Skip to primary navigationSkip to main contentSkip to footer
Lifetime Warranty | Financing | Make An Appointment | Email Us | (713) 871-1909
  • Toggle Toolbar Search Menu
  • Toggle My Account Menu
  • Toggle My Wish List
  • Toggle My Shopping Cart
Peran & Scannell Jewelers logo
  • Custom Design
  • Jewelry
    • Engagement Rings
        Semi-Mount Engagement RingsDiamond Engagement RingsWedding BandsEternity Bands
    • Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
    • Men's Wedding Bands
        Men's Gold Wedding BandsMen's Diamond Wedding Bands
    • Women's Wedding Bands
        Anniversary BandsWomen's Gold Wedding BandsWomen's Diamond Wedding Bands
    • Rings
        Fashion RingsGold Fashion RingsGemstone RingsFamily RingsAccessoriesContour BandsSignet RingsDiamond RingsDiamond Fashion RingsGemstone Fashion RingsGold RingsColored Stone RingsPearl RingsSilver RingsToe Rings
    • Earrings
        Silver EarringsDiamond StudsDiamond EarringsColored Stone EarringsPearl EarringsDangle EarringsHuggies EarringsGold EarringsHoop EarringsEarring JacketsDiamond Fashion EarringsGemstone EarringsStud EarringsSilver Dangle EarringsSilver Hoop EarringsFashion Earrings
    • Necklaces
        Silver NecklacesDiamond NecklacesGold NecklacesColored Stone NecklacesPearl NecklacesDiamond Fashion NecklacesGemstone NecklacesReligious NecklacesLink ChainsFashion NecklacesFamily NecklacesInfinity Necklaces
    • Pendants
        BailsReligious PendantsDiamond PendantsSilver PendantsGold PendantsPearl PendantsColored Stone PendantsLockets
    • Bracelets
        Diamond BraceletsGold BraceletsColored Stone BraceletsSilver BraceletsPearl BraceletsBangle BraceletsCuff BraceletsLink BraceletsBead BraceletsChain BraceletsReligious BraceletsGemstone BraceletsSilver Bangle BraceletsSilver Cuff BraceletsSilver Link BraceletsFashion BraceletsInfinity BraceletsCharm Bracelets
    • Men's Jewelry
        Mens ChainsTie ClipsMen's RingsMen's Gold RingsMen's EarringsMen's BraceletsMen's NecklacesMen's Pendants
    • Chains
        LinksPlatinum ChainsGold ChainsSilver Chains
    • Charms
    • Religious Symbols
    • Anklets
    • Cufflinks
    • Watches
        Certified Pre-Owned RolexRolex Custom Accessories
    • Children's Jewelry
    • Initial Jewelry
    • Luxury Knives
    • Everyday Jewelry
        Clasps
    • Money Clips
    • Gemstone Pendants
    • Diamond Fashion Pendants
    • Slide Pendants
    • Heart Pendants
    • Fashion Pendants
    • Brooches
  • Love & Engagement
    • Search Diamonds
    • Shop All Bridal
      • Wedding Party Gifts
      • Engagement Rings
      • Men's Wedding Bands
      • Women's Wedding Bands
    • Shop Anniversary Bands
    • Diamond Education
  • Designers
    • 302
    • Eleganza
    • Ever & Ever
    • Imperial Pearls
    • INOX
    • Leslie's
    • Peran & Scannell Collection
    • Rembrandt Charms
    • Romance Diamond
    • Romil Bris
    • Tesoro
  • Gift Ideas
    • Most Popular
    • Essential Jewelry
    • Bridal Party Gifts
    • Gifts Under $1000
    • Gifts Under $500
  • Best Sellers
    • New Arrivals
    • Best Sellers
    • Lastest Trends Under $1000
    • Lastest Trends Under $500
    • Our Blog
  • Romil Bris
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Memorial Jewelry
  4. Expert Recap: How to Buy a Necklace for Ashes - memorial necklace buying guide
Memorial Jewelry

Expert Recap: How to Buy a Necklace for Ashes - memorial necklace buying guide

Published: Oct 22, 2025
Expert Recap: How to Buy a Necklace for Ashes - memorial necklace buying guide
Author: 
Rodney Brisco
Introduction
Loss. It’s the one word you hope you never have to confront — yet many of us do. In fact, cremation rates in the U.S. are climbing fast: for example the rate was about 57.5 % in 2021 and is projected to reach around 64 % by 2025. (Cherished Emblems) When you’re planning to buy a necklace for ashes — either for yourself or as a gift — you want to make sure you’re doing it thoughtfully, with care, so the result really honors that person and gives you something meaningful.
In this post you’ll learn:

Key takeaways: what “necklace for ashes” means, why people choose it, and what’s trending.
Practical tactics and steps: how to select style, material, size, personalization, budget.
How to apply the insights: what questions to ask, how to coordinate with the jeweler, and how a trusted jeweler such as Peran & Scannell Jewelers can help you get an extremely satisfactory result.
Let’s begin.
 
