How to Choose Memorial Jewellery - Complete UK Buying Guide 2026
Choosing memorial jewellery is a deeply personal decision. Whether you're looking to preserve ashes, hair, fur or flowers from a loved one or beloved pet, this guide will help you select the perfect keepsake that honours their memory.
Memorial jewellery comes in many forms — from cremation rings and ashes necklaces to lockets, charms, earrings, and brooches. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive UK buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choice.
A Note From Olja, Founder of Lovely Oxford
Hi, I’m Olja — founder and maker behind Lovely Oxford. I handcraft bespoke memorial jewellery from my studio in South Oxfordshire, UK, and I know grief intimately.
I lost my father when I was just 28 years old, and my mother when I was 34. I have also experienced multiple miscarriages, and the loss of beloved childhood and adult pets — companions who were as much a part of my family as anyone. Grief has walked alongside me for much of my life, and it has shaped everything I make.
I started Lovely Oxford because I believe that grief deserves something beautiful — a tangible, lasting connection to the people and animals we love most. When I create a piece for you, I do so with a full understanding of what it means to lose someone irreplaceable. Every piece leaves my hands with care, compassion, and deep respect for your loss.
Whether you’re preserving ashes, hair, fur, or flowers, I’m here to help you find the perfect piece. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch — I personally read and reply to every message, and I’m always happy to help.
What is Memorial Jewellery?
Memorial jewellery (also called cremation jewellery, remembrance jewellery, or keepsake jewellery) is designed to hold a small amount of:
- Cremation ashes (human or pet)
- Hair or fur (from loved ones or pets)
- Flowers (wedding bouquets, funeral flowers, special occasions)
- Soil, sand, or other meaningful materials
These pieces allow you to keep your loved one close to your heart, creating a tangible connection to precious memories.
Types of Memorial Jewellery
1. Memorial Rings
Memorial rings are one of the most popular choices for cremation jewellery — worn daily and providing constant comfort. At Lovely Oxford, we now offer one of the UK’s largest ranges of memorial rings, from delicate sterling silver stacking rings to solid 9ct gold signet rings and made-to-order statement pieces in yellow, white or rose gold. Our gold rings are fully hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office.
Popular styles:
- Teardrop rings with opalescent resin
- Heart-shaped memorial rings
- Stacking rings (wear multiple together)
- Signet-style memorial rings (unisex and gents)
- Celtic and decorative designs
- Wishbone, infinity, and twist band rings
- CZ halo, cluster, and marquise memorial rings
- Solid 9ct gold made-to-order rings — yellow, white or rose gold | Edinburgh Assay Office hallmarked
Best for: People who want a subtle, everyday reminder they can wear constantly.
→ Browse all Memorial Rings | Women’s Silver Rings | Men’s Silver Rings | Gold Women’s Rings | Gold Men’s Rings
2. Memorial Necklaces & Pendants
Necklaces keep your loved one literally close to your heart — from dainty everyday pendants to bold statement pieces in solid hallmarked gold. Our gold pendants, including the sunburst and circle memorial pendants, are hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office.
Popular styles:
- Teardrop, heart, sunburst and circle pendants
- Bar necklaces with ashes
- CZ halo and marquise pendants
- Feather, crescent moon, and nature-inspired pendants
- Solid 9ct gold pendants — hallmarked by Birmingham Assay Office
- Personalised handwriting engraved pendants
- St Christopher pendants with engraving
→ Browse Memorial Necklaces | Women’s Silver Pendants | Men’s Silver Pendants | Gold Pendants
3. Memorial Lockets
Our memorial lockets are a beautiful combination of two keepsakes in one. Each locket opens to reveal two sides: one side holds a permanently set resin inclusion of your ashes, hair, fur, or flowers — and the other side holds a small photo of your loved one. Your inclusion is safely sealed in resin, while you also carry a photo close to your heart. Our 9ct gold oval lockets are hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office.
Popular styles:
- Sterling silver heart lockets — resin inclusion one side, photo the other
- Self-fillable stainless steel lockets — fill at home with pet fur, ashes, or flowers
- 9ct gold oval lockets with leaf detail — Birmingham Assay Office hallmarked
- Glass locket necklaces
4. Memorial Earrings
Memorial earrings are a subtle, elegant way to carry your loved one’s memory — one of our most exciting new additions at Lovely Oxford. Each pair is handcrafted with a resin inclusion of ashes, hair, fur, or flowers set into sterling silver.
