How pet ashes jewellery works, the different types (urn pendants, lockets, rings), materials, how much ashes it holds and how to choose the right piece.
Quick answer: pet ashes jewellery is memorial jewellery with a small sealed chamber that holds a pinch of your pet's ashes, or a few strands of fur. The most common types are urn pendants (cylinders, hearts and paw shapes on a chain), lockets and keepsake keyrings. Most hold a very small amount, often less than a quarter of a teaspoon, so you only need a tiny portion of your pet's ashes.
Losing a dog or cat leaves a gap that is hard to describe. Ashes jewellery is a quiet, personal way of keeping them close every day. This guide explains how it works and how to choose the right piece.
How ashes jewellery works
Most keepsake pendants have a hollow chamber with a small screw cap, often hidden at the top, bottom or back of the design. You add a tiny amount of ashes with a small funnel or scoop, then screw the cap shut. For extra security, a small drop of jewellery glue on the thread seals it permanently. Our guide on how to fill a keepsake pendant with ashes walks you through it step by step.
Some specialist jewellers also make pieces where ashes are set into glass, resin or a gemstone. These are usually made to order: you post the ashes to the maker and they return the finished piece.
Types of pet ashes jewellery
Urn pendant necklaces
The most popular choice. Shapes include hearts, paws, cylinders and teardrops. For example, the heart keepsake necklace, the paw cylinder pendant and the open heart paw urn necklace.
Lockets
A locket opens to hold a small photo, fur or a sealed pouch of ashes. Try the paw print heart locket necklace.
Cat-shaped and breed-inspired pendants
For cat owners, a design like the black cat keepsake urn pendant is especially personal.
Keepsake keyrings
A good choice for anyone who doesn't wear jewellery, and very popular with men. See the paw print cylinder urn keyring.
Rings and bracelets
Less common for ashes, because the chamber has to be very small, but popular as symbolic memorial jewellery such as a paw print ring.
Browse the full range of memorial jewellery.
Materials: what to look for
- Stainless steel: durable, affordable, resistant to tarnish and suitable for everyday wear. Most of our keepsake pendants, including the stainless steel memorial pendant, are stainless steel.
- Sterling silver: classic and hallmarked in the UK, but softer and needs polishing.
- Gold or gold-plated: beautiful, but plating can wear over time with heavy use.
- Glass and resin: often used for made-to-order pieces with ashes set inside. Resin can hold fur, whereas glass made at high temperature cannot.
If you have sensitive skin, look for stainless steel or hypoallergenic materials, and check the chain material as well as the pendant.
How much ash do you need?
Very little. Most urn pendants hold roughly a pinch of ashes, and keyrings hold a similar amount. The rest of your pet's ashes can stay in an urn at home. Our keepsake urn and pendant sizes guide explains typical capacities.
Fur instead of ashes
If your pet hasn't been cremated, or you'd simply prefer it, many keepsake pendants can hold a small tuft of fur instead. Clear capsules like our fur keepsake capsule keyring let you see the fur inside. Read fur keepsake or ashes keepsake? to compare.
Caring for ashes jewellery
- Take it off before showering, swimming, bathing or exercising. Small screw chambers aren't designed to be watertight.
- Avoid perfume, lotions and cleaning products.
- Check the screw is tight from time to time.
- Store it in a soft pouch or box when not wearing it.
- Clean gently with a soft cloth.
Is ashes jewellery a good sympathy gift?
It can be very meaningful, but timing matters. Some people aren't ready to think about ashes in the first days after a loss. An empty keepsake pendant gives them the choice to fill it with ashes or fur whenever they feel ready. See our guide to sympathy gifts for pet loss.
Frequently asked questions
Is it weird to wear your pet's ashes?
Not at all. Memorial jewellery has a long history, and many people find comfort in keeping a small part of their pet close.
Can I wear ashes jewellery every day?
Yes. Stainless steel pieces are designed for everyday wear. Just remove them before water, sport or sleep.
What if ashes leak out?
Sealing the screw with a small drop of jewellery glue prevents leaks. Fill over a tray so nothing is lost.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is free to UK addresses and usually takes 7 to 14 working days.
Shop pet ashes jewellery and fur and ashes keepsakes with free UK delivery and 30-day returns on unpersonalised items.