How to Preserve Ashes Safely Before Making Memorial Jewelry
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How to Preserve Ashes Safely Before Making Memorial Jewelry
When someone you love is cremated, you are left with something irreplaceable. The ashes cannot be replaced if they are damaged, contaminated, or lost. Before you send them anywhere — including to us — it is worth understanding how to store and handle them correctly.
This guide covers everything you need to know about preserving cremation ashes safely, from the moment you receive them to the day they become part of a memorial ring or necklace.
What Cremation Ashes Actually Are
Cremation ashes — also called cremated remains or cremains — are not ash in the traditional sense. They are primarily composed of bone fragments that have been processed into a fine, granular material after cremation. They are dry, mineral-based, and chemically stable under normal conditions.
This matters because it means ashes are more durable than most people assume. They do not degrade quickly. They are not biologically active. Under the right storage conditions, they can be preserved indefinitely without any change in quality.
The Right Container for Storage
The container you use for storing ashes matters more than most people realize. The key requirements are:
- Airtight seal — moisture is the primary enemy of cremation ashes. An airtight container prevents humidity from entering and potentially clumping or contaminating the remains.
- Non-reactive material — the container should not react chemically with the ashes. Metal, glass, and hard plastic are all appropriate. Avoid containers with rubber seals that may degrade over time.
- Secure closure — the container should not be able to open accidentally. A screw-top or locking lid is preferable to a friction-fit lid.
Most urns provided by crematoriums meet these requirements. If you are transferring ashes to a smaller container for shipping or storage, use a clean, dry, airtight container — a small glass jar with a metal lid works well.
Where to Store Ashes
The storage environment matters as much as the container. Ashes should be kept:
- Away from moisture — avoid bathrooms, basements, or anywhere with high humidity.
- Away from direct sunlight — UV exposure will not damage the ashes themselves, but it can degrade some container materials over time.
- At stable temperature — extreme temperature fluctuations can cause condensation inside containers. A consistent room temperature is ideal.
- Away from children and pets — not for safety reasons, but to prevent accidental spills or damage to an irreplaceable material.
How Much Ash You Need to Set Aside
One of the most common concerns people have is whether they will have enough ash for a memorial piece. The answer is almost always yes — the amount of ash needed for jewelry is very small.
For a single ring, we typically need less than a teaspoon of ash. For a necklace, even less. You do not need to use all of the remains — and most families choose to keep the majority of the ashes in an urn while using a small portion for jewelry.
Read our full breakdown: How Much Ash Do You Actually Need for Memorial Jewelry?
How to Safely Separate a Small Portion
When you need to separate a small amount of ash for jewelry, do it carefully:
- Work on a clean, flat, non-porous surface — a sheet of white paper or a clean plate works well.
- Use a clean, dry spoon or scoop — never use a utensil that has been used for food without thorough cleaning and drying first.
- Transfer the ash slowly and deliberately to avoid spills.
- Place the separated ash in a small, airtight container — a small zip-lock bag inside a rigid container is a reliable option for shipping.
- Label the container clearly with the name of the person or pet.
How to Ship Ashes Safely
When you are ready to send ashes to us for your memorial piece, packaging matters. We recommend:
- A small, airtight inner container (zip-lock bag or small jar)
- Placed inside a rigid outer container (a small box or padded envelope with a hard backing)
- Clearly labeled with your name, order number, and the name of the person or pet being memorialized
- Shipped via a tracked service so you can confirm delivery
We handle every shipment of ashes with the same care we would give our own. Once received, the ashes are stored securely until your piece is ready to be made.
What Happens to the Ashes in the Ring
Once incorporated into a memorial ring or necklace, the ashes are sealed permanently. They are protected from moisture, air, and physical damage by the resin and metal surrounding them. A well-made piece will preserve the ashes indefinitely — for decades, potentially for generations.
Read more: What Happens to Ashes in Jewelry Over Time?