Grief & Remembrance: Finding Comfort in Keepsake Jewellery

I know grief. Not from a textbook — from life.

Thirteen years ago, my dad passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm. He was healthy. We had just come back from a holiday together — laughing, making memories. He drove me to the airport. Ten days later, he was gone.

At first, I was angry. Furiously, bewilderingly angry. Why did he have to leave? He wasn't supposed to. There was no warning, no goodbye, no chance to prepare. One moment he was there, and then he simply wasn't.

Then, six years later, I lost my mum. She had been battling breast cancer for a long time — and at the end, she lost that battle. Watching her deteriorate was one of the hardest things I have ever done. And when she finally passed, there was grief, yes — but also a quiet, painful relief that she was no longer suffering. That she was at peace.

Two losses. Two completely different kinds of grief. And both of them taught me the same thing: grief doesn't follow a schedule.

Grief Comes in Waves

If you've lost someone, you'll know what I mean. It isn't linear. It doesn't move neatly from denial to acceptance and then stop. It arrives in waves — sometimes gentle, sometimes completely overwhelming — and it can catch you off guard years later, in the middle of an ordinary Tuesday.

Grief also moves through different stages and shapes. There's the raw shock of sudden loss. The slow, exhausting grief of watching someone fade. The anger. The guilt. The strange relief. The love that has nowhere to go.

All of it is valid. All of it is grief.

Why Physical Remembrance Matters

In those quiet moments — the ones where you reach for someone who is no longer there — many people find comfort in having something tangible to hold onto. Something that says: they were here, and they mattered.

Grief counsellors and bereavement specialists often speak about the importance of continuing bonds — the idea that maintaining a connection to someone we've lost is not a sign of being stuck, but a healthy and deeply human response to loss.

A piece of memorial jewellery can serve as that bond. It's not about holding on in a way that prevents healing — it's about honouring a love that doesn't simply disappear because someone is no longer physically present.

For me, creating Lovely Oxford was part of my own healing. A way of turning grief into something beautiful. Something that lasts.

What Kind of Keepsake Is Right for You?

There's no single answer. The right keepsake is the one that feels meaningful to you. Here are some of the most common and comforting options:

• Ashes jewellery — a small amount of cremation ashes is set within a ring, pendant, or bracelet, creating a permanent and wearable memorial. You only need a tiny pinch — find out exactly how much here.
• Hair jewellery — human or pet hair is preserved inside a locket or encased in resin, keeping a physical trace of your loved one close. Learn more about hair memorial keepsakes.
• Fur jewellery — for those grieving a beloved dog or cat, fur can be preserved in the same way, honouring the bond between people and their pets. Read our complete guide to pet memorial jewellery.
• Flower jewellery — petals from a funeral bouquet or a meaningful garden can be preserved in resin, capturing a moment in time forever. See how funeral flowers are preserved.

Each type is deeply personal. Many people choose based on what they have available, or what feels most connected to the person — or pet — they've lost. If you're unsure, our buying guide can help you decide.

Grief Has No Timeline

There is no right time to commission a memorial piece. Some people order within weeks of a loss, finding comfort in the process itself. Others wait months or years, until they feel ready. I've worked with clients who came to me a decade after their loss — and the piece they received was no less meaningful for the wait.

At Lovely Oxford, I work gently and patiently with every client. I understand that sending something as precious as ashes or a lock of hair requires enormous trust — and I treat every single piece with the care and reverence it deserves. Find out more about our turnaround times and process.

A Gift for Someone Who Is Grieving

If you're reading this not for yourself, but because someone you love is grieving — memorial jewellery can be one of the most thoughtful gifts imaginable. It says: I see your loss. I want to help you carry it.

If you're unsure where to start, read our guide to gifting memorial jewellery — or simply get in touch. There's no pressure, no rush — just a quiet conversation about what might bring a little comfort.

You Don't Have to Carry It Alone

Grief is love with nowhere to go. Memorial jewellery gives it somewhere — a small, beautiful, permanent place to rest.

If you'd like to explore what's possible, browse our collection or get in touch. I'd be honoured to help you create something that keeps your loved one close, always.

With love,
Olja