How Is Memorial Jewelry Made? | The Handcrafted Process | WildBeard Legacy Co
How Is Memorial Jewelry Made? The Complete Handcrafted Process
Memorial jewelry is one of the most personal objects a person can own. Understanding how it is made — the actual process, not the marketing version — helps you make a better decision about who to trust with something irreplaceable.
At WildBeard Legacy Co, we make every piece by hand in Fort Collins, Colorado. Here is exactly how the process works.
Step 1: The Conversation
Every memorial piece starts before any metal is touched. We learn about the person or animal being honored — who they were, what materials feel right, what the finished piece needs to carry. This conversation shapes every decision that follows.
There is no standard form. There is no catalog you pick from. The piece is designed around the story.
Step 2: Receiving and Logging the Ashes or Material
When ashes, fur, or hair arrive at our studio, they are logged immediately with the associated order and the name of the person or pet. Every shipment is tracked from the moment it arrives. The material is stored in a secure, labeled, airtight container until the piece is ready to be made.
Nothing is mixed. Nothing is misplaced. Read more: Ethical Handling of Cremation Ashes
Step 3: Shaping the Ring
The ring blank is cut and shaped from the chosen metal — titanium, tungsten, or tantalum. Each metal behaves differently and requires different tools and techniques. Tungsten, for example, is one of the hardest metals on earth and requires diamond-tipped tooling. Titanium is lighter and more workable but still requires precision.
The shaping process is done by hand. Every cut, every curve, every surface is worked individually.
Step 4: Creating the Inlay Channel
A channel is cut into the ring to receive the inlay material — whether that is ash-infused resin, fur, hair, wood, turquoise, antler, or meteorite. The channel depth and width are calibrated to the specific material being used. This is one of the most technically demanding parts of the process.
Step 5: Incorporating the Ashes or Material
For ash-based pieces, the cremated remains are carefully measured and mixed into resin. The resin is chosen for its clarity, durability, and compatibility with the ash. The mixture is poured into the channel and allowed to cure fully before any further work is done.
The ash is not sprinkled on top. It is embedded in the resin, which is then embedded in the ring. The result is a permanent, protected incorporation — not a surface treatment.
Read: How Ashes Are Turned Into Jewelry | What Color Resin Works Best With Ashes?
Step 6: Finishing and Polishing
Once the inlay has cured, the ring is finished — sanded, polished, and brought to its final surface texture. This stage determines the look and feel of the finished piece. Matte, brushed, polished, or a combination — each finish is applied by hand.
Step 7: Final Inspection
Every piece goes through a final inspection before it ships. Not a checklist — an honest evaluation of whether the piece is worthy of the story it carries. Does the inlay look right? Is the finish consistent? Does the ring feel like something that will be worn every day for decades?
If the answer is yes, it ships. If not, it goes back to the bench.
Step 8: Packaging and Shipping
The finished ring is packaged carefully and shipped with tracking. Any remaining ash or material is returned with the piece unless the family has requested otherwise.
Memorial Jewelry We Make by Hand
- Cremation ash rings
- Human ash jewelry
- Memorial necklaces
- Hair memorial rings and pet fur rings
- Wood inlay rings, turquoise inlay rings, meteorite rings
- Deer antler rings
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make a memorial ring?
Handcrafted pieces take longer than mass-produced ones because they are made individually. Read: How Long Does It Take to Make Memorial Jewelry?
What happens to leftover ashes?
Any ash not used in the piece is returned with the finished ring unless you request otherwise. We never discard ashes without explicit instruction.
Can I choose the resin color?
Yes. Read: What Color Resin Works Best With Ashes?
What metals do you use?
Primarily titanium, tungsten, and tantalum. Read: What Is the Most Durable Memorial Jewelry?
Is the ash actually inside the ring or just on the surface?
It is inside — embedded in resin that is set into a channel in the ring. It is not a surface treatment and will not wear off. Read: What Happens to Ashes in Jewelry Over Time?