Cremation jewelry offers more than a way to hold ashes—it offers a way to hold legacy, love, and identity close to the heart.
In an age where legacy is more personal than ever, cremation jewelry offers a beautiful and tangible way to preserve the memory of a loved one. Beyond serving as a private token of remembrance, cremation jewelry can be intentionally designed to become a family heirloom—passed down through generations as a living tribute to someone cherished.
Whether you’re a family member looking to create a timeless keepsake or a funeral professional guiding families through their options, this guide will walk you through the emotional significance, design choices, and generational value of cremation jewelry as heirloom art.
What Is Cremation Jewelry?
Cremation jewelry refers to necklaces, rings, bracelets, or pendants that hold a small portion of a loved one’s ashes. It can also include hair, dried flowers, or soil from a burial site. Most designs include discreet compartments (often screw-top or sealed chambers), and some incorporate resin, engraving, or symbolic shapes like hearts, teardrops, feathers, or trees.
Oaktree Memorials, for example, offers cremation jewelry crafted from durable metals like sterling silver, stainless steel, and even solid 14k gold—designed to last a lifetime and beyond.
Why Turn Cremation Jewelry into an Heirloom?
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Tangible Connection
While photos and stories keep memories alive, cremation jewelry adds a physical, wearable presence that bridges past and present. -
Symbolic Continuity
Heirloom jewelry often tells a story—and when it holds ashes or symbols of someone beloved, that story gains generational meaning. -
Elegance and Discretion
Modern cremation jewelry is discreet and stylish. Pieces like Oaktree’s minimalist pendants or birthstone-accented charms blend seamlessly with daily wear, ensuring they’re appreciated for their beauty as much as their sentiment. -
Legacy Built with Intention
When designed thoughtfully, cremation jewelry can include personal touches—a fingerprint engraving, a special date, a hidden message—that make it unmistakably “yours” and ready to be passed on.
What to Consider When Creating an Heirloom
1. Choose Timeless Materials
Opt for metals that age well and resist tarnish—like 14k gold, titanium, or high-polish stainless steel. Many heirloom buyers choose to upgrade to precious metal or include gemstone details to enhance durability and value.
Explore Oaktree’s Sterling Silver and 14k Gold Collection for elevated heirloom-ready designs.
2. Customize with Engraving
Whether it’s a birthdate, name, initials, or a favorite phrase, engraving adds intimacy to the piece. Consider interior engravings for a hidden layer of meaning.
3. Select a Versatile Design
Choose a design that reflects your loved one but is also appropriate for future wearers. Sleek bar pendants, round lockets, and geometric charms tend to be universal in appeal.
4. Create a Matching Set
For families, consider commissioning multiple matching or coordinated pieces to be shared among siblings or descendants. These could include mini keepsake urns with jewelry to match.
5. Include a Legacy Note
Heirlooms often lose meaning when context is lost. Add a small card or letter to store with the piece that shares the name of the loved one, their life dates, a memory, or why this jewelry was created.
Styles That Lend Themselves to Heirlooms
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The Bar Pendant – Clean, minimal, and gender-neutral
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Teardrop Pendants – Symbolic of grief, release, and healing
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Fingerprint Jewelry – Engraved with your loved one’s actual fingerprint
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Gemstone Capsules – Birthstones or ashes fused into resin stones
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Lockets – Small photos or ashes stored inside hinged compartments
Honoring Pets with Heirloom Jewelry
For pet parents, cremation jewelry is also a powerful tribute. Pendants with paw prints, custom name engravings, or tiny bone-shaped charms are increasingly being passed down to younger family members who shared a bond with the pet.
Oaktree offers both pet-specific and family-neutral options for cremation jewelry that can celebrate a beloved animal's life and legacy.
How Funeral Professionals Can Help
As cremation rates rise, families increasingly seek out meaningful, personalized options. Cremation jewelry isn’t just an add-on—it can be the centerpiece of a family’s grief journey and legacy planning. Funeral directors can assist by:
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Offering heirloom-grade options during arrangement conversations
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Educating families on care, sealing, and safe storage
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Recommending jewelry that aligns with the family’s values and design taste
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Collaborating with jewelers or memorial companies to create custom sets
Care and Storage Tips for Long-Term Value
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Store in a jewelry box with anti-tarnish lining
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Avoid exposure to water, harsh chemicals, or perfumes
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Periodically clean with a polishing cloth
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Keep a backup record of any inscriptions or personalization
Also consider sealing ashes permanently if you want the piece to be passed down without needing future maintenance.
Real Example: A Family Heirloom in Motion
A family chose Oaktree’s Taylor Pendant in 14k gold to honor their father—a Navy veteran and jazz saxophonist. His daughter wore the pendant daily. Before her wedding, she passed it to her younger brother, who now wears it tucked under his shirt each day. A note enclosed with the pendant shares a story about their father’s love of music and morning coffee—details that turn jewelry into generational storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Cremation jewelry offers more than a way to hold ashes—it offers a way to hold legacy, love, and identity close to the heart. When crafted with intention and preserved with care, these pieces become more than jewelry. They become heirlooms.
Whether you're remembering a parent, a partner, a child, or a cherished pet, cremation jewelry can be the bridge between what was and what still remains.
Oaktree Memorials is here to help you create something enduring. With artisan-crafted pieces, personalization options, and compassionate guidance, we make it possible to remember remarkably—and to pass that memory forward, beautifully.
Our Best Selling Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the shipping options for my memorial?
Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.
How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?
Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.
What do I do if I never received my order?
If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.
What do I do if I received a defective order?
If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.
Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?
Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.
How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?
If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.
How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?
Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.
How do I choose the right urn size?
Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.
Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?
Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.
Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?
Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.
How do I transfer ashes into my urn?
Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.
How do I order an engraved urn?
To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.
Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?
Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.
Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?
Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.
What materials are Oaktree urns made from?
Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.
Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?
Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.
Can I pre-order an urn for future use?
Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.
Do you offer pet urns?
Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.
How do I clean and maintain my urn?
Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.
Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?
Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.
How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?
We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.