- Round bezel stud earrings (4mm–8mm)
- Heart, star, pear CZ halo, forget-me-not, and sunflower studs
- Heart paw print studs (perfect for pet memorials)
- Teardrop drop earrings
- Milk drop memorial studs
→ Browse Memorial Earrings | Stud Earrings | Drop Earrings
5. Memorial Bracelets & Bangles
- Glass locket and bangle bracelets
- Charm bracelets with memorial beads
- Solid silver gents memorial bracelet with leather strap
- 9ct gold horseshoe and infinity hook clasp bangles
→ Women’s Memorial Bracelets | Men’s Memorial Bracelets | Memorial Bangles
6. Memorial Charms
20+ designs in solid 925 sterling silver — add to an existing charm bracelet or start a new one.
- Heart CZ halo, paw print, dog bone, angel wings, feather charms
- Robin, sunflower, forget-me-not, four leaf clover, horseshoe charms
→ Browse Memorial Charms & Charm Bracelets
7. Memorial Brooches & Stock Pins
Worn on clothing, scarves, or lapels — particularly popular for horse lovers.
- Horseshoe, heart tube, and oblong bar stock pins
8. Memorial Cufflinks
Solid 925 sterling silver with a resin inclusion of ashes, hair, or fur — a meaningful choice for men.
9. Laser Engraved Memorial Jewellery
Preserve a loved one’s actual handwriting, signature, or a special message. Available in sterling silver, solid gold, gold-filled, and stainless steel.
- Handwriting engraved round disc, oval, heart, and teardrop pendants
- Personalised St Christopher pendants
- Delicate 10mm round tag pendants in silver and gold
→ Browse Laser Engraved Pieces | Sterling Silver | Solid Gold | Gold Filled | Stainless Steel
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Memorial Jewellery
1. Material: Sterling Silver vs Gold
Sterling Silver (925): More affordable, beautiful, durable. Requires occasional polishing.
9ct Gold (Hallmarked): Premium heirloom quality, doesn’t tarnish, hypoallergenic. Hallmarked by Birmingham or Edinburgh Assay Office depending on piece.
Stainless Steel: Very affordable, extremely durable, doesn’t tarnish.
Gold Filled: Beautiful gold appearance at a lower price than solid gold. More durable than gold plated.
Our recommendation: Sterling silver offers the best balance of quality and value. Choose 9ct gold for heirloom pieces or if you have metal sensitivities.
2. Preservation Method: All Resin-Set at Lovely Oxford
Every piece at Lovely Oxford uses permanently set bio-resin to preserve your inclusion — whether that’s ashes, hair, fur, or flowers. Your inclusion is completely sealed and safe; it cannot spill, fall out, or be lost. The resin creates a beautiful opalescent shimmer and is unique to every single piece.
Our lockets offer the best of both worlds — one side is a permanently set resin inclusion, and the other side holds a small photo of your loved one. The self-fillable stainless steel lockets are the only exception, allowing you to fill them yourself at home.
3. Personalization Options
- Engraving — names, dates, messages, or actual handwriting
- Opal flake colour — blue, white, lavender, and many more
- Gold finish — yellow, white, or rose gold on made-to-order pieces
- Multiple inclusions — combine ashes with hair, fur, or flowers
4. Human vs Pet Memorial
The same jewellery styles work beautifully for both. For pets, we also offer paw print rings, dog bone charms, heart paw print earrings, and pet-specific designs.
→ Browse Hair & Fur Memorial Jewellery
What Can Be Preserved?
- Cremation ashes (human or pet) — just a tiny pinch needed
- Hair or fur
- Wedding or funeral flowers
- Breast milk
- Soil or sand from meaningful locations
UK Hallmarking
At Lovely Oxford, all our eligible pieces are fully hallmarked by UK Assay Offices — our gold rings are hallmarked by the Edinburgh Assay Office, while our gold pendants and lockets carry the mark of the Birmingham Assay Office.
