Your Complete Buying Guide to Ashes, Memorial & Breastmilk Keepsake Jewellery | Precious Mementos By Sharna

February 18, 2026

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about buying your keepsake or memorial piece? Perhaps you've had a poor experience elsewhere? Read on — I'll take you step by step through every decision, so you can order with complete confidence.

Buying memorial or keepsake jewellery is unlike any other purchase you'll ever make. You're not just choosing something beautiful — you're entrusting someone with something irreplaceable. Whether it's a pinch of your mum's ashes, a few precious drops of your breastmilk, or a lock of fur from a beloved pet, I understand that this isn't something you hand over lightly.

I'm Sharna, and I created Precious Mementos because I wanted people to have a maker they could truly trust — someone who treats every single inclusion with the same care and respect they'd want for their own loved one. This guide is here to answer every question you might have, before you even need to ask it.

Step 1: What Inclusions Can Be Used?

You might be surprised by how many precious things I can work with. Here's what I can incorporate into your piece:

Cremation ashes (human or pet)
Hair (human or pet fur)
Breastmilk or colostrum
Dried flowers (from a funeral, a wedding, or a garden)
Burial or garden soil
Umbilical cord
Placenta
Pregnancy tests
IVF liquid
Fingerprints or handprints
Footprints
Clothing threads or fabric

If you have something not on this list and you're not sure whether it can be used, just message me on WhatsApp or give me a call on 07445 897273 — I'm always happy to chat it through.

How much do I need to send?

This is one of the questions I'm asked most often, and I completely understand why it causes anxiety. The answer is: very little. I only need a tiny amount of your inclusions — a small pinch of ashes, a few strands of hair, a few millilitres of breastmilk. Whatever I don't use will be carefully packaged and returned to you safely with your finished piece.

Please do keep some back for yourself. I'd never want you to send everything you have.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Piece

With so many options — rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, charms, keyrings, cufflinks, and more — it can feel hard to know where to start. Here are a few things to think about:

Who is the piece for?

If it's for yourself, think about what you'll wear most naturally and most often. A ring is with you every time you look at your hands. A pendant sits close to your heart. A bracelet is a gentle, daily reminder on your wrist. A keyring means your loved one goes everywhere with you, even if you don't wear jewellery.

Is it a gift?

I have a full range of pieces designed for men, as well as unisex styles — so this isn't just for women. If you're buying for a partner, a father, or a son who lost someone, a cufflink set or a keyring can be a deeply meaningful gift. If you're unsure what to choose, message me and I'll help you decide based on who the piece is for.

Would you like more than one piece?

Because I only need a very small amount of your inclusions, it's often possible to create multiple pieces from the same order — so different family members can each have something to hold onto. Let me know when you order and we can discuss this.

Step 3: Customising Your Piece

Every piece I make is completely personal to you, which is why I offer so many choices. Here's what you'll be selecting:

Resin colour

I provide a full resin colour catalogue so you can see exactly what each colour looks like in the finished piece — not just a swatch, but a real photo. Take your time with this. Some people choose a colour that feels like the person they've lost. Others choose their favourite colour, or a birthstone colour.

Ash sparkle

When working with ashes, you can choose how much sparkle is incorporated. I'll show you what the ash looks like before I seal the piece, so you feel completely in control of how your loved one's inclusion appears.

Birthstone

If you'd like a birthstone incorporated, I include a full birthstone chart on the product page so you can see your options clearly.

Engraving

Many pieces can be engraved with a name, date, or short message. I include font examples so you can choose the lettering style that feels right.

All of these choices are selected at the time you place your order — no need to message me separately unless you have something specific in mind.

Step 4: Placing Your Order

Ordering is straightforward. Simply browse the shop, choose your piece, make your selections (size, colour, birthstone, engraving), and checkout securely. I accept all major payment methods.

Once your order is placed, I'll be in touch to confirm your details and let you know exactly how to send your inclusions to me.

Step 5: Sending Your Inclusions

I know this step can feel daunting — sending something irreplaceable through the post is nerve-wracking. Here's how to do it safely:

Place your inclusions in a small, sealed zip-lock bag or a secure container
Label it clearly with your name and order number
Package it securely in a padded envelope or small box
Send via Royal Mail Tracked or Special Delivery so you have a tracking number and proof of postage
Include a note inside with your name and order number

Please don't send the very last of what you have without keeping some back. And if you have any worries at all about this step, call or WhatsApp me first — I can talk you through it.

Step 6: While I'm Creating Your Piece

Unlike some makers who go quiet until the piece is ready, I believe in keeping you informed throughout. Once I receive your inclusions safely, I'll confirm this with you straight away. If you'd like to know when I open your inclusions, or to approve the sparkle level before I seal the piece, just let me know — I'm happy to send you photos and updates at each stage.

This matters to me personally. I know how much trust you're placing in me, and I never take that lightly.

How long will it take?

Turnaround times vary depending on the current order queue and the complexity of your piece. I'll always give you an honest timeframe when you order, and I'll let you know of any changes along the way. If you have a specific date in mind — an anniversary, a birthday, or a first Christmas without someone — please mention it when you order and I'll do my very best to accommodate you.

Step 7: Receiving Your Piece

Your finished piece will arrive gift-wrapped, along with a Certificate of Authenticity and aftercare instructions. Any unused inclusions will be returned with your order, packaged securely.

All orders are sent with free priority tracked shipping, so you can follow your parcel every step of the way.

Step 8: Caring for Your Jewellery

To keep your piece looking beautiful for a lifetime:

Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, moisturiser, cleaning products, and harsh chemicals
Remove your jewellery before swimming, bathing, or exercising
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wearing
Store in the gift box provided when not wearing

If you ever have any concerns about your piece after you receive it, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I want you to love it, and I'm here if anything isn't quite right.

Had a Bad Experience Elsewhere?

I hear this more than you might think, and I'm so sorry if it's happened to you. Common issues people share with me include: no communication during the making process, pieces that don't match what was shown, inclusions that weren't returned, or simply feeling like a number rather than a person.

At Precious Mementos, I work alone — which means every single piece is made by me, with my own hands, and every customer receives my full personal attention. I'm not a factory, and I never will be. If you've been let down before and you're nervous about trying again, please reach out before you order. I'm happy to answer any questions, put your mind at rest, and make sure this experience is completely different.