Author Jeri K. Augustus / Category Information Center. Last Updated: March 27, 2024
Reviewed by John Conor. Reading time 23 mins.
Introduction
Thumbprint jewelry is a unique and personal gift that creates a special bond between the giver and the receiver. It allows someone to carry a piece of their loved one with them. It's a perfect and one-of-a-kind gift!
What Is Thumbprint Jewelry?
Leave forget-me-nots behind; thumbprint jewelry is the contemporary way to express, 'You're always with me.' These are not just engraved trinkets; they're miniature masterpieces in metal, capturing the unique swirl1 that distinguishes your loved one.
Envision a necklace that softly echoes their presence on your skin, a ring that cradles their gentle touch. Thumbprint jewelry is not just a piece of metal; it's a profound symbol of connection, a unique way forever to hold those special people close to your heart.
The process is surprisingly simple, too. Pick your perfect piece, receive a safe and easy-to-use fingerprint kit, and let the experts work their magic. Soon, you'll have a stunning, personalized treasure beyond ordinary gifts. It's a memory you can wear, a constant reminder of the love you share.
What Styles Of Thumbprint Jewelry Are Available?
You can choose from many different styles when choosing your custom thumbprint jewelry. In addition to personalizing the jewelry with a loved one's print, you can customize the style to their liking.
THUMBPRINT NECKLACES
Custom thumbprint necklaces come in the shape of a heart, moon, circle, rectangle, oval or dog tags and they range in materials from copper to stainless steel, 14k white gold, gold plated, rose gold and stainless steel.
THUMBPRINT KEYCHAINS
Your loved one might prefer a custom thumbprint keychain, also available! Thumbprint keychains are made of durable stainless steel and come in circular or square shapes.
Features And Benefits Of Thumbprint Jewelry
There are some extraordinary benefits and features of thumbprint jewelry that make them a great choice for everyone on your gift list or for yourself!
THERAPEUTIC
Holding onto a piece of someone who has either passed or moved away can be a very therapeutic experience2. If you no longer have a loved one with you, feeling the ribs of their print, a memorial fingerprint necklace or keychain can bring joy to an aching heart.
With a fingerprint memorial necklace or keychain, you not only have the ability to have something extremely personal but also a gift that lasts forever. Thumbprint pendants can be passed down through generations as an heirloom piece or held close to the heart when you’re missing someone far away.
PERSONAL & UNIQUE
Engraved jewelry offers something that other gifts lack: complete personalization and uniqueness. Anyone can go into a store and pick out a last-minute gift, but it adds a special flair when you give something that anyone cannot mass-produce or purchase.
The best way to show that you truly care about someone is to give them a gift that shows you know them. A gift that will invoke joy and emotion every time they see or wear it. That’s exactly what you get with a unique piece of engraved thumbprint jewelry.
FITS EVERY LIFESTYLE
The personalization of custom thumbprint jewelry continues beyond the print itself. Whether looking for a striking piece of black metal jewelry or bright and shiny white gold, you’re sure to find something that perfectly fits the receiver's style!
Personalizing their memorial fingerprint gifts even goes as far as customizable dog tags for a respected military member—or a dog! You can engrave a pet's print with a custom thumbprint pendant, too!
After you decide on the print and style, you can personalize it further with a special engraved note on the back of your thumbprint jewelry.
AFFORDABILITY
Custom thumbprint jewelry sounds like a pricey gift, but you don’t have to break the bank or purchase a payment plan! The wide range of colors, shapes, and materials ensures that something fits everyone's budget.
Some jewelry stores have you purchase a chain separately from the pendant, but when you order a fingerprint necklace or pendant, your choice of chain and a small gift box is included!
However, if you want a more luxurious gift, 14k yellow and white gold options are available for extra special occasions.
15 Occasions For Thumbprint Jewelry
One of the best things about thumbprint jewelry is that you don’t need a specific occasion to give the gift of one – it fits into so many categories and is the perfect fit for almost anyone in your life. Whether you want to give a gift just because you’re trying to show someone just how much they mean to you, a personalized piece of thumbprint jewelry is a gift that never fails.