→ Learn more about UK hallmarking
Turnaround Times
- Sterling silver pieces: 15–20 business days
- Made-to-order 9ct gold pieces: 8–10 weeks
Price Guide (2026)
- Stainless steel: £20–£60
- Sterling silver: £95–£175
- 9ct gold: £350–£700+
How to Care for Your Memorial Jewellery
Your memorial jewellery is a precious, irreplaceable keepsake — and with the right care, it will remain beautiful for a lifetime. The resin inclusion is the most important element to protect.
Caring for the Resin Inclusion
❌ What to avoid — these can cloud, crack, discolour, or damage the resin:
- Chemicals & cleaning products — bleach, washing-up liquid, household cleaners, antibacterial sprays
- Perfume & aftershave — always apply fragrance before putting on your jewellery, never spray directly onto the piece
- Hand cream & body lotion — oils and moisturisers can build up on the resin surface and cause cloudiness over time
- Sunscreen & fake tan — chemicals in these products can stain or discolour the resin
- Hair products — hairspray, dry shampoo, and styling products; put your jewellery on after styling your hair
- Swimming pools & hot tubs — chlorine is particularly damaging to resin and can cause yellowing or cloudiness
- The sea & saltwater — salt can erode the resin surface over time
- Baths & showers — remove your jewellery before bathing; soap, shampoo, and conditioner can all affect the resin
- The gym & exercise — sweat contains salts and acids that can dull the resin surface; remove your jewellery before working out
- Washing up & household chores — always remove jewellery before cleaning
- Prolonged direct sunlight — UV exposure over time can cause the resin to yellow slightly; store out of direct sunlight when not worn
- Ultrasonic cleaners & steam cleaners — never use these on resin jewellery as they can crack or cloud the inclusion
- Abrasive cloths or polishing pastes — these will scratch the resin surface
- Silver dip cleaners — far too harsh for resin; they will damage the inclusion
✅ How to clean your resin jewellery safely:
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after wearing
- If needed, use a very slightly damp cloth (plain water only) and dry immediately
- Never soak or submerge resin jewellery in water
- A tiny drop of baby oil on a soft cloth can restore shine to a dull resin surface — buff gently and wipe clean
Caring for Sterling Silver
- Polish occasionally with a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish
- Store in an anti-tarnish bag or pouch when not worn
- Keep away from rubber bands, which accelerate tarnishing
- Avoid all the same chemicals listed above
Caring for 9ct Gold
- Gold is very low maintenance and doesn’t tarnish
- Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing
- Avoid the same chemicals and substances listed above
- Store separately to prevent scratching
Storage Tips
- Store each piece individually in its pouch or box to prevent scratching
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Avoid storing in humid environments such as bathrooms
- A jewellery box with individual compartments is ideal
→ Read our full care & maintenance guide
Explore Our Full Collection
At Lovely Oxford, we handcraft bespoke memorial jewellery in South Oxfordshire. Our collection has grown to over 4,700 pieces — one of the UK’s most comprehensive memorial jewellery ranges.
- Memorial Rings — 50+ designs, Edinburgh Assay Office hallmarked gold
- Memorial Necklaces & Pendants — Birmingham Assay Office hallmarked gold
- Memorial Lockets — resin one side, photo the other
- Memorial Earrings — studs and drops in sterling silver
- Memorial Bracelets & Bangles
- Memorial Charms — 20+ designs
- Memorial Brooches & Stock Pins
- Memorial Cufflinks
- Solid Gold Memorial Jewellery — hallmarked 9ct gold, made to order
- Laser Engraved Jewellery
- Pet & Hair Memorial Jewellery
- Flower Keepsakes
- Best Sellers
- New Arrivals
Browse our full Memorial Jewellery Collection.
Have a Question? I’d Love to Help
Choosing memorial jewellery is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re unsure which piece is right, have questions about inclusions, or want to discuss a bespoke design — please don’t hesitate to reach out.
📬 Contact Olja at Lovely Oxford — I personally read and reply to every message.
Final Thoughts
Choosing memorial jewellery is a deeply personal journey. There’s no right or wrong choice — only what feels meaningful to you. Whether you select a simple silver stud earring, a charm for an existing bracelet, or a solid gold signet ring hallmarked by the Birmingham or Edinburgh Assay Office, your memorial jewellery will serve as a beautiful, lasting connection to the love you shared.
Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts. The perfect piece is the one that brings you comfort and keeps your loved one close to your heart.