Memorial jewellery exists at the intersection of craft and grief. Done well, it produces something genuinely beautiful that keeps your dog physically close every day. Done badly, it is an expensive mistake at the worst possible time. This guide covers every type of piece available in the UK, how to tell genuine quality from mass-produced imports, what the commissioning process involves, and what you need to do before the cremation happens to make certain options remain open to you.
A Note About Timing
Some memorial jewellery options require materials that must be collected at or around the time of death. Read this section before your dog dies if you can, not after.
- Pawprint impressions should ideally be taken within a few hours of death, while the paw retains its shape. Ask your vet to do this as a matter of course -- many do it automatically, but confirm in advance.
- Fur can be collected at any time and kept indefinitely. If you have any from a previous groom, keep it.
- Ashes are only available after cremation, and only if you have chosen individual cremation. Communal cremation means no ashes are returned to you. If a specific type of piece matters to you, check whether the material needs collecting now.
Types of Pet Memorial Jewellery
Ashes jewellery
A small amount of your dog's cremation ashes is incorporated into the piece during crafting. This is the most popular and widely available type. A teaspoon of ashes is all that is needed -- the rest remains with you. Pieces are available in sterling silver, 9ct gold, 18ct gold, and platinum, across a wide range of styles from minimalist pendants to statement rings. The process of incorporating ashes varies by maker. Some set ashes in resin within the piece; others fuse them directly into the metal during casting. The latter tends to produce a more durable result -- ask your maker which technique they use.
Pawprint jewellery
A cast or impression of your dog's actual paw is used to create a pendant, charm, ring, or bracelet. The impression captures the specific shape, pad arrangement, and character of your individual dog's paw -- something a portrait cannot replicate. Vets will often take a paw impression at the time of euthanasia or shortly after death if asked. A clay or ink impression kit can also be used at home, either while your dog is alive (strongly recommended) or shortly after death. The impression is then sent to the jeweller who creates the piece from it. Pawprint pieces do not require ashes, making them available regardless of your aftercare choices.
Fur keepsake jewellery
A small lock of your dog's fur is incorporated into the piece. Some makers set fur visibly within a resin pendant window so it is clearly seen; others weave it into the structure of the silver or incorporate it during casting. Styles vary considerably -- view a maker's portfolio carefully to ensure the aesthetic matches what you want. Fur does not need to come from the time of death. A clipping from a previous groom, kept in an envelope, is perfectly suitable. If your dog had a regular groomer, it is worth asking whether they kept any.
Photo engraved and portrait pieces
A photograph of your dog is laser-etched onto a pendant, locket, disc, or charm. No physical material from the dog is required, making this the most accessible option regardless of how or when your dog died. Quality varies significantly between makers -- look for examples of engraved fur detail and facial definition in their portfolio before ordering.
DNA and fingerprint pieces
A small number of UK makers work with preserved DNA or fur DNA to create pieces that carry a biological trace of your dog. This is a niche category but one that is growing. Paw print casting in fine silver or bronze -- where the impression becomes the piece itself rather than being applied to it -- is also available from specialist craftspeople.
Bespoke UK Studio vs Mass-Produced Import: How to Tell the Difference
This matters more for memorial jewellery than almost any other purchase category. You are entrusting a maker with your dog's ashes or a physical impression that cannot be replaced if something goes wrong. The price difference between a genuine UK studio and a mass-produced import resold with bespoke branding is often the first indicator -- but not the only one.
Signs of a genuine UK studio maker
- A named maker or small named team, with a physical studio address
- Detailed explanation of their specific process for incorporating ashes or impressions
- Explicit chain-of-custody policy: how ashes are received, logged, stored, and returned
- Portfolio of actual finished pieces with visible variation (bespoke work is never identical)
- Independent, verifiable reviews -- not just testimonials on their own website
- Clear lead times and a named point of contact for communication during the process
Red flags
- Prices significantly below the market range for the metal and type
- Photography that appears stock rather than showing actual finished pieces
- No clear explanation of how ashes are incorporated -- vague references to 'our process'
- No mention of what happens to unused ashes
- Generic branding with no named maker or studio location An ashes pendant from a reputable UK studio will typically cost £120 to £250 in sterling silver. Prices below £60 for an ashes piece almost always indicate a mass-produced import where the 'bespoke' element is limited to the packaging.
