Losing someone you love changes your world in ways that are difficult to put into words.

For many people, having something tangible to hold onto can bring a little comfort. Whether it's a ring worn every day, a pendant kept close to your heart or a bracelet that quietly reminds you of someone special, memorial jewellery can become a lasting connection to the people and pets we never stop loving.

If you've been searching for "Where can I buy memorial jewellery?", you've probably already discovered there are hundreds of options available. From large online retailers to independent makers, it can be difficult to know who to trust, especially when you're sending something so precious through the post.

I created Starshine Memorials because I wanted to offer something personal.

Every memorial piece is individually handcrafted by me here in my UK studio using carefully chosen jewellery settings. I personally create each memorial stone using your loved one's ashes, hair or fur, preserving it with great care before carefully setting it into your chosen piece of jewellery.

From the moment your collection kit arrives back with me until your finished keepsake is safely packaged and returned home, every step is carried out by me. I know that every parcel contains somebody's mum, dad, husband, wife, child, grandparent or beloved pet, and I never lose sight of the trust families place in me.

This guide isn't here to persuade you to choose Starshine Memorials.

It's here to help you understand what memorial jewellery is, what to look for when choosing a maker, and how to find someone you feel completely comfortable trusting with your loved one's ashes.

If, after reading it, you feel I'm the right person to create your keepsake, it would be an honour to do so.

How is memorial jewellery made?

One of the questions I'm asked most often is how memorial jewellery is actually made, and whether your loved one's ashes are really included.

The answer is yes.

Every memorial piece I create contains the genuine ashes, hair or fur that you send to me. Only a very small amount is needed, and any unused ashes are carefully returned with your completed order.

When your collection kit arrives back with me, your loved one's ashes are handled with the greatest care and respect throughout the entire process.

I carefully prepare the ashes before creating your memorial stone by hand using specialist resin and your chosen colours or opals. Once the stone has fully cured and been polished to a beautiful finish, it is carefully set into your chosen piece of jewellery.

Because each memorial stone is created individually, no two pieces will ever be exactly the same.

I think that's something rather special.

Just as every person leaves behind their own unique story, every memorial keepsake becomes completely unique too.

How much ashes are needed?

One of the biggest worries people have is whether they'll need to send a large amount of ashes.

Thankfully, the answer is no.

Only a very small pinch is needed to create your keepsake, meaning the vast majority of your loved one's ashes remain safely with you.

Many families tell me they were surprised by how little was required.

Can memorial jewellery include hair or pet fur?

Yes.

Alongside cremation ashes, many of my keepsakes can also include a small lock of hair, pet fur or other sentimental inclusions.

Some families choose to combine ashes with a little fur from a much-loved dog or cat, while others prefer to preserve a lock of hair on its own.

Every piece is personal, and I'll always do my best to accommodate your wishes wherever possible.

Will people know it contains ashes?

Usually, no.

One of the things many people love about memorial jewellery is that it looks just like a beautiful piece of jewellery.

To anyone else, it simply appears to be a pendant, ring or bracelet.

Only you know the meaning behind it, unless you choose to share your story.

For many people, there's comfort in that.

It's a private connection, carried with you every day.

Is memorial jewellery durable?

Memorial jewellery is designed to be worn and treasured for many years.

Like any jewellery, it should be treated with care to help keep it looking its best.

I always recommend removing your jewellery before swimming, showering, using cleaning products or taking part in activities where it could be knocked or scratched.

Looking after your jewellery means it can continue to be a beautiful reminder of your loved one for years to come.

How to Choose a Memorial Jewellery Company You Can Trust

Choosing memorial jewellery is very different from buying an ordinary piece of jewellery.

You're not simply placing an order online. You're entrusting someone with something that cannot be replaced.

It's completely natural to feel nervous about sending your loved one's ashes, hair or fur through the post. Many of the people who contact me tell me they've spent weeks, or even months, researching before feeling ready to take that step.

Take your time.

A reputable memorial jewellery artist will never pressure you into making a decision.

Look for genuine handmade work

Many memorial jewellery businesses use high-quality jewellery settings, but the memorial stone itself should be individually handcrafted.

Look for photographs and videos of the actual process, rather than just polished product images.

Seeing how a piece is created can give you confidence that care is taken at every stage.

Read reviews carefully

Reviews can tell you far more than a star rating alone.

Look for comments about communication, kindness, attention to detail and how the person made families feel throughout the process.

When people take the time to share their experience, it's often because the keepsake meant so much to them.

Make sure your questions are welcomed

You should never feel worried about asking questions.

Whether you'd like to know how much ashes are needed, how your keepsake is made, or what happens when your collection kit arrives, a good maker will always be happy to explain the process.

I believe that clear communication is just as important as the keepsake itself.

Choose someone whose style feels right for you

Every memorial artist has their own style.

Some create very traditional pieces, while others offer contemporary designs or colourful keepsakes.

There isn't a right or wrong choice.

The best memorial jewellery is the piece that feels right for you and reminds you of your loved one in a way that brings comfort.

Trust your instincts

Sometimes, it simply comes down to how a business makes you feel.