1. THINKING OF YOU
A custom thumbprint pendant can be a unique gift that shows you are thinking of another person. You can gift them your thumbprint or one of their children, loved ones, or pets!
When they receive this gift, they will know how much you love and care for them, no matter what – you don't even need a reason to show it! "Just because" gifts are one of the best ways to show affection.
When you give someone the gift of a “thinking of you” thumbprint keychain or necklace, every time they gaze upon their thoughtful gift, they will remember how lucky they are to have a friend like you.
2. IN LOVING MEMORY
When someone dies, men's personalized thumbprint necklaces are the perfect gift of condolence. With thumbprint jewelry, a piece of the deceased will live on forever. A great feature of fingerprint memorial jewelry is its texture, so when you feel the thumbprint on your pendant, you will feel a piece of your loved one forever.
Thumbprint memorial dog tags are available to honor a fallen soldier. With Jewelry Keepsakes, you can even engrave something onto your thumbprint pendant, such as the soldier's name, rank, or a sweet note.
Another great piece of jewelry offered for a thumbprint memorial is a crescent-shaped print on a circular pendant with the words "I love you to the moon and back," which shows that your love for the person will continue forever and ever, even though life cannot.
With many options, thumbprint jewelry is perfect for any family member for remembrance. You may even select an order with multiple pieces so each family member has their own to hold forever.
3. GRADUATION
Graduating high school or college is a huge milestone! It’s also usually a time when your child, sister or brother moves away. What better way to keep you with them or them with you than with a custom fingerprint jewelry?
There are great options that have a more feminine air to them – like the heart shaped necklace or crescent thumbprint pendant. And then there are pieces that are a little more masculine like the black metal thumbprint necklace or the dog tags.
For a more unisex option, there are pieces like the round fingerprint necklace, round or square thumbprint keychains or rectangle thumbprint necklaces. Each one comes in a variety of materials so you can give something that perfectly suits your grad!
Either way, graduation thumbprint keepsakes can be personalized further with an engraving of your grad’s name, graduation year or school name!
4. MARRIAGE
When you give the gift of thumbprint jewelry for marriage, there are many ways to do it. Of course, you can gift the bride and groom each other's prints as a wedding gift in the form of a fingerprint heart necklace to show their forever stamp on each other's hearts.
On just about any piece, you also have the option to engrave up to two fingerprints so the bride and groom can have (or give) matching pieces of thumbprint jewelry. What better way to show the marriage of two people than to have their fingerprints forever entwined on a single piece of custom jewelry?
The bride and groom can also give thumbprint jewelry to the newlyweds' parents—a simple way to thank them for everything they have done throughout the years and for everything that led them to the marriage they are celebrating!
Another thoughtful way to use a custom fingerprint pendant for weddings is to gift bridesmaids a print from the bride and groomsmen a print from the groom! They make a great addition to any wedding party thank-you package.
5. COMING OF AGE
Throughout life, we hit so many milestones! There are many things to celebrate, from baptism to first communion, bar mitzvahs to sweet 16s, 21st birthday to 100th birthday.
Jewelry Keepsakes can easily print the thumbprint of a baby celebrating their first birthday or baptism. A sweet baby thumbprint necklace is a great momentum for parents to have and eventually pass on to their son or daughter when the time comes. As it gains family heirloom status, it can be given as a gift repeatedly.
As children get older, they seem never to stop celebrating! A special 14k gold thumbprint necklace to commemorate their first communion, quinceañera, or bar mitzvah will allow them to fondly look back on the memories they made during those times of celebration.
6. MOTHER'S DAY & FATHER'S DAY
What better way to show your mom and dad how much you love them than with a personalized photo thumbprint pendant? It's a truly one-of-a-kind gift, and they will cherish it for years to come.
