A careful, step-by-step guide to filling and sealing a small memorial pendant or keyring with a pinch of your pet's ashes or fur.
Memorial pendants and keyrings hold only a tiny amount, which can make filling them feel daunting. Taking it slowly, with the right bits to hand, makes it much easier. Here's a calm, step-by-step way to do it.
What you'll need
- The pendant or keyring, with its screw or plug
- A small funnel, or a sheet of paper folded into a cone
- A cocktail stick or toothpick
- A tray or a large sheet of paper to work over
- Clear glue, such as a jewellery or superglue gel (optional, for sealing)
How much fits?
Most small pendants hold roughly a pinch, about the amount you could balance on the end of a teaspoon handle or less. You won't need to transfer much, and it's fine if the chamber isn't completely full.
Step by step
- Choose a calm moment and a still room, away from open windows and fans.
- Work over a tray so anything that spills can be gently returned.
- Unscrew the top and stand the pendant upright. A little blob of putty can hold it steady.
- Place the funnel in the opening and add a very small amount at a time, using the cocktail stick to ease it through.
- Tap gently to settle the contents.
- Wipe the thread clean with a dry cotton bud, so the top screws on smoothly.
- Seal it. Screw the top back on firmly. If you plan to wear it every day, add a tiny dab of glue to the thread first and let it set fully.
Filling with fur instead
Fur is easier. Roll a small tuft between your fingers, then guide it in with tweezers or a cocktail stick. See our guide to keeping your pet's fur for collecting and drying it first.
Looking after your pendant
- Take it off for swimming, showering and bathing.
- Check the seal now and then, especially on a keyring that gets knocked about.
- Store it in a soft pouch when you're not wearing it.
Asking for help
Many pet crematoriums will fill keepsake jewellery for you if you ask. It's worth checking when you arrange the cremation.
Looking for a pendant? Our stainless steel memorial pendant has a screw-top seal, and you'll find more designs in our memorial jewellery collection.