What to Expect When Sending Fur, Hair or Ashes for Memorial Jewellery
Losing a beloved pet can be incredibly emotional, and deciding to create memorial jewellery from their fur, hair or ashes is often a deeply personal choice. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about sending something so precious through the post.
This guide explains what to expect when you send these keepsakes to a memorial jewellery maker, so you can feel confident and reassured every step of the way.
Preparing the keepsake material
Before posting anything, take a moment to gently collect what you plan to send.
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Fur or hair: Cut or brush out clean strands, avoiding any soiled or matted areas. Aim for a small pinch about the size of a 5p coin — a little goes a long way.
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Ashes: Place a small spoonful (roughly half a teaspoon) into a small, sealable container or grip-seal bag.
If you’re unsure how much to send, it’s always okay to ask your chosen jeweller for guidance. They will usually return any unused material with your finished piece.
Packaging safely for posting
Good packaging helps ensure your keepsakes reach their destination safely and intact.
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Use a small grip-seal bag or paper envelope, labelled clearly with your name and order reference.
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Place this inside a small padded envelope or postage-safe box.
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Include a note with your name, contact details, and what you’ve enclosed.
Many jewellers send a “collection pack” after you order, which includes labelled bags and pre-printed forms, so you don’t need to source these yourself.
What happens when it arrives
When your keepsakes arrive, the jeweller will:
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Check the packaging and log it securely
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Assign a unique label or reference number
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Store it safely and separately from other orders
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Confirm receipt by email or message
Knowing that your pet’s fur, hair or ashes are safely in their care can bring peace of mind, especially during a time of grief.
How jewellers handle your keepsakes
Professional memorial jewellery makers take careful steps to ensure nothing is lost or mixed up. This often includes:
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Working on only one keepsake order at a time
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Using dedicated tools for each project
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Photographing and documenting each stage of the process
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Returning any unused material with your finished piece
These measures exist to protect what you’ve sent and to give you confidence in the process.
How long it usually takes
Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the design and how busy the workshop is, but most memorial jewellery takes between 4–8 weeks from receiving your keepsake.
Many jewellers will update you along the way, especially when they begin work on your piece or when it is ready to be dispatched.
A final word of reassurance
Sending fur, hair or ashes can feel daunting, but it’s worth remembering that memorial jewellery makers handle these precious keepsakes every day with care and respect. They understand what they mean to you.
Taking things step by step, using safe packaging, and communicating openly with your chosen maker can help the process feel less overwhelming — and more like the beginning of something meaningful.
