A heartfelt decision, such as choosing a piece of urn jewellery, is often made with
considerable thought. With a portion of ashes secured in a pendant or bracelet
of significance and beauty, it’s a way to hold a loved one close. All bracelets
and pendants for ashes require special handling beginning with adding the ashes
to Cremation jewellery.
It's also important not to submerge the piece in water to prevent any damage to
the ashes.
A piece of sterling silver or gold jewellery requires detailed
treatment in its care and polishing.
Caring for sterling silver Cremation Jewellery
Preventive care
Wear it! Oils in the skin can keep silver shining.
A little forethought is the key to reducing tarnish. Avoid
exposure to chlorinated water, harsh chemicals, rubber, perspiration or
sulfur-containing substances such as mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, onions, wool or
latex. Direct sunlight can also tarnish silver. Consider taking off your silver
jewellery if it could come in contact with household cleaning substances. Hair
products, lotions and cosmetics can encourage tarnishing, as well.
Storage that limits exposure to air is ideal. Consider an
airtight plastic bag, with anti-tarnish strips, a piece of chalk, a packet of
activated charcoal or silica gel, which will minimize tarnish. Some people
consider using a glass pendant dome to both protect the jewellery and display
it as well.
Polishing
Since Memorial Jewellery
cannot be immersed in liquid without risking permanent damage to the ashes, a
special flannel jewellery cloth, available from jewelers or on the internet, is
the easiest and safest option.
If a polishing cloth does not produce the desired cleaning and
shine, here are a few homemade silver cleaners to try. Always take care to
avoid direct contact with the sealed opening for the ashes.
Soap and water: Dip a soft microfiber cloth in a mixture of
water and a mild (phosphate and ammonia-free) dishwashing soap and gently rub
the damp cloth over the jewellery, then blot dry with a cloth.
Baking soda and water: Make a paste and, with a clean cloth,
apply a small amount and rub gently. Remove the paste carefully with a damp
cloth, and dry.
Olive oil and lemon juice: Mix one-quarter cup lemon juice
with one-half teaspoon olive oil. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture so it is
damp, not dripping. Rub gently over the jewellery. Then wipe with a clean damp
cloth, then a dry cloth. Q-tips are useful for reaching tiny crevices.
Caring for gold jewellery for ashes
Gold is a soft metal and not as susceptible to tarnish as
sterling, but there are still some preventive measures to maintain its
radiance.
Preventive care
Gold Keepsake Jewellery
should never be immersed in water or other liquids.
Chlorine or harsh soaps should be avoided as they can
permanently discolor gold jewellery.
Polishing
A soft jewellery polishing cloth works well. If further
cleaning is needed, try the following steps at home:
· Mix water
and a mild detergent.
· Rub
gently with a soft, damp cloth.
· If
needed, brush very carefully with a new, child-size soft toothbrush.
· Wipe with
the damp cloth several times.
· Blot dry
with a clean cloth, or air dry.
· What
about pendants for ashes with gemstones?
Many bracelets or pendants include gemstone features. Gently rubbing with a polishing cloth is
recommended first. The soap and water methods above for silver and gold are
safe for most colored or clear gemstones if more thorough cleaning is desired.
Opaque gemstones such as pearls, opals, turquoise, carnelian
and onyx can be cleaned with a polishing cloth or a brief wiping with a damp cloth,
but should not be subjected to stronger cleaning mixtures, as these softer
stones are more susceptible to damage.
Clear or translucent gemstones such as diamonds, amethyst,
topaz, garnet, crystal or rhinestones can be gently cleaned with a damp cloth
or soft toothbrush. Take care to avoid cleaning mixtures getting lodged under
gemstone settings, which could loosen any glue.
Professional cleaning
Our recommendation is to care for your gold or sterling silver
Cremation Jewellery for Ashes at
home with the above methods. However, if professional cleaning is deemed
necessary, be sure the jeweler understands the delicate and intimate nature of
the piece and takes appropriate care to not disturb the ashes inside.
Wear your cremation jewellery with love
A necklace for ashes is more than a fashion accessory. It is a
priceless symbol of shared love. Keep a polishing cloth handy. Before fastening
the clasp around the neck, use the cloth. This daily step can become a welcome
habit or ritual - a way to honor the heartfelt function of an urn necklace for
ashes. With thoughtful care, the jewellery will shine for a very long time.
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