Collecting and preserving your pet’s fur for memorial jewellery: a step‑by‑step guide
Introduction
Memorial jewellery made with your pet’s fur begins with a careful and respectful collection process. Properly gathered and stored hair retains its colour, texture and sentimental value and ensures that your jeweller has enough material to create a beautiful piece. Whether your pet is still by your side or has recently passed, this guide provides practical advice and emotional support for preparing fur for a ring, pendant or other keepsake.
Decide when to collect the fur
If your pet is still alive, incorporate fur collection into routine grooming. Use a soft brush to gather loose hairs or gently trim a small section from an inconspicuous area like behind the ears or at the base of the tail. Collecting fur while your pet is healthy may feel easier emotionally and gives you more time to decide what kind of jewellery you would like. If your pet has passed away, wait until you feel ready – there is no rush. Many people find comfort in having a friend or family member with them during this moment.
Prepare the fur
Once you have gathered the hair, lay it out on a clean surface. Pet memorial specialists recommend using acid‑free tissue or archival paper for this step. Arrange the strands in a neat row so that the ends line up and the hairs do not tangle. Folding the tissue around the hair creates a protective envelope – fold the edges over the hair carefully and tape them down to keep the strands secure. Write your pet’s name and the date on the outside; these details may provide comfort later when you look back on the moment.
Store the fur safely
Place the folded tissue in a small sealable bag to protect it from moisture. Next, place this bag inside an archival storage box or acid‑free, lignin‑free container to shield the hair from light and air. Proper storage prevents fading and brittleness. Avoid keeping hair in your pocket or purse where friction can cause matting. Instead, designate a safe spot at home, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Decide how much fur to collect
When commissioning jewellery, jewellers often specify the amount of hair needed. At Fur & Forever, we recommend sending at least 5 cm of fur for each piece. Collect a little more than you think you’ll need; having extra ensures that the jeweller can select strands of similar length and thickness, and it provides backup in case of any mishaps during production. If you have multiple pets, keep each animal’s fur separate and clearly labelled to avoid mix‑ups.
Emotional considerations during collection
Collecting your pet’s fur can evoke strong feelings. Some people find the process therapeutic; others may feel overwhelmed by sadness or reluctance. Both reactions are valid. Give yourself permission to pause or step away if the task becomes too painful. You might choose to play calming music, light a candle or say a few words of remembrance while you work. Involving someone you trust can provide practical assistance and emotional support. Remember that you are honouring your pet by taking this step and that creating a keepsake can be part of your healing journey.
Sending the fur to your jeweller
When you are ready to send the fur, package it securely. Place the sealed bag or envelope inside a padded envelope or small box. Include a note with your contact information and any special instructions, such as engravings or specific design requests. At Fur & Forever we provide a pre‑addressed envelope and detailed instructions in our order kit. Once the hair arrives at our workshop, we document it and begin crafting your chosen piece. Any unused fur is respectfully returned alongside your finished jewellery. If you prefer to hand‑deliver the fur, contact us to arrange an appointment.
Storing fur for future keepsakes
Even if you are not ready to commission jewellery immediately, preserving fur allows you to decide later without worrying about deterioration. Following the storage steps above will maintain the hair’s texture and colour for years. You may find solace in knowing that the option to create a keepsake remains open whenever you feel ready. Some families collect fur from multiple pets and create coordinated pieces – for example, parents may have rings while children have pendants or cufflinks. Keeping each pet’s fur separate and well labelled makes future projects easier.
Collecting fur from different coat types
Animals have diverse coats, and the approach may vary slightly depending on texture and length:
- Short hair – Use a fine comb or grooming glove to gather loose hairs. For very short coats you may need to gently clip a small area. Combining multiple small clippings into one envelope ensures you have enough length for jewellery.
- Long hair – Long strands are easier to handle but tangle more readily. Align the tips and secure them with a small piece of thread before placing them in tissue.
- Curly or wiry hair – Avoid brushing out curls; instead cut a small lock at the base and gently coax it into a straight line before folding it in tissue. Curly hair can be beautiful in jewellery because it adds texture.
- Double coats – Some breeds have a soft undercoat and a coarse topcoat. Collect strands from both layers for a fuller, more varied appearance in the finished piece.
Environmental and ethical considerations
Our commitment to sustainability begins with the collection process. We encourage clients to use recyclable materials – acid‑free paper and paper envelopes – rather than plastic where possible. At Fur & Forever we package our jewellery in boxes made from recycled paper embedded with wildflower seeds, inviting you to plant them in memory of your pet. We also use low‑impact shipping materials and offset carbon emissions associated with deliveries. Choosing a jeweller that aligns with your environmental values adds another layer of meaning to your memorial.
Connecting the process to your final piece
Understanding the steps involved in collecting and preserving fur can enhance your appreciation of the finished jewellery. When you look at your ring or pendant you will know that every strand was carefully selected and preserved, that artisans handled it with respect and that it represents not just a pet but a lifetime of shared experiences. At Fur & Forever, our jewellers will work closely with you to realise your vision. Whether you choose an inlay ring like our Pet Hair Memorial Ring or a pendant such as our Pet Hair Memorial Pendant, we guide you through the entire process – from fur collection to design selection and final polishing. Any unused material is returned so that you can keep it for future keepsakes or scatter it in a meaningful place.
Conclusion
Collecting and preserving your pet’s fur is a tender act of remembrance that lays the foundation for meaningful jewellery. By following these steps you will ensure that the hair retains its beauty and that you have enough for your chosen piece. Whether you decide to commission a ring now or simply keep the fur for future memorials, you are creating a tangible link to your companion. The care you take during this process mirrors the love you shared and becomes part of the story embodied in your final piece.
