Choosing the Right Piece
If you’re here, chances are you already know what you want to create — something meaningful, personal, and full of love — but choosing the right piece can suddenly feel overwhelming. There’s so much choice that making a decision can feel impossible.
Please know you’re not on your own in this. I’m always happy to help guide you and make recommendations that feel right for you. You can message me on 07445 897273 or email preciousmementosbysharna@gmail.com and we can talk it through together.
If you’d like to browse first, you can explore my ashes jewellery collection, breastmilk jewellery collection, or my wedding keepsake pieces for inspiration.
In the meantime, here are a few gentle things to consider that may help you narrow things down.
Choosing the Right Type of Piece
Think about how the piece will be worn or used, and what feels most comforting to you.
- Rings are perfect for daily wear, but they do need to be taken off occasionally. They’re not always the best surprise unless you already know the correct ring size.
- Pendants sit close to the heart and are a beautiful, sentimental choice. They also make wonderful surprise gifts.
- Bracelets or charms are lovely for twiddling and touching, which many people find very comforting.
- Earrings are ideal if ears are pierced and something subtle and small is preferred. They are another great surprise option.
- Keyrings or ornaments are perfect if jewellery doesn’t feel right.
- Cufflinks, bouquet charms and tie slides are all thoughtful and meaningful wedding gift choices.
There’s no right or wrong here — only what feels right for you or your loved one.
Colour and Customisation Choices
Colour is often the hardest decision. I use a sparkly silvery mica base as standard, which gives a soft, elegant shimmer, but if sparkle isn’t your thing, I can create a solid, non-sparkly base instead.
You can also add opals or glitters for extra depth and dimension, or choose to have a piece made entirely of ashes with no base colour at all. Whether you’re creating memorial ashes jewellery or a breastmilk keepsake, every option creates a very different look — and all are equally beautiful.
Popular Colour Choices (and a Few Hidden Favourites)
Ivory or Pearl is a neutral white with a subtle sparkle. It’s often chosen for breastmilk jewellery but is also stunning with visible ashes, as it allows them to really stand out.
Fire and Snow or Unicorn Tears Opal gives a white opal effect with gentle flashes of blue, green and red depending on the light.
Blue shades such as Topaz, Lapis Lazuli and Tanzanite are incredibly popular. If you’re choosing an opal topper, a matching blue base works beautifully. Blue Nose Blue is a custom shade often requested by Birmingham City Football Club fans. All About Azure, Blue Pacific and Blue-Eyed Boy Opal are also favourites, offering light and dark blues with contrasting flashes.
Green shades such as Amazonite, Fluorite, Peridot, Tourmaline and Jade are often chosen by Irish families. Peridot and Jade are especially popular as August birthstone colours. Aqua Mint, Black Emerald and Emerald Opal are loved for their depth and contrast.
Purple shades including Iolite and Amethyst are timeless choices. If you’re adding an opal topper, a matching purple base works best. More About Mauve and Sleepy Lavender are extremely popular for their soft and rich purple tones with hints of pink or violet.
Pink shades such as Rose Quartz, Morganite and Rhodonite are beautifully feminine and look stunning in both silver and gold jewellery. Candy Crush Opal pairs perfectly with Rose Quartz for that signature pink sparkle with light and dark flashes.
A Few Personal Favourites
Rainbow Opals include a little of every colour. Choose an ivory or pearl background for a tree-of-life effect, or go fully rainbow for a bold, joyful piece.
Obsidian with Silver Rainbow Opal is elegant and striking, with a deep black background and contrasting grey opal flecks that make ashes sparkle beautifully.
Silver with Visible Ashes and Diamond Dust is soft and beautifully blended, with added diamond dust for extra sparkle and a touch of glitter.
Garnet with Romance Opal is timeless, bold and associated with love. Garnet is also January’s birthstone and my own birth month, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Birthstone Colour Guide
- January – Garnet
- February – Amethyst
- March – Aquamarine
- April – Diamond Dust
- May – Emerald
- June – Moonstone
- July – Ruby
- August – Peridot
- September – Sapphire
- October – Rose Quartz or Opal
- November – Citrine or Topaz
- December – Turquoise
If you’re feeling unsure, that’s completely normal. Choosing a memorial jewellery piece or keepsake is emotional, and it should never feel rushed. I’m always here to help you create something that feels right, meaningful and truly personal.
With love,
Sharna
Precious Mementos By Sharna