When you visit a website, read through the information or send an enquiry, ask yourself:

Do I feel reassured?

Do I feel listened to?

Do I feel comfortable trusting this person?

If the answer is yes, you've probably found the right place.

A few words from me

When I started Starshine Memorials, I wanted people to feel they were talking to a real person, not simply placing an order with a website.

Every keepsake I create is treated with the same care and respect I would hope someone would show if I were trusting them with my own family's ashes.

I know that inside every collection kit is somebody's story. Somebody's mum, dad, husband, wife, child, grandparent or beloved pet.

That's something I never forget.

Like many people, I've found comfort in the natural world during difficult times. Whether it's watching the waves on a quiet beach, noticing a feather on a walk, or looking up at a sky full of stars, nature has a gentle way of reminding us that love, memories and connection never truly leave us.

That sense of peace is something I try to bring into every piece I create. It's why you'll see soft ocean colours, delicate feathers, celestial details and calming designs throughout my collections. My hope is that each keepsake is more than just a piece of jewellery—it becomes a small source of comfort, helping you feel close to someone you love whenever you wear it.

For me, creating memorial jewellery isn't just about preserving ashes.

It's about preserving a connection.

It's about creating something beautiful from love, memory and remembrance—something that can be treasured for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing memorial jewellery is a deeply personal decision, and it's completely natural to have questions before placing an order. Here are some of the questions I'm asked most often.

How much ashes do I need to send?

Only a very small amount is needed to create your memorial keepsake—usually around half a teaspoon is more than enough. The remaining ashes are carefully returned with your completed order, so the vast majority stay safely with you.

How do I send the ashes?

Once you've placed your order, I'll send you a collection kit with everything you need, along with clear instructions on how to package your loved one's ashes safely and securely.

I know this can feel like the hardest part of the process, so I've tried to make it as simple and reassuring as possible.

What happens when my ashes arrive?

As soon as your collection kit reaches me, I'll carefully check everything in and keep your inclusions safely stored until I'm ready to begin creating your keepsake.

From that point onwards, your loved one's ashes remain with me throughout the creation process before any unused ashes are carefully packaged and returned with your finished order.

Will I get any unused ashes back?

Yes.

Only a very small amount is needed, so any remaining ashes are always returned with your completed keepsake.

Can you include hair as well as ashes?

Yes.

Many families choose to include a lock of hair alongside ashes, while others prefer to preserve hair on its own. If you're unsure what's possible, please don't hesitate to get in touch—I'll always do my best to help.

Can pet fur be included?

Absolutely.

Our pets leave paw prints on our hearts just as deeply as any family member, and many of the keepsakes I create are made using the ashes or fur of much-loved dogs, cats and other treasured companions.

Can I combine the ashes of two people?

In many cases, yes.

If you'd like to include the ashes of two or more loved ones within the same keepsake, simply let me know before ordering and I'll be happy to discuss the options with you.

Will people know my jewellery contains ashes?

Not unless you choose to tell them.

To everyone else, your jewellery simply looks like a beautiful handmade piece. The meaning behind it is yours to share—or to keep private.

Many people find comfort in carrying that quiet connection with them every day.

Can I choose the colours?

Yes.

Many of my memorial pieces can be personalised with your choice of colours, opals or subtle shimmer, allowing you to create something that reflects your loved one or simply feels right to you.

Whether you're drawn to soft ocean blues, warm sunset tones, delicate pinks or classic neutrals, your keepsake will be created just for you.

Can I wear my memorial jewellery every day?

Yes.

Your jewellery is designed to be worn and treasured. Like all fine jewellery, it will last longest if treated with care.

I recommend removing it before swimming, showering, exercising or using household cleaning products to help keep it looking its best for years to come.

Why does the turnaround take around three weeks?

This is one of the questions I'm asked most often.

Although creating your memorial stone doesn't take three weeks, allowing it to cure fully does.

I never rush this part of the process.

Giving the resin time to cure properly helps ensure your keepsake is as durable and beautiful as possible, so it's something I'm simply not willing to compromise on.

Can I order matching pieces for my family?

Of course.

Many families choose to order matching keepsakes so that siblings, children or grandchildren each have something special to remember a loved one by.

If you're looking for matching pieces, I'd be happy to help you choose designs that complement one another.

Why every piece is named after a star

People often ask why the jewellery in my collections carries names inspired by the stars.

The answer is quite simple.

I've always found comfort in the natural world.

Whether it's standing by the sea, spotting a feather on a walk or looking up at a clear night sky, I've always felt that nature has a quiet way of bringing peace when words aren't enough.

Stars, in particular, have always felt symbolic to me.

Even when we can't always see them, we know they're still there.

In many ways, love is the same.

The people and pets we lose may no longer be physically with us, but the love we have for them doesn't disappear. It continues to guide us, comfort us and remain part of who we are.

That's why every jewellery design at Starshine Memorials is named after a star.

It's a gentle reminder that although life changes, love continues to shine.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide.

If it has answered some of your questions, then I'm glad.

And if you decide that Starshine Memorials is the right place to create your keepsake, it would be a privilege to create something truly meaningful for you.