1. Why choose a necklace for ashes

 
When someone close to you passes, you may look for tangible ways to keep their memory close. A necklace designed to hold ashes or symbolise ashes offers that. Some reasons people choose such a piece:

Emotional closeness – the idea of carrying a little of the person (or a symbol) with you.
Memorial and healing – it becomes a keepsake that aids grieving, remembering, honouring.
Growing acceptance – as cremation becomes more common, memorial jewellery becomes more mainstream. For example one source notes “As cremation rates continue to grow… the availability and variety of cremation jewelry will also continue to grow.” (Philadelphia Cremation Society)
Personalised meaning – you can choose design, material, inscription to reflect the person.
Gift potential – you may buy it for someone else who is grieving, and that adds another layer: you want to get it right.
Why a necklace (vs other forms)? A necklace places the keepsake very close to your heart, literally. It’s visible (if you choose), wearable on a daily basis, and can be discreet or bold depending on your preference.

 
2. Understanding styles and types



When you search for a necklace for ashes, you’ll see many styles. Knowing the options helps you choose the right one for your intention (personal use vs gift) and budget. Here are the common styles and what to consider:

a) Styles

Ash-holding pendant necklace: A small compartment (tube, locket, screw-cap) that holds a tiny portion of ashes.
Embedded ashes/resin necklace: A piece of jewellery in which ashes are mixed into resin, glass or another material and set in a pendant.
Symbolic memorial necklace: A pendant that doesn’t literally hold ashes but is engraved or designed to symbolise the person or memory.
DIY keepsake pendant: Some people order a basic pendant and insert the ashes themselves (if allowed) or add a tiny portion.
b) Materials and finish

Metals: sterling silver, gold (yellow/white/rose), platinum.
Resin or glass: for embedded ashes.
Gemstones or diamonds: some memorial pieces turn ashes into synthetic diamonds (this is more expensive; see trend notes). (Altogether)
Engravings and personalization: names, dates, meaningful phrases.
c) What to ask/consider

How much ashes are required? Many only require a teaspoon or less. (Cherished Emblems)
Is the compartment secure? Will the ashes remain safe?
Material durability: If you plan to wear daily, metal quality, chain strength matter.
Style vs wearability: Do you want something discreet for work/home or visible?
Budget: Embedded or diamond versions cost much more.
Gift suitability: If you buy it as a gift, consider the style preferences of the recipient (metal colour, chain length, etc.).
 
3. Assessing budget and value


One of the factors that can confuse buyers is price and value. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach budget and what influences cost.

Influences on price

Material of pendant/chain: gold/platinum cost more than silver or stainless steel.
Design complexity: custom engraving, unique shapes, added gemstones.
Ash-holding mechanism or embedding process: more intricate methods or special craftsmanship raise cost.
Brand and certification: trusted jewellers may charge more for craftsmanship and service.
Personalization & extra features: e.g., if a chain is included, if the piece is adjustable, shipping, etc.
Budget tiers (rough guide)

Entry level: Simple silver/steel pendant with basic ash compartment – modest budget.
Mid-tier: Sterling silver or lower-karat gold, engraved, good chain, personalized.
Premium: High-karat gold/platinum, designer brand, additional gemstones, possibly transforming ashes (diamond conversion) – highest budget.
Value considerations

It’s not just the price — value comes from how meaningful the piece is and how well it fulfills your intent (for yourself or as a gift). A thoughtful piece that’s well suited to wearer matters more than paying top price.
Ensure the jeweller provides quality, craftsmanship, and assurance. When working with a trusted shop like Peran & Scannell Jewelers, you’re investing not just in the piece but in service and guidance.
If buying as a gift: think of chain length, style match, whether recipient wears gold or silver etc.
 
4. Practical buying steps (for you or as a gift)


Here’s a step-by-step checklist you can follow to make sure you get the right necklace for ashes—whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift.

