristic of this jewelry is the high degree of customization offered. Unlike mass-produced items, each piece is tailored to the individual customer’s preferences. Mamma’s Liquid Love highlights its ability to create stones in different colors, allowing for representation of multiple family members within a single piece. For example, a ring can feature stones of varying hues to symbolize each child or loved one.
The materials used in construction vary. Solid 925 sterling silver is a common base metal, with options for rose gold-plated or yellow gold-plated finishes. Birthstones are typically represented by cubic zirconia (CZ), offering a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative to natural gemstones. The Catherine ring from Tree of Life Breastmilk Jewelry, for instance, features 28 stones on the top and 6 on each side band, providing ample opportunity for birthstone integration. April birthstones are specifically represented by simulated diamonds in this design.
A crucial distinction between these jewelers and others lies in their resin usage. Some companies utilize UV resin for quicker production, completing a piece in under 30 minutes. However, manufacturers like Mamma’s Liquid Love prioritize longevity and quality, eschewing UV resin in favor of a process that takes over a week per stone. This commitment to a more time-consuming method aims to create heirloom-quality keepsakes.
Ring Styles and Design Options
Several distinct ring styles are available, catering to different aesthetic preferences. The Half-Band Birthstone/Breastmilk Ring from Magic Milk Mama features a half-band design incorporating a single birth month stone. The Catherine ring from Tree of Life Breastmilk Jewelry offers a stackable or non-stackable option. The stackable version is slightly raised, allowing it to be worn with other bands, while the non-stackable version sits flush against the skin.
Oval Timeless Rings with Birthstones, available from Mamma’s Liquid Love, provide another popular design. These rings can be personalized with breastmilk, ash, placenta, umbilical cord, dried flowers, and hair, offering a comprehensive range of inclusion options. The materials used are 100% solid metals, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
Inclusions and Collection
The process of creating these pieces requires the customer to send in their chosen inclusions. The amount of material needed varies depending on the number of pieces desired. Approximately half an ounce of breastmilk is sufficient for 3-5 pieces, while a single placenta capsule can yield 2-3 pieces. Cremated ashes require about half a teaspoon, and umbilical cord material needs approximately half the stump. Hair should be around 20 strands, each about an inch long, though this option is not universally available across all designs. Dried flowers require 2-3 petals.
For US residents, Inclusion Collection Kits are available for purchase, simplifying the process of sending materials to the jeweler. These kits provide a convenient and secure way to transport the precious inclusions.
Turnaround Times and Policies
Due to the personalized nature of the jewelry, returns are generally not accepted. However, reputable jewelers prioritize customer satisfaction and encourage communication to resolve any issues that may arise. Mamma’s Liquid Love, for example, explicitly states that they will attempt to address any product problems.
Turnaround times vary, but generally fall within a range of 2-12 weeks. This is significantly shorter than the 6-12 months quoted by some competitors, highlighting the efficiency of certain manufacturers. The Catherine ring is currently available for immediate purchase, while other pieces require the inclusion of the customer’s materials and the subsequent crafting process.
Birthstones and Symbolic Meaning
While the primary focus of these pieces is the preservation of biological material, the inclusion of birthstones adds a layer of symbolic meaning. Birthstones have a long history of association with specific months and corresponding characteristics. Integrating these stones into breastmilk jewelry allows customers to personalize the piece further, representing the birth months of their children or loved ones. The use of cubic zirconia provides an affordable and visually appealing way to incorporate this traditional symbolism. The April birthstone is represented by simulated diamonds, adding a touch of classic elegance.
Care and Maintenance
Given the materials used, careful handling is recommended. The jewelry is typically hypoallergenic and nickel-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, the longevity of the piece depends on proper care. While specific cleaning instructions are not detailed in the provided sources, it is reasonable to assume that gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap is appropriate. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which could damage the materials.
Conclusion
Breastmilk and birthstone jewelry represents a modern evolution of memorial and keepsake traditions. By combining the deeply personal element of preserved biological material with the symbolic significance of birthstones, these pieces offer a unique and meaningful way to commemorate motherhood, family connections, and cherished memories. The customization options, commitment to quality materials, and relatively quick turnaround times have contributed to the growing popularity of this trend. While not traditional gemstone jewelry, the integration of birthstones adds a layer of personalization and aesthetic appeal, solidifying its place as a significant development in the world of contemporary keepsakes.