Cremation Jewelry Maintenance: Cleaning and Care Tips

The Beauty and Sentiment of Cremation Jewelry

Cremation jewelry is more than a fashion accessory—it’s a deeply personal keepsake that allows you to carry the memory of a loved one close. Whether it contains ashes, a lock of hair, or simply symbolizes your loss, proper care ensures your piece stays beautiful and meaningful for years to come.

Because cremation jewelry is often worn daily, it can be subject to wear and environmental damage. This guide will walk you through how to clean, care for, and protect your cremation jewelry to preserve both its appearance and sentimental value.

Know Your Materials

The care requirements for cremation jewelry vary depending on the material. Oaktree Memorials offers jewelry in a variety of metals, including:

• Sterling Silver

• Stainless Steel

• Gold Vermeil

• 14K Solid Gold

• Rose Gold

• Titanium

Understanding the properties of your piece helps you maintain it properly. For example, sterling silver is beautiful but prone to tarnishing. Stainless steel is durable and low-maintenance, while solid gold is valuable and resistant to corrosion.

You can find details about each material in your product listing or on Oaktree’s Cremation Jewelry Collection.

Daily Wear Tips

To minimize wear and tear on your jewelry:

• Remove it before showering, swimming, or exercising

• Keep it away from lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays

• Avoid wearing it to bed, where it can snag or bend

• Store it in a dry, shaded place when not in use

These simple practices can drastically reduce tarnish, residue buildup, and physical damage over time.

Cleaning Cremation Jewelry Safely

Even with gentle wear, your jewelry will accumulate oils, dirt, and exposure to the elements. Here’s how to clean it safely depending on the metal:

For Sterling Silver:

Use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish. If deeper cleaning is needed:

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water

2. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the jewelry

3. Rinse under cool water and pat dry with a soft cloth

4. Avoid soaking, as water could seep into the sealed compartment

For Stainless Steel and Titanium:

These metals are easier to maintain:

1. Use a soft cloth dampened with water and soap

2. Rinse and dry thoroughly

3. Use a microfiber cloth to polish

Avoid abrasive brushes or harsh cleaners, which can scratch the surface.

For Gold and Rose Gold Vermeil:

These plated metals need gentle handling:

1. Use a very soft cloth to clean surface oils and smudges

2. Avoid chemical cleaners and polishing cloths with embedded abrasives

3. Store in a fabric-lined jewelry box to reduce oxidation and scratching

For Solid Gold (14K):

While gold is low-maintenance, it benefits from occasional cleaning:

1. Use a mix of warm water and a drop of dish soap

2. Soak for 10–15 minutes

3. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush, then rinse

4. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth

Inspect Seals and Fastenings

Many cremation jewelry pieces include secure closures or screw tops that hold ashes inside. Over time, these parts may loosen or accumulate buildup. Regularly check:

• That the screw cap is tight and sealed

• That no moisture has entered the compartment

• That clasps and chains are secure and unbent

If your piece is sealed permanently, avoid soaking or exposing it to extreme temperatures.

Professional Maintenance Options

For deeper cleaning or repair needs, consult a jeweler with experience handling memorial jewelry. They can:

• Polish metal surfaces without disturbing internal contents

• Replace chains or clasps

• Reset stones or engravings

• Check for internal moisture or corrosion

Oaktree Memorials also offers guidance if your piece needs replacement or restoration. Contact our team via customer support for assistance.

How to Store Cremation Jewelry

Proper storage reduces the need for frequent cleaning and minimizes exposure to environmental elements. Store your piece:

• In a fabric-lined box or pouch

• Away from direct sunlight and humidity

• Separate from other jewelry to avoid scratches

Oaktree’s Memory Box is ideal for keeping jewelry, small keepsakes, and photos in one respectful place.

Engraving and Custom Design Care

Many cremation jewelry pieces are engraved with initials, dates, or symbols. These details require special care:

• Clean around engravings gently with a soft cloth

• Use cotton swabs to get into crevices

• Avoid polishing too hard or using abrasive cleaners that could wear down etching

If your engraving begins to fade over time, professional jewelers may be able to refresh the design.

Caring for Jewelry with Inlays or Gemstones

Some memorial jewelry includes accents like:

• Opal or mother-of-pearl

• Birthstones

• Crushed glass or resin

• Diamond simulants or lab-grown stones

These components can be delicate. Follow these tips:

• Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners

• Use only soft, damp cloths to clean

• Do not soak pieces with organic materials or porous stones

Each inlay or stone requires slightly different care, so refer to your product card or the Oaktree product page for more information.

What to Avoid

To ensure the longevity of your memorial jewelry, avoid:

• Chlorine (especially in pools and hot tubs)

• Household cleaners like bleach or ammonia

• High-heat environments (e.g., saunas, direct sunlight)

• Jewelry dips unless labeled safe for your specific metal

These substances can erode metal, damage compartments, and harm the ashes or materials inside.

When to Retire a Piece from Daily Wear

If your jewelry has sentimental value but is showing signs of wear, you may choose to transition it to occasional use and store it safely. You might also:

• Order a replica or duplicate piece

• Commission a new design using the original ashes

• Display the piece inside a memorial shadow box

Caring for your jewelry also means honoring when it needs rest or protection.

Final Thoughts

Cremation jewelry is more than just a keepsake—it’s a deeply personal expression of love, memory, and enduring connection. Worn close to the heart or kept in a special place at home, these pieces serve as daily reminders of the bond you continue to carry. With thoughtful care and gentle handling, your jewelry can remain a beautiful tribute for years, offering comfort and presence in even the quietest moments of grief.

Whether you’ve chosen a minimalist pendant, a detailed ring, or a custom-engraved charm, your attention to upkeep honors not just the item—but the person it represents. A simple cleaning routine, safe storage, and occasional check-ins help preserve both its appearance and meaning. By maintaining its beauty, you also preserve the emotional story it holds.

At Oaktree Memorials, we understand that cremation jewelry isn’t just about style—it’s about sentiment. That’s why we’re committed to offering not only thoughtfully designed and high-quality pieces, but also the knowledge and tools you need to care for them properly. We want every customer to feel empowered in preserving what matters most.

If you have questions or need specific guidance on how to clean, store, or protect your jewelry, our team is always here to help. Explore our full cremation jewelry collection to find pieces that speak to your story, or reach out for care tips tailored to your item. With the right attention, your piece can remain a radiant, lasting reflection of love.