If you’re experiencing a cremation for the first time, the concept of Cremation jewelry may be unfamiliar to you. This guide is for you and will inform you on the basics of cremation jewelry: a brief history and different options and styles to choose from.
To put it simply, cremation jewelry is a handheld, mini memorial and tends to have a small compartment meant to hold a portion of someone’s ashes or even a memento such as a dried flower, lock of hair, or soil from the place of burial. GetUrns has a wide variety of cremation jewelry in the form of cremation pendants, cremation bracelet beads, and even matching earrings for a complete set.
While the practice of wearing a loved one’s remains may seem morbid, mourning jewelry has a long and rich history dating back to the 16th century revival of the latin phrase “Memento Mori” which directly translates to “remember death,” or “remember you will die.”
The expression was mostly used to refer to jewelry used to signify the occurrence of a death. These initial pieces consisted of brooches or necklaces that were more symbolic than functional: unequipped to hold anything while serving as a physical reminder of a lost loved one.
The presence of cremation jewelry made with a compartment for ashes didn’t actually come about until the Georgian era of 17th century England. These early pieces were wonderfully crafted - hand carved in the finest materials available, capable of holding ashes, dried flowers, and even intricately braided hair. Mourning became synonymous with fashion and people were extravagant in their expression of grief. This practice of showcasing one’s grief was normal and even encouraged as a coping mechanism to work through the experience of losing a loved one.
But why do people choose to put their loved ones inside a pendant or charm? Try to think about it this way; experiencing death is the hardest thing people deal with, yet they are still expected to return to their daily routines with relative ease. This is near impossible for some, their grief can overpower them and leave them unable to cope. Cremation necklace pendants, cremation beads, and cremation earrings are now a way for grieving people to hold their loved ones close at all times, making cremation jewelry ideal for those who are having a particularly tough time while mourning.
Modern cremation jewelry to hold ashes has evolved into a subtle form of mourning - a private thing for the bereaved rather than a recognized, outward display of grief. Cremation jewelry allows someone dealing with the loss of a loved one the chance to keep their loved one close by while also giving them the privacy of subtlety. The general public cannot tell the difference between cremation jewelry and a regular piece of jewelry, making cremation jewelry a great and private way to honor someone’s memory.
Another great characteristic of modernmourning jewelry is the ability to gift someone with these beautiful pieces. The inconspicuous nature of a cremation pendant or a cremation bracelet bead makes these products the perfect gift to a grieving friend.
Rather than purchase a cremation urn for someone, which is a serious responsibility, cremation jewelry is an ideal method of showing sympathy while not having to be too involved in the after death process. So for those of you who want to express your concern and assist but do not want to potentially get the urn wrong, cremation jewelry for ashes is a great alternative. If you are in charge of purchasing the urn however, please read our Cremation Urn Buying Guide to make the best informed decision.
GetUrns has a wide variety of cremation jewelry in the form of cremation pendants, cremation bracelet beads, and even matching earrings for a complete set. Listed below are some of GetUrns most popular cremation jewelry options. Take a look to get an idea of what type or style of jewelry would best suit your needs.
Elegant and feminine, the Wings of Hope Lavender Pendant is a beautiful representation of butterflies which are powerful symbols of renewal and rebirth, making this pendant a perfect tribute for your deceased loved one. The butterfly comes with a hollow compartment inside to hold a small portion of cremated remains. The Wings of Hope Butterfly pendant also comes in two other finishes: Blue and White.
The Leaning Heart pendant is a gorgeous piece with a dual toned finish in rose gold and rhodium plated sterling silver. Placed in the center of the left curve sits a bright and shiny Swarovski Crystal, adding to this piece’s luxurious look. The surface of the pendant is smooth and shiny, while the edges are textured to provide a wonderful contrast for an eye catching design.
Simple and stunning, the Feather Pendant is a delicate and detailed piece of jewelry and serves as a bold but tasteful necklace. This pendant is delicately crafted out of durable sterling silver and holds a small pinch of ashes so you can keep your loved one near and dear.
For those who are grieving a beloved animal companion, GetUrns offers cremation jewelry specifically with our furry friends in mind.
The Princess Cat Pendant is a near exact replica of the Princess Cat Urn, just miniaturized into a pendant so you can carry a bit of your love right next to your heart. The best thing is, cat cremation jewelry has the ability to carry more than just ashes; you can place a whisker or bit of fur from your beloved cat instead. The Princess Cat Pendant comes in the same three finishes as the urn:Midnight,Bronze,Pearl.
With a subtle but classy look, the paw pendant is an elegantly designed piece - a wearable memorial of your sweetheart. Made of Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver; this pendant is incredibly high quality and is crafted to last. It’s design also allows you to proudly wear this necklace without being obvious to its purpose, helping you to find comfort with your pet but still have privacy in its contents.
This pendant is delicately crafted out of durable sterling silver, presenting a gorgeous dual toned leaning heart with tiny paw prints walking along, symbolizing our pets path across the rainbow bridge. Place a few strands of your pet’s fur or a portion of their ashes inside to commemorate the life they lived with you.
Cremation jewelry is an elegant and subtle method of honoring and carrying a lost loved one close. Take a look through the rest of GetUrns to see the large variety of cremation jewelry pieces to commemorate a human or pet, in the form of pendants, beads, or earrings.