How Much Ashes Do You Need for Memorial Jewellery?

How Much Ashes Do You Need for Memorial Jewellery?

If you're wondering how much ashes you need for memorial jewellery, the good news is that you need far less than you might think.

One of the questions I’m asked most often when someone is considering memorial jewellery is:

“How much of my loved one’s ashes do you actually need?"

It’s completely understandable to ask. These ashes are incredibly precious, and the thought of sending them away can feel daunting.

The good news is that you need far less than you might think.

At Forever Near Jewellery, I ask for approximately half a teaspoon of ashes per piece of jewellery as a general guideline. If the ashes are particularly dark, I may recommend sending closer to a full teaspoon per piece.

But there is an important reason for this — and it doesn't mean I use all of that amount.

Why do I ask for half a teaspoon?

When I create your memorial jewellery, I carefully select the ashes to achieve the most beautiful result possible.

Cremation ashes naturally contain a mixture of colours and textures. While some pieces may be darker, I particularly love working with the lighter and whiter pieces of ash because they can create a beautiful finish within the memorial stone.

By having enough ashes to choose from, I can select the pieces that I feel will create the prettiest and most unique result for your jewellery.

So the amount I ask you to send is really about having enough choice, rather than needing to use that entire amount.

You usually won't use all of the ashes

In fact, 99% of the time, I use only a small amount of what you send me.

Any unused ashes are carefully returned to you with your finished jewellery.

I know how precious these inclusions are, which is why I want you to have the reassurance that I am not using more than I need to create your piece.

Your remaining ashes can then be kept safely, allowing you to have the option of creating another piece in the future.

Can the same ashes be used for more than one piece?

Absolutely.

Depending on the amount you have available, I can often make multiple pieces of jewellery from the same ashes.

I can work with the amount you have and, where appropriate, make pieces slightly smaller so that I can preserve some of the inclusion for you.

In some circumstances, the ashes you send can be used to create five or even six pieces, meaning several family members can have their own special keepsake while still allowing some ashes to remain with you.

Every situation is different, so if you're worried that you don't have very much, please don't assume you don't have enough. Get in touch with me and I can talk you through your options.

What happens to the ashes you send?

When you order your memorial jewellery, I provide a complete inclusion collection kit.

The kit includes an airtight pouch suitable for your chosen inclusion. Each pouch is labelled with your order number and your loved one's name, helping me keep your precious inclusion clearly identified throughout the process.

Once your jewellery has been completed, any unused ashes or other inclusions are carefully returned to you with your finished piece or pieces.

Can you use all types of ashes?

Yes.

I accept all types of cremation ashes, including human and pet ashes.

The natural variation in ashes is part of what makes every memorial piece so unique. No two sets of ashes are exactly the same, which means every stone I create has its own individual character.

Can you use hair, fur or other inclusions?

Yes. I accept a wide range of dried inclusions, including hair and fur.

If an inclusion was previously wet but you now have it dried and preserved, it may still be suitable to use.

If you're unsure whether something can be included in your jewellery, please contact me before sending it and I'll be happy to discuss it with you.

What if I only have a very small amount?

Please don't panic.

I understand that sometimes there may only be a small amount of ashes available, particularly when ashes have already been divided between family members or used for another memorial.

I can work with small amounts and carefully plan your jewellery around the inclusion available.

My aim is always to create your piece while preserving as much of your precious inclusion as possible.

Your ashes are never just “material”

For me, creating memorial jewellery isn't simply about making a piece of jewellery.

I understand that what you send me represents someone incredibly important to you.

That's why I take great care throughout the entire process — from receiving your inclusion, to selecting the pieces I use, creating your memorial stone and returning the remainder safely with your finished jewellery.

Your jewellery should be beautiful, but most importantly, it should mean something to you.

How much should you send?

As a general guide:

💜 Approximately ½ teaspoon per piece

💜 Up to 1 teaspoon may be recommended if the ashes are particularly dark

Remember, this is the amount I ask you to send so that I have enough to select from. I don't normally use all of it.

And if you have less than this available, please don't worry. Get in touch before ordering and we can discuss what may be possible.

Create something Forever Near

If you're ready to create a piece of jewellery containing your loved one's ashes, hair or fur, take a look through the Forever Near collections and find the design that feels right for you.

Your precious inclusion can become a beautiful, personal keepsake that allows you to carry a little piece of someone you love with you, always.

Forever Near Jewellery — keeping them close, always.