Honouring a Loved One: Commissioning Memorial and Bereavement Jewellery

I've recently created a piece of memorial jewellery and thought it would be useful to share the process. Losing someone we love is life-changing and many of us search for ways to keep their spirit and memory close. Commissioning a piece of memorial and bereavement jewellery can be a deeply personal way to hold ashes, upcycle a piece of their jewellery to wear or create something in their honour.

A recent client shared her story below

"Since losing Benjamin I knew I wanted a piece of jewellery which would allow me to have him with me at all times. I’d put off reaching out to enquire about the possibility of custom jewellery because I felt so protective of my loss and was apprehensive about how this request would be received. However, when I eventually contacted Catherine I knew straight away I had made the right choice. 

Catherine communicated with compassion and patience. She talked me through different options and welcomed my own ideas. She offered invaluable advice about the look and feel of the jewellery. The resulting necklace is more beautiful than anything I could have imagined. Wearing my necklace brings me so much comfort and joy, I will treasure it forever."

Below I explain how ashes were included in the special bespoke charm shown in the finished necklace above.

I made the charm hollow so it could be filled with the ashes.

The charm was carefully filled.

Then the charm was securely closed.

Before being oxidised and polished to create the finished piece.

Bespoke Bereavement and Memorial Jewellery

Commissioning a piece of memorial jewellery is a way to carry a physical reminder of your loved one with you, but can also feel like a healing process in itself. My aim with each bespoke piece of memorial or bereavement jewellery is to tell a story, representing the connection you shared with your loved one in a tangible and personal way.

How to Commission a Piece of Memorial Jewellery

It normally starts with a conversation - either by email, phone or a visit to my Tunbridge Wells jewellery shop and atelier. I want to understand what is important to you and if there are any personal elements you want to include such as ashes, inscriptions, handwriting, metal or stones.

I work with one of the remaining hand-engravers who can create a bespoke engraving including capturing their handwriting, carving initials or a personal emblem.

Working with precious stones can also be a powerful way to create something truly personal. Stones can be chosen based on their meaning they represent, for example - birthstones or a special colour or place.

Bereavement Charm Necklace

This is a very special commission. The customer came to me with her dear brother’s silver chain and a silver angel wing pendant. The angel wing was a gift from a friend to make into a commemorative necklace to remember her brother who tragically took his own life. I added a pair of silver acorns, engraved with their initials, to represent them both and his love of nature. Both of their birthdays were April so we also included a Swirling Sepal Charm set with one of April’s birthstones - cubic zirconia. Such commissions are such an honour to create, as they are especially treasured and loved by the wearer.

Memorial Locket with a Special Story

I opened my invoice pad to discover that I was on invoice number 1000 which felt like a big milestone (I’ve had the same pad ever since I opened). The very same day a lady came in and said “you won’t remember me but I remember you from 23 years ago”. I’d made a silver locket to carry her son’s lock of hair after he was killed in an accident at the age of 23. She continued: “I’ve worn it around my neck without taking it off since the day I got it. It has given me so much comfort and so many people have commented on it”.

She’d commissioned me to make the locket via the Craft’s Council at the V&A, after searching for a locket for months but not finding one she liked. Then she saw my work at the V&A and they told her I could make something special just for her. We met at the museum and designed it together – it was very emotional.

When moving house a year ago she’d found the letter I’d written to her and looked me up – she’d come to buy a gift for her youngest son’s new girlfriend. It felt quite unbelievable, totally amazing, tragic, happy and sad all mixed up. What a sale for my 1000 invoice!

Please do get in touch if you'd like to discuss commissioning a bespoke, upcycled or personalised piece of memorial or bereavement jewellery. You can email me here or visit my Tunbridge Wells jewellery shop and Atelier in The Pantiles, Kent.