Losing a pet leaves you with decisions you never wanted to make. Among them can be a surprisingly difficult one: what do you do with their ashes, or the little lock of fur you kept?

For some families, keeping everything at home feels right. For others, having a small part of their companion made into something they can wear brings a different kind of comfort.

Pet ashes jewellery (or pet ashes jewelry, as it is often spelled) preserves a small amount of cremation ash within a stone set into fine jewellery. Pet fur can be preserved in much the same way. Here is what we think is worth knowing before you decide.

Why people choose pet memorial jewellery

There is no single reason to make jewellery from a pet's ashes or fur. For some, it is having something close after years of companionship, such as a ring to look down at or a pendant that sits quietly against the chest. For others, it is giving a small part of their companion a place that feels meaningful.

It does not have to replace an urn, a photograph or anything else you have kept. Most families only use a very small amount, and everything else remains with them.

Pet ash or pet fur: which should you choose?

Neither is more meaningful than the other. Many families choose ash because it is what remains after cremation. Others have kept a lock of fur, sometimes long before their companion passed away, and feel more connected to something they can still recognise by colour or texture.

Ash may feel more symbolic of remembrance, while fur can feel more personal because you touched it throughout your companion's life. Some families preserve both. If you are unsure, you do not need to decide immediately.

Will I be able to see the ash or fur in the stone?

This depends on the material and how you would like the finished stone to look. Every element stone is unique. Some ashes create subtle speckles or variations, and fur may appear as fine strands or markings. The result can be very understated, or the element can be made more visible depending on the design and material.

We prefer the finished jewellery to feel considered as fine jewellery first. Someone looking at your ring or pendant may simply see a beautiful piece, while you know exactly what it holds.

Does pet ash jewellery have to look like memorial jewellery?

No. Paw prints and engraved names can be meaningful, but they are not the only way to remember an animal you loved. A pet memorial piece can look like jewellery you would have chosen regardless: a small stone in a simple gold ring, or a pendant set alongside a birthstone. This is why we work in solid gold with traditional fine jewellery settings.

Can pet ashes or fur be combined with gemstones or another element?

Yes. Pet ash or fur stones can sit alongside diamonds and coloured gemstones in both made-to-order and bespoke designs. A shade may remind you of your companion's eyes, or a birthstone may mark the month they came into your life. Sometimes you simply love a particular stone, and that is enough.

More than one sentimental element can sometimes be preserved in the same stone, such as a dog's ashes with breastmilk from a child they grew up alongside. Tell us what you have and we can advise on what is possible.

Choosing a piece you will actually wear

If you rarely wear necklaces but always have rings on your hands, a ring will probably become more meaningful in daily life. If you work with your hands often, you may prefer a pendant you can wear without thinking about it. The best piece is one that feels like you, because that is the piece you are most likely to keep reaching for.

Made-to-order or bespoke pet memorial jewellery?

A made-to-order piece is usually the simplest place to begin. You choose one of our made-to-order designs, select your gold colour and other details, and your companion's ash or fur is preserved into the element stone. Made-to-order begins from $1,480.

Bespoke is for families who want something designed around their companion or a particular idea, such as several gemstones or a symbolic shape. Bespoke commissions begin from $3,000. For the practical detail, see our pet memorial jewellery page.

When is the right time to make pet memorial jewellery?

There is no right time. Some people contact us within days of losing their companion because they already know what they would like to do. Others keep the ashes untouched for years. None of these choices is more loving than another.

You do not need to decide quickly. When the idea of making something starts to feel comforting rather than difficult, that is usually enough.

A quiet way to keep them close

The pieces we make are small compared with the lives they represent. They cannot hold every morning walk or every familiar sound at the door. But sometimes a small, tangible reminder is enough. Something you can touch without having to explain. Something that simply says: you were here, and you mattered.

If you are considering pet ashes jewellery or pet fur jewellery, you can read more on our pet memorial jewellery page or speak to us about what you have in mind. We are always happy to answer the practical questions first, even if you are not yet ready to make a piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much pet ash do I need?

We usually ask for approximately a quarter to one teaspoon, and it does not need to be finely powdered. We only use what the piece needs, and the rest stays with you. If you have very little left, speak to us before sending anything.

Can jewellery be made from dog or cat fur?

Yes. We recommend strands at least 1cm long, with enough to form a small pinch between two fingers.

Is each pet's ash kept separate?

Yes. Every family's ash or fur is individually labelled and kept separate throughout our process.

How long does pet ash jewellery take?

Approximately 8 to 12 weeks from confirmation and safe receipt of the ash or fur. If you are hoping to have the piece completed for a particular date, let us know before confirming the order.

Do I need to know what design I want before contacting you?

No. You can start with one of our made-to-order designs, or speak to us about a bespoke piece if you have something more personal in mind.