How to choose the right memorial ring

A memorial ring is one of the best ways to hold onto the memory of a loved one who has passed away. These beautiful pieces of jewelry often contain ashes, hair, or another meaningful keepsake from the person you want to remember. Keeping a part of your loved one close to you at all times can act as a comforting reminder of the wonderful memories you shared together.

After you decide you want to create a memorial ring to honor your loved one, you need to choose what type of ring you want to make. There are many options available, with different solutions designed to suit various needs and wishes.

To help you create the perfect memorial ring, here are some of the most common designs available today:

Memorial diamond

At Heart In Diamond, we specialize in memorial and cremation diamonds. A memorial diamond is typically made out of human hair or pet fur. By extracting the pure carbon from the hair or fur and combining it with a diamond growing seed, we can create a genuine diamond that contains the essence of the person or pet who has passed away.

We have a wide range of ring settings for you to choose from. With simple solitaire designs to extravagant creations and everything in between, you can select the perfect setting that suits your style and reflects the person you want to remember.

One of the best things about a memorial diamond is that the person it’s honoring has the chance to see it before they die. The hair sample can be taken while the person is still alive and they can get involved in the creation process. Before they pass away, they can see and hold the diamond they helped create.

Resin gemstone

Another way you can incorporate cremated ashes into a memorial ring is by using them to create a type of gemstone. Some artists mix human and pet ashes into a colorful resin which is then left to cool in a mold. The molds are usually shaped to look like gemstones, or something meaningful, such as a heart or angel wings.

While the result might look like a green emerald, red ruby, or pink amethyst, the keepsake you receive isn’t a real gemstone — it’s simply ashes combined with resin. However, this doesn’t make it any less meaningful. A resin memorial ring still contains the ashes from your lost loved one.

Cremation diamond

Cremation diamonds are similar to memorial diamonds with one small difference — they’re made with cremated ashes instead of hair or fur. We extract the pure carbon directly from the cremated remains and use it to grow a real diamond, following the same process we use for memorial diamonds.

Many people find making a cremation diamond a better option than burying the ashes or storing them at home inside an urn. It also means you don’t have to trouble your loved one by asking them to cut their hair, like you need to for a memorial diamond.

Designing a cremation diamond is still a viable option when the ashes are divided between several family members. At Heart In Diamond, we need ⅔ cup of cremated ashes to make each diamond. As the average body leaves behind almost 20 times this amount of ashes following cremation, it’s almost certain you will have enough to make this kind of diamond.

Fingerprint engraving

You don’t have to use hair or ashes to make a piece of memorial jewelry. You can create a remembrance ring by having your loved one’s fingerprint engraved onto a metal plate and used as the focal point for your ring.

To make this type of ring, you need to take the fingerprint from your loved one using ink and paper — just like they do it on TV. After you’ve sent the sample to the manufacturer, they turn the sample into a digital image and use it to engrave the design on a ring.

There are various types of fingerprint engraving rings. You can have the engraving hidden on the inside of the band, clearly visible on the outside of the band, or have an extra piece of metal placed onto the front of the ring with the engraving for everyone to see.

Choosing this design is a great way to immortalize pets, too. Just like each human fingerprint is unique, no two animal nose prints are the same. You can take a nose-print of your pet and have it engraved on a memorial ring in place of a fingerprint.

Locket

A locket-style remembrance ring might be the right choice for you if you want to keep things simple. This style of jewelry incorporates a hidden container you can use to store something that reminds you of your lost loved one. A lock of hair, a small amount of ashes, or a tiny piece of their favorite clothing are some of the most common things people use.

With a locket memorial ring, you don’t have to send anything off to another company. You simply choose a ring you like and purchase it. When it arrives on your doorstep, you add the personal keepsake yourself.

Some people find locket rings to be their best option if they’ve changed their mind about creating a keepsake. If your loved one was buried, you won’t have any hair or ashes to make a memorial diamond. You won’t be able to salvage their fingerprints to make an engraved memorial ring, either.

However, if you still have some of their personal belongings, you can make a locket ring, no matter how long ago they passed.

Get started

Wanting to maintain the connection between you and a loved one is perfectly natural after losing a close friend, family member, or cherished pet. One of the most beautiful, meaningful, and long-lasting ways to do so is to create a memorial ring in their honor.

If you’re ready to make a memorial or cremation ring, start designing your order today. You can fully customize your diamond and piece of jewelry every step of the way, ensuring you’re left with a unique work of art as special as the soul you want to remember.