Pricing Guide
These are indicative UK market prices for bespoke, studio-made pieces in 2025. Prices vary by maker, metal choice, complexity, and whether the piece includes engraving or additional elements.
- Sterling silver ashes pendant: £100 to £220
- Gold ashes ring (9ct): £280 to £500
- Gold ashes ring (18ct): £450 to £800+
- Pawprint sterling silver pendant: £80 to £180
- Pawprint silver charm bracelet: £120 to £250
- Fur keepsake resin pendant: £60 to £140
- Photo engraved disc pendant: £40 to £120 Platinum is available from some makers at significantly higher cost. Avoid pricing your decision purely on cost -- for a piece you will wear every day carrying irreplaceable material, quality and trust in the maker are the correct primary criteria.
Step by Step: How the Process Works
- Step 1: Choose your piece type, metal, and style. Review the maker's portfolio thoroughly.
- Step 2: Contact the maker to confirm availability, lead time, and confirm they accept your material type (ashes, fur, or impression).
- Step 3: Pay a deposit -- typically 50% -- to confirm your commission and secure your place in their queue.
- Step 4: Send your material. The maker will advise on packaging for ashes. Use a tracked, signed-for postal service and retain proof of postage.
- Step 5: The maker works to your confirmed design, typically over four to eight weeks. Good makers will send progress updates.
- Step 6: Your finished piece is sent to you, along with any unused ashes or material returned in the original container.
Caring for Your Piece
Memorial jewellery containing ashes or fur should be treated with the same care as any fine jewellery. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, perfume, cleaning products, and UV light where possible. Sterling silver will tarnish naturally over time -- clean with a soft cloth rather than chemical dips, which can damage inclusions. Store in a soft pouch or box when not worn. If a piece is damaged, contact your maker before attempting any repair yourself. Reputable makers will advise on restoration and in some cases carry out repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ashes does a memorial jewellery maker need? Typically around one teaspoon of cremation ashes -- approximately three to five grams. This is a small fraction of the total ashes returned from individual cremation, which for a medium to large dog is usually between 100 and 300 grams. You will retain the significant majority of your dog's ashes, and any unused portion from the commission is returned to you. Is it safe to send ashes in the post? Yes. Cremation ashes are not classified as a dangerous or restricted substance for postal purposes in the UK. Reputable makers will advise on packaging -- typically a sealed inner container, cushioned, in a sturdy outer box. Use Royal Mail Special Delivery or a tracked courier service and keep your proof of postage. Retain a note of the weight before sending. Can I get memorial jewellery if my dog was not cremated? Yes. Fur keepsake pieces require only a small lock of fur. Pawprint pieces require only an impression taken at or around the time of death. Photo engraved pieces require only a photograph. None of these require cremation. If you opted for home burial or communal cremation, fur or pawprint pieces remain available provided you collected the material in time. How long does pet memorial jewellery take to make? Most bespoke UK studio makers work to a four to eight week lead time from receipt of your material. Some offer faster turnaround at higher cost. If you have a specific date in mind -- an anniversary, a birthday, Christmas -- confirm turnaround time before placing your order, and build in extra time for postage in both directions. What if I am not happy with the finished piece? Reputable makers will discuss concerns before issuing a piece and will work to resolve any issues with quality or design. Given the bespoke nature of the work and the irreplaceable material involved, complaints about design preference (as distinct from quality or craftsmanship) are difficult to resolve once a piece is made. This is why reviewing a maker's portfolio thoroughly before commissioning matters. Can I have a pawprint taken after my dog has died? Yes, within a limited time window. The paw retains its shape for several hours after death. Your vet can take an impression at the practice. If you want to do this at home, an air-dry clay kit works well -- press firmly and evenly to capture pad detail. Beyond around 12 hours, the paw will begin to change shape and a clear impression becomes harder to achieve.