Define the intent
Are you buying this for yourself to wear? Or are you buying as a gift for someone else?
Do you want something everyday wear, or more special-occasion?
Do you prefer the ashes to be visible vs hidden? (Some prefer discreet, others want overt memorial.)
Gather information
Check how many ashes are available (if you will insert them) and whether the jeweller requires them.
Decide on metal colour and chain length (standard for women is ~18″, for men maybe 20–22″).
Consider whether the recipient wears silver or gold, prefers minimal vs bold design (especially if gift).
Choose whether you want engraving (name, date, quote) and budget for that.
Select style and material
Choose between holding compartment vs embedded ashes vs symbolic.
Choose metal and finish.
Choose chain and pendant size — smaller pendants are subtle; larger pendants are statement.
Make sure the mechanism (screw-back, click-open, sealed resin) is secure and reputable.
Check personalization options
Engraving: cost, space available, font style.
Packaging/gift presentation (important if buying as gift).
Certificate of authenticity (especially for higher-end pieces).
Care instructions (can you shower with it? Some say it’s best to remove to preserve integrity). (Cherished Emblems)
Work with the jeweller
Talk to the jeweller (e.g., Peran & Scannell Jewelers) about your needs: ash portion, customization, timeframe, budget.
Ask for sketches or mock-ups if custom.
Confirm turnaround time, shipping, returns policy if applicable.
Get care guidance: how to clean, what to avoid, how to keep it safe.
Make the purchase and gift/deliver
If for yourself: make sure chain length fits and you feel comfortable wearing daily.
If for a gift: add a personal note, choose appropriate gift box, and consider that the recipient may want resizing or change.
Keep documentation and receipts for warranty or service.
 
5. Common pitfalls and how to avoid them


When buying a necklace for ashes, you’ll want to avoid these common mistakes:

Not matching the recipient’s style: If you buy as a gift and the recipient doesn’t wear pendants or short chains, the piece may not get worn. To avoid: ask casually or look at their current jewellery.
Hidden costs: Engraving, resizing, shipping, insertion of ashes may cost extra. Ask upfront.
Unclear ash-holding mechanism: Some pendants are less secure; make sure there is a strong seal.
Chain length misfit: If the chain is too short/long it may be uncomfortable or unflattering. Measure or use one of their existing chains as reference.
Material mismatch: If recipient wears mostly gold and you buy silver (or vice versa), they may seldom wear it.
Expectation mismatch: If you choose a piece expecting daily wear but it’s too delicate or precious, it may sit unused. Clarify usage intention.
Delay on personalization: Custom engraving/personalization takes time; if you need it by a certain date, order early.
Neglecting care instructions: Some pieces (especially resin or embedded) may degrade if worn in water or exposed to chemicals. Follow jeweller’s guidance.
By being aware of these pitfalls and asking the right questions, you’ll increase the chances of a meaningful purchase.

 
6. Trends & market insights

Understanding broader trends can help you feel confident that this isn’t a niche impulse purchase but a meaningful segment with growth and acceptance—and that you’re not going it alone. Here are some noteworthy insights:

The global cremation jewellery market (which includes necklaces for ashes) was valued at around US$278 million in 2024, and is projected to reach US$600 million by 2031, with a CAGR of ~11.8%. (Valuates Reports)
Another estimate shows the “cremation ashes jewellery” market valued at US$80 million in 2023 and forecast to reach US$168.3 million by 2031, growing at ~11% CAGR. (Verified Market Research)
The trend is not just about ash-holding; it’s about personalization, embedding ashes in resin or creating memorial diamonds. (Altogether)
The rising cremation rates (e.g., 57.5% in 2021, projected ~64% by 2025) reflect broader acceptance of cremation—and with that memorial jewellery becomes more mainstream. (Cherished Emblems)
What this means for you: you’re engaging in a service and product sector that is evolving, not fading. It means there are more quality options, more craftsmanship, more customization — and you can expect better support from jewellers who specialise in this.
 
7. Why choosing the right jeweller matters


You’ll want more than a nice pendant—you’ll want a meaningful keepsake done well. That’s why the choice of jeweler matters. Here’s how working with a reputable jeweller benefits you:

Expert guidance: They can help you decide metal, chain length, style, ash compartment, and personalization to fit your intent.
Quality craftsmanship: Ensures the ash compartment is secure, the piece is durable, and finish is high quality.
Customization & service: A jeweller can offer engraving, resizing, design modifications, and ongoing care.
Trust & comfort: Especially important when dealing with ashes—it’s sensitive. A trusted jeweler brings compassion and clarity.
Supporting local: If you pick a trusted local jeweller (for example, Peran & Scannell Jewelers) you can talk in person, see materials, ask questions, and get a personalized experience.
When you apply the information shared in this blog—style selections, materials, budget considerations, personalization—and you partner with a jeweller who listens and executes, you’re far more likely to end up with a piece you treasure and wear, rather than one that ends up boxed away. For a completely satisfactory result, reach out to Peran & Scannell Jewelers for a consultation—they can help tailor the whole process.

