How to Choose the Right Memorial Piece
Choosing memorial jewelry can feel overwhelming. There are many options, and each one carries a different kind of meaning and practical function. This guide breaks the decision down into clear steps so you can choose a piece that suits the person you’re honouring, how you want to wear it, and what you need the piece to hold.
Decide Whether You Want the Contents Visible or Private
Some people want ashes, hair, or fur completely enclosed. Others prefer a piece where the material can be seen beneath a stone.
The choice usually comes down to comfort and how personal you want the piece to feel.
Options include:
Fully sealed chamber: the contents are protected and not visible.
Beneath a transparent stone: the contents remain intact and can be seen clearly.
Symbolic design with no physical material: for situations where there are no ashes or hair, or when symbolism feels more appropriate.
Knowing which direction you prefer will narrow your options immediately.
Think About Everyday Wear vs Occasional Wear
Some people want a piece they put on every morning. Others want something more sculptural or weighty that they wear selectively.
For daily wear, look at aspects like: comfort, weight and durability of gemstones - for example if you add a pearl with an exposed profile to a ring design, it will inherently wear faster than a tough diamond because of its softer material make-up.
For occasional wear, you can choose something larger, heavier, or more complex without worrying about long‑term comfort.
Choose the Type of Jewelry That Fits Your Routine
Each form has different practical strengths:
Rings: good for daily wear, very tactile, stays in line of sight of the wearer.
Necklaces: sit close to the chest, more private, less contact with surfaces.
Pendants with chambers: allow for larger internal space for ashes or hair.
Symbolic pieces: no contents, but strong meaning tied to shape, metal, or design.
Think about what you reach for naturally. That tends to be the right answer.
Consider What Material You Want the Piece Made From
I work in:
sterling silver
8k, 14k, and 18k gold
These metals are strong, reliable, and suitable for traditional stone‑setting. They hold up to daily wear and allow me to build sealed chambers or set transparent stones securely without adhesives.
When a piece includes ashes/fur/hair beneath a stone, the choice of gemstone affects both appearance and durability. The most reached‑for option is quartz. It’s clear, stable, and allows the contents to be seen without distortion.
There are other options if you want something more defined or rare.
Portrait‑cut moissanite or portrait‑cut diamond creates a clean, glass‑like window over the ashes. They’re thin, flat cuts designed for this kind of work, with sharp clarity, minimal height, and extremely durable. These stones create a strong visual effect and are uncommon, which makes the piece feel very intentional.
If you have your own materials, I can often incorporate them.
This includes:
old gold that can be melted and reused
heirloom gemstones
personal items with meaning
Working with existing materials creates continuity between the past and the new work, which is often important in memorial pieces.
Identify the Shape or Style That Fits the Story
You don’t need to choose something traditional.
Brutalist shapes, textured surfaces, or simple geometric forms can be as meaningful as classic memorial styles.
Think about:
the person’s personality
their style
your relationship with them
what feels honest to you
A memorial piece doesn’t need to look like “memorial jewelry.” It only needs to feel right for the person wearing it.
Make Sure the Construction Method Matches the Importance of the Piece
This part matters more than people realise.
I use:
sealed metal chambers
traditional stone‑setting
no resin, no glue
Resin yellows, becomes brittle, and alters the ashes permanently.
Traditional metalwork protects the material and keeps it intact without chemical changes.
This ensures the piece lasts and can be worn safely over time.
