Memorial Glass Jewelry Myths & Misconceptions
The subject of death and cremation jewelry is still a bit taboo in many cultures. In spite of the fact that memorial jewelry can provide relief to people who are grieving and healing, most people are not aware of just how powerful it can be. Sadly, because cremation jewelry isn’t commonly discussed it also leads to many misconceptions about it.
Memorial jewelry, also called cremation jewelry, or remembrance jewelry, is actually more common than you might think. Memorial jewelry provides a sense of comfort and healing for people grieving when they are experiencing a loss. It is a meaningful keepsake that lets loved ones’ connection live on.
So let’s bust some memorial glass jewelry myths and misconceptions.
Myth #1: Memorial Glass Jewelry is Creepy
“Creepy”, no, but it’s important to consider cultural and personal beliefs when we talk about memorial jewelry. In some cultures, the thought of keeping a loved one’s ashes close may be seen as a way of honoring and preserving their memory. In others, it can be viewed as distasteful or downright disrespectful.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not memorial jewelry is right for you. If you’re not sure ash-encased glass memorial jewelry is right for you, it may be helpful to talk to friends, family, or even a trusted religious or spiritual leader for guidance.
Myth #2: Memorial Glass Jewelry isn’t Popular
Not only is memorial glass jewelry popular it’s gaining more and more traction every day. Memorial jewelry serves as a tangible symbol of your loved one’s memory and allows you to keep a piece of your loved one close at all times. Some common types of memorial jewelry include necklaces, bracelets, and rings that contain a small amount of ashes. Even memorial keychains that feature a picture or a name are popular.
Myth #3: Memorial Jewelry is All the Same
Google ‘memorial jewelry’ and it’s easy to see why folks believe this misconception. Pages and pages of memorial jewelry as far as the eye can see and it all looks the same, with little variation. Mass-produced memorial jewelry is not made with your style or taste in mind and the only connection they care about is the one to your wallet.
I create handcrafted memorial glass jewelry for you with you and your loved one in mind, being mindful that the piece will be handed down through your family. Because of the nature of artisan jewelry, even if you order the same design, the finished piece will still have slight differences.
Myth #4: Memorial Jewelry is Expensive
Honestly, depending on where you shop it could be expensive. Like with everything though, Do. Your. Research! I don’t like to set other people’s prices but some of these mass producers ask crazy prices that, in my humble opinion, take advantage of folks in a vulnerable position.
Like regular jewelry, the price of ash-encased memorial glass jewelry is largely determined by the level of craftsmanship and the materials used. Silver Creek has something for everyone’s budget because everyone should be able to afford a memorial. However, if you’re looking for a special, custom, piece to remember a loved one, know that you’ll pay more.
Myth #5: You have to Send a Lot of Ashes to Have Memorial Jewelry Made
It takes a surprisingly small amount of cremains to create a piece of ash-encase memorial glass jewelry. People usually don’t believe me when I say that so they send more ashes than I’ve requested, but it’s true. It takes less than a quarter of a teaspoon to have a beautiful piece of heirloom jewelry made that you’ll love for a lifetime.
Myth #6: Memorial Jewelry Can Only Use the Ashes of One Person
While it’s most common for folks to order one memorial piece per person/pet, you can have as many people or pets in your piece as you have cremains for. It feels like it has to be breaking some sort of ‘memorial rules’ but I can assure you, it’s totally legit! It’s YOUR memorial glass jewelry, do it however you want to!
Myth #7: Only Human Ashes Can Be Used to Make Memorial Jewelry
Oh, what a cruel world it would be if this were true! Thankfully, this is not the case. Cremains from people and animals are pretty similar so once they go through the cremation process you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. My process of making memorial glass jewelry is the same, whether the cremains are from a human or an animal.
Myth #8: Memorial Jewelry Takes a Long Time to Make
The amount of time it takes to make cremation jewelry can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of jewelry being made, the size and complexity of the piece, and the experience and skill of the artisan. Here at Silver Creek, simple pieces like glass pendants take just a day to complete, while more elaborate pieces, like bracelets or rings, could take up to a week or two.
It’s important to note that cremation jewelry is typically made to order, so the time it takes to complete a piece also depends on my current workload. My standard turnaround time is 3-4 weeks but I often have your order finished sooner. Of course, custom jewelry that I design with you usually does take the standard time. Considering it’s something you’ll cherish for a lifetime, 3-4 weeks isn’t much time at all.
Myth #9: Memorial Jewelry is Boring or Loud and Tacky
The fabulous thing about Silver Creek memorial jewelry is that you can have a hand in what your memorial jewelry looks like. It can be as boring or as loud as you’d like. An added bonus is that my designs are handcrafted and not mass-produced so you won’t run into someone with the same exact piece of jewelry.
Myth #10: It Isn’t Possible to Make Memorial Glass Jewelry with Hair or Fur
It is possible, you just have to be creative! Organic bits like hair or fur aren’t the best to encase in glass because the heat just vaporizes them but they can be placed in the setting and a glass cabochon is set over it. If you’ve chosen a transparent glass cabochon you’ll be able to see the fur or hair. Hollow vessels are another option for your jewelry.
Myth #11: Sending Ashes is Complicated
It may seem like sending ashes is complicated, but it’s actually pretty easy. I take nearly all of the work out of it for you by sending a collection kit right to your door. You add ashes, seal up your package and mail it to me. See, easy peasy!
However, some folks have a hard time handling the ashes themselves, which is entirely understandable. I suggest asking a trusted friend or family member help you out or you can ask the funeral home or veterinary office to give you a hand.
Myth #12: Memorial Glass Jewelry has to be Cared for Differently.
This is most definitely false! You care for your Silver Creek memorial jewelry just like you would regular jewelry. The borosilicate glass I use in my memorial creations is known for being strong and durable and has a Moh’s hardness of 6.5-7, which is the same as peridot, tanzanite or tiger’s eye. Like gemstones, if the glass is scratched or scuffed it can be polished out and look as good as new.
Myth #13: Cremation Diamonds are Real
This is, hands down, the biggest load of horseshit ever! Cremation diamonds are the biggest fraud in the memorial jewelry industry and I was super bummed when I found this out. On its face cremation diamonds are beautiful and the thought that they are made out of your loved one is just WOW! However, if you look below the surface and do a lil digging, you find that science says this isn’t even remotely possible. Before you get duped, read this.
Do You
I hope this has given you a more clear picture of what memorial jewelry is and what it isn’t. Many people have an unfortunate impression of memorial jewelry. It’s important you remember that you’re not only getting an uncommon keepsake, and a gorgeous piece of heirloom quality jewelry that you can pass on through the generations, but it also provides you with comfort at times when you really need it.
Let me know what you think or tell me about your experience with memorial jewelry in the comments below!
