How Much Ashes, Hair or Other Inclusions are Needed for Memorial Jewellery?

One of the most common questions we're asked is:
“How much do I actually need to send?”

When you're ordering memorial jewellery or a keepsake, it's completely natural to worry about having enough — or about sending too much of something that feels incredibly precious. The reassurance we always give is this:

Only a very small amount is needed.

Below, we'll gently explain how much ashes, hair, breast milk, or other inclusions are required, and what happens throughout the process.

How Much Ashes Are Needed for Memorial Jewellery?

For memorial jewellery and keepsakes, only a tiny amount of ashes is required — often less than a teaspoon.

Most designs need just enough to be safely sealed within the piece. The remainder of the ashes you send are always returned to you securely.

This means:

• You can keep the majority of ashes together
• Even a very small portion is enough

Many people find comfort in knowing that such a small amount can still carry deep meaning. Pieces like our Vega Pendant and Pollux Pendant are designed to hold ashes discreetly and beautifully.

How Much Hair or Fur Is Needed?

Hair or fur inclusions require even less.

Usually, a small pinch or a few strands is more than enough. Hair can be:

• From a loved one
• From a baby's first haircut
• From a beloved pet

If the hair is long, it can often be trimmed carefully to suit the design, with any unused hair returned.

How Much Breast Milk Is Needed for Jewellery?

For breast milk jewellery, only a very small measured amount is required — typically 10 millilitres.

The milk is carefully preserved before being incorporated into the jewellery, ensuring it is safe, stable, and long-lasting. You never need to send a full supply — just a small amount is sufficient to create a meaningful keepsake. Our Silver Milk Drop Pendant is one of our most popular choices for breastmilk jewellery.

What About Other Keepsakes?

Depending on the design, memorial keepsakes can also include:

• Umbilical cord (very small piece)
• Placenta powder (tiny amount)
• Fabric
• Whiskers or fur
• Symbolic keepsakes with no inclusion at all

If you're ever unsure, guidance is always provided before anything is sent.

What Happens to Any Unused Inclusions?

Every inclusion is handled with dignity, care, and respect.

• Only the amount needed is used
• Any unused ashes, hair, or other materials are safely returned
• Nothing is ever discarded

We understand these materials are irreplaceable, and they are treated accordingly at every stage.

A Gentle Reassurance

If you're feeling nervous about sending ashes, hair, or breast milk — that's completely normal. Many people feel the same way before placing their order.

Knowing that only a tiny amount is needed often brings comfort, and helps people take that step when they feel ready. There is no rush, and no pressure — memorial keepsakes are about honouring love in your own time.

Honouring Memory, Gently

Whether you choose jewellery or a non-wearable keepsake, the amount needed is small — but the meaning it carries is immense. These pieces are created to preserve connection, memory, and love, using only what is truly necessary.

Ready to find your perfect piece? Browse some of our most loved designs:

• Vega Pendant — a delicate teardrop pendant for ashes or hair
• Silver Milk Drop Pendant — designed especially for breastmilk keepsakes
• Pollux Pendant — a timeless round pendant, handcrafted in the UK