How Much Ash is Needed for Memorial Jewellery? (A Simple Guide)

When you decide to commission a piece of memorial jewellery, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is: “How much of my loved one’s ashes will I need to provide?”

It can feel daunting to handle ashes, and many people worry about sending too much or not having enough. As a jeweller who has handled hundreds of commissions in my Kent workshop, I want to reassure you that the process is very simple and requires much less than you might think.

The General Rule: A Teaspoon is Plenty

For almost every piece in my collection—whether it is a ring, a pendant, or a pair of cufflinks—I only require one level teaspoon of ashes. In fact that is enough for a dozen pieces of jewellery. 

Because I hand-set the ashes with precision, a small amount goes a long way. Even for larger "statement" pieces, a single teaspoon provides more than enough material for me to select the best grains to create a beautiful, balanced aesthetic.

What if I want to order multiple pieces?

If you are ordering a set (for example, a ring and a matching necklace), I recommend sending just one teaspoon. This ensures I have a sufficient amount to maintain consistency in the "look" across both pieces of jewellery. If you are ordering 10 0r more pieces, then double up and send two teaspoons. 

A Guide to Sending Ashes Safely

To make the process as stress-free as possible, here is how I handle the collection:

1. The Collection Pack: Once you place an order, I send you a small, secure kit.

2. The Small Scoop: You only need to place one teaspoon of ash into the provided zip-lock bag.

3. Secure Shipping: I've never had any ashes go missing in the post, so simply use the self addressed envelope and pop them back to me.

What happens to the unused ashes?

This is the most important part of my workshop's philosophy. I return all unused ashes to you along with your finished jewellery.

I treat every grain with the utmost respect. Whether I use 10% or 50% of what you send, the remainder is carefully repackaged and returned home to you. Nothing is ever discarded, and nothing is wasted.

Can I use hair instead of ashes?

Yes. If you prefer not to use ashes, or if you are commemorating a loved one who was buried, I can often use a small lock of hair (about 2cm long) to create a similar effect within the jewellery.

Final Thoughts

My goal is to make this journey as gentle as possible. You don't need to worry about the technicalities—I am here to handle the delicate work for you.

Ready to start your commission? [Browse the Collections] or [Contact Chris] if you have a specific question about your ashes.