 
8. Gift-specific advice

If you’re buying the necklace for ashes as a gift (rather than for yourself), here are extra pointers to ensure it is meaningful and appreciated:

Know the recipient’s style
Observe what jewellery they wear: gold vs silver, pendant vs chain, subtle vs bold.
Think about their lifestyle: if they’re active, maybe choose a more sturdy chain and minimal pendant.
Chain length & fit
Left unadjusted, the chain might be too long or too short. If possible, choose adjustable chain or include resizing option.
Consider whether the person already wears a pendant and how this new piece will layer.
Presentation & timing
Choose a nice presentation box. Include a card explaining the meaning.
Consider when and how to give it: you might want to accompany it with a conversation about the person being memorialised.
Communicate delicately
A necklace for ashes is deeply personal—ensure the gift is appropriate and that the recipient is ready to receive it.
Consider including a message of support and acknowledging their loss.
Budget with care
While you might want to go premium, the meaningfulness is more important than price. A simpler piece done thoughtfully is likely better appreciated than an expensive but impersonal one.
Offer choice or flexibility
If you’re not completely sure of the recipient’s preference, you might provide a “gift certificate” or discuss options with the jeweller together so they feel ownership.
This can prevent ending up with a piece they feel they have to wear but don’t love.
By approaching the gift with empathy, forethought, and style awareness, you not only offer a physical item but a meaningful gesture that honours memory.

 
9. Care and maintenance of the necklace

Since this is a piece you’ll likely keep for a long time, maybe wear daily, proper care is important. Here are tips:

Remove the necklace when showering, swimming, or doing heavy physical work if the ash-compartment or chain isn’t designed for that. (Some sources say you may want to avoid wearing continuous exposure to moisture. ) (Cherished Emblems)
Clean gently: for metal chains and pendants, use mild soap + water and a soft cloth. For resin/glass embedding, avoid harsh chemicals.
Store it properly when not worn: in a soft pouch/box to prevent scratches, tangling, and tarnishing.
Periodically inspect the compartment: check the seal or screw / cap to ensure it hasn’t loosened.
If you want to add or change chain length later, ask the jeweler for adjustment to maintain quality.
Ongoing care helps ensure the piece remains a beautiful tribute rather than deteriorates or becomes neglected.

 
10. Summary of how to apply all this

Here’s a condensed “application checklist” you can follow to implement everything in this blog:

✅ Decide your purpose: personal wear vs gift.
✅ Choose style: ash-holding compartment, embedded ashes, or symbolic.
✅ Select material and chain length: match wearer’s style, metal preference.
✅ Set budget: decide entry, mid, premium tier.
✅ List personalization options: engraving, packaging, presentation.
✅ Interview/choose jeweller: ask questions about craft, ash insertion, turnaround, correction.
✅ Make purchase with clear understanding of what you get (chain length, engraving, timeline).
✅ If gift: ensure fit, style match, presentation, and sensitive timing.
✅ After purchase: care for the piece, wear it as intended, store when not in use.
✅ Reflect: The piece is a keepsake, not just jewelery—so treat it accordingly.
✅ For maximum satisfaction: work with a trusted local jeweler such as Peran & Scannell Jewelers—they can guide you through the entire process and ensure you get the most meaningful outcome.
 
Conclusion

In this article we explored how to buy a necklace for ashes—covering styles, materials, budget, buying steps, gift advice, care & maintenance, and why selecting the right jeweller matters. You now know how to define your intent, evaluate options, ask the right questions, and apply all the information to get a piece that truly honours your loved one (or offers that gift thoughtfully).
If you’d like personalized assistance—help choosing metal, engraving, chain length or matching someone’s taste—I invite you to call, text or email Peran & Scannell Jewelers. Let us know how this article helped you, and we’ll make sure you end up with something beautiful, meaningful and wearable.
Isn’t it time you turned memory into something you can carry close to your heart?
Categories
Gift Jewelry3Diamonds2Essential JewelryJewelry Trends2Refashioning JewelryLuxury Pre-Owned WatchesEngagement Rings3Memorial Jewelry
  • Previous Article
  • Next Article
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Peran & Scannell Jewelers
2900 Weslayan Street Ste 535
Houston, TX 77027-5132
(713) 871-1909
Store Information
By Appointment Only
Mon-Sat:Monday - Saturday:
10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday:
Closed
Designers
  • 302
  • Eleganza
  • Ever & Ever
  • Imperial Pearls
  • INOX
  • Leslie's
  • Peran & Scannell Collection
  • Rembrandt Charms
  • Romance Diamond
  • Romil Bris
  • Tesoro
Menu
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Education
  • Store Services
  • Privacy Policy
  • Our Blog
  • Return Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Return Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Statement

© 2025 Peran & Scannell Jewelers. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by: Punchmark

Loading

Learn how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy or manage cookie preferences.