Can You Put Hair or Fur in Jewelry? A Complete Guide

Yes—you can absolutely put hair or fur in jewelry. And for many people, it's actually a more meaningful option than ashes alone.

At WildBeard Legacy Co. in Fort Collins, CO, we work with pet owners, families, and individuals who want to carry something tangible from the people and animals they've lost. Hair and fur are among the most personal materials we work with—and the results are some of the most meaningful pieces we make.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how hair and fur are incorporated into jewelry, what types of pieces work best, how much you need, and how to preserve what you have until you're ready.

Why Hair and Fur in Jewelry?

Hair and fur carry something ashes don't: texture, color, and a physical quality that feels unmistakably alive. When you hold a piece of your dog's fur, it doesn't feel like a remnant—it feels like them. That tactile quality is something many people find more grounding than ash.

For pet owners especially, fur is often more accessible than ash. Many people save fur from grooming sessions, from a final vet visit, or from a beloved bed or blanket. If you didn't save fur before cremation, you may still have it on a collar, a brush, or a piece of clothing.

Hair from a person—a parent, a spouse, a child—carries the same weight. It's specific. It's theirs. And incorporating it into jewelry creates a piece that carries not just memory but physical presence.

How Is Hair or Fur Incorporated Into Jewelry?

There are several methods, each producing a different result:

Sealed Compartment

The most straightforward method. A small chamber is built into the jewelry—inside a ring band, within a pendant, or behind a dog tag plate—and the hair or fur is placed inside and sealed permanently. The exterior of the piece looks like standard jewelry. The contents are private and protected.

This method works well for both hair and fur and requires very little material—a small pinch is typically sufficient.

Resin Infusion

Hair or fur is suspended within a clear or tinted resin that becomes part of the jewelry's design. The result is a piece where the hair or fur is visible—encased in resin, preserved permanently, and visible through the surface of the piece.

This method is especially striking with pet fur, where the color and texture of the fur become a visual element of the design. It works well for pendants, ring inlays, and statement pieces.

Woven or Braided Elements

For bracelets and some necklace designs, hair or fur can be woven or braided directly into the piece. This is a more traditional method with roots in Victorian mourning jewelry, where hair was commonly used in wearable keepsakes.

This method requires more material than sealed compartment or resin infusion—typically a small bundle rather than a pinch.

Inlay Element

In some custom ring designs, fur or hair can be used as an inlay element alongside other materials like opal, meteorite, or wood. The fur is compressed and set into the band, becoming part of the ring's visual surface. This is a more advanced technique and requires working with a maker who specializes in custom inlay work.

Our design your own ring program is the best starting point for this type of custom work.

What Types of Jewelry Work Best for Hair or Fur?

Memorial Rings

Rings are the most popular format for hair and fur incorporation. Interior sealed compartments are discreet and permanent. Resin inlay options allow the fur to be visible as part of the design. Our memorial rings collection includes options suitable for both approaches.

Memorial Necklaces and Dog Tags

Dog tag pendants with sealed compartments are a natural fit for fur or hair—especially for men who prefer necklaces over rings. The compartment is sealed permanently, and the exterior looks like a standard dog tag. Browse our memorial necklaces collection for available styles.

K9 Handler Memorial Rings

For handlers who want to incorporate their K9 partner's fur into a memorial ring, our K9 handler memorial rings can be customized to include fur alongside other design elements specific to the handler-dog bond.

How Much Hair or Fur Do You Need?

Much less than you'd expect:

• Sealed compartment: A small pinch—roughly the amount you'd find on a pet brush after one grooming session
• Resin infusion: A small bundle, about the size of a marble when loosely gathered
• Woven/braided: A longer bundle, typically 2–4 inches in length and about the diameter of a pencil
• Inlay element: Varies by design—we'll specify exactly what's needed during the custom design process

In most cases, what you've saved from a brush, a collar, or a grooming session is more than enough.

Can You Combine Hair or Fur With Ashes?

Yes—and many customers choose to do exactly this. A ring might have ash infused into the band material while also containing a small sealed compartment with fur. A pendant might hold both ash and a lock of hair in the same chamber.

Combining materials creates a piece that carries more of the person or animal—more texture, more presence, more of what made them specific. It's one of the most personal options available.

How to Preserve Hair or Fur Until You're Ready

If you have hair or fur saved but aren't ready to have jewelry made yet, here's how to preserve it properly:

• Store in a small, sealed container—a zip-lock bag, a small envelope, or a pill bottle all work well
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Avoid moisture—humidity can cause fur to mat or mold over time
• Label the container clearly with the name of the person or pet it belongs to
• Don't compress or pack tightly—loose storage preserves texture better

Hair and fur are stable when stored properly and can be kept for years without degrading. There's no rush. When you're ready, the material will be there.

What If You Don't Have Any Hair or Fur Saved?

This is more common than you might think—especially for people who didn't know memorial jewelry was an option until after their pet passed. Here are a few places to check:

• Pet brushes and grooming tools—often contain significant amounts of fur
• Collars and harnesses—fur frequently collects in the lining and buckle areas
• Favorite beds or blankets—especially for dogs who shed heavily
• Clothing—pet hair embeds in fabric and can often be collected with a lint roller or tape
• The vet's records—some vets save a small amount of fur during a final visit; it's worth asking

If you truly have nothing saved, ash is always an option—and the two serve the same purpose in memorial jewelry. The goal is the same: to carry something real.

Is Hair or Fur Jewelry Permanent?

Yes. When hair or fur is incorporated into jewelry through any of the methods described above, the result is permanent. Sealed compartments are closed and sealed during the making process. Resin infusion encases the material in a solid, durable medium. Inlay work sets the material into the band itself.

The piece is designed to be worn daily for decades. The material inside doesn't degrade, shift, or change. It's there—permanently—every time you wear it.

Start Your Custom Piece at WildBeard Legacy Co.

If you're ready to explore hair or fur memorial jewelry, we're here to help. Our memorial rings, memorial necklaces, and K9 handler memorial rings can all be customized to incorporate hair or fur—alongside ash, engraving, or specialty inlay materials.

For something completely custom, our design your own ring program lets you build from scratch—choosing every material, every detail, and every element that goes into the piece.

Handcrafted in Fort Collins, CO. Built to carry what matters most.