For mom: Imagine her face when she opens her gift and sees her precious child's thumbprint immortalized in a beautiful pendant. She'll be able to wear it close to her heart, and it will be a constant reminder of your love.
For Dad: A photo thumbprint pendant is also a great gift. He can wear it on a necklace or keychain, reminding him of his most important role in life: being a father.
No matter the distance: Whether you live near or far, photo thumbprint pendants are a way to stay close to your parents. They'll be able to feel your love every time they look at their pendant and see your precious thumbprint.
For the whole family: If you have multiple siblings, consider getting a custom photo thumbprint pendant with multiple pendants. It's a great way to show your parents how much you all love them.
Order your personalized photo thumbprint pendant today and give your parents a gift they will cherish forever!
7. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER
Gifting jewelry to best friends is an age-old tradition3. One of the most popular choices is split jewelry, where each friend wears a matching piece. However, these necklaces can be found anywhere, and you never know when you might run into someone else sporting the same bling.
Gift your best friend a truly unique and meaningful gift with a memorial thumbprint bracelet. Each person provides their fingerprint, engraved onto a custom bracelet for their best friend to cherish forever. This heartfelt gift symbolizes your everlasting friendship and a reminder that you're always just a thumbprint away.
Here are some reasons why a memorial thumbprint bracelet is the perfect gift for your best friend:
- It's unique. No two fingerprints are alike, so your best friend's bracelet will be unique.
- It's meaningful. A thumbprint bracelet is a tangible reminder of your friendship and special bond.
- It's versatile. Memorial thumbprint bracelets can be worn for any occasion, from casual to formal.
- It's affordable. Memorial thumbprint bracelets are a surprisingly affordable gift option, given their sentimental value.
A memorial thumbprint bracelet is the perfect choice if you're looking for a gift showing your best friend how much you care. It's a unique, meaningful, and versatile gift they'll treasure for years.
8. HOLIDAYS
Heart-shaped thumbprint necklaces in silver, white gold, or gold-plated are essential for your next Valentine's Day gift. You don’t have to worry about picking out the gift wrap because Jewelry Keepsakes does that for you!
Engraving your print into a piece of jewelry will last a lifetime. Your partner will be able to hold you close to them daily and remember the moment they were given such a unique and custom gift! The best gifts are the ones that cannot be replicated, and a fingerprint pendant is just that.
Another holiday that can stump you when it comes to gifts is Christmas. We spend much of the end of the year searching high and low for that perfect gift for everyone special in our lives. This year, make custom thumbprint jewelry for that perfect gift! No matter who is on your list this year (or who has been naughty or nice), thumbprint jewelry is the way to go.
If you need to figure out whose print to put on the pendant, you can always go with a pet! Once you get the thumbprint kit in the mail, stamp a furry friend's paw print instead of a fingerprint and have it perfectly preserved in a necklace, keychain, or dog tag forever.
9. ANNIVERSARY
Celebrate your love with a timeless memorial thumbprint ring.
A memorial thumbprint ring is the perfect choice when searching for a gift to show your partner how much you care. This unique and personal jewelry features their fingerprints, making it a one-of-a-kind treasure they'll cherish forever.
Whether you're celebrating a wedding anniversary, a birthday, or simply saying "I love you," a memorial thumbprint ring is a gift that will be cherished for years to come. It's a tangible reminder of your love and commitment, and it's sure to bring a smile to your partner's face every time they wear it.
Here are just a few reasons why a custom memorial thumbprint ring is the perfect gift for your loved one:
- It's personal and unique. Each fingerprint is as unique as the individual, so a memorial thumbprint ring is a truly one-of-a-kind gift.
- It's a symbol of your love and commitment. A memorial thumbprint ring is a tangible reminder of your love for your partner and commitment to your relationship.
- It's a cherished keepsake. A personalized memorial thumbprint ring is a gift that will be treasured for years to come. It's a lasting reminder of your love and the special moments you've shared.
If you're looking for a gift that is both meaningful and stylish, a memorial thumbprint ring is the perfect choice. It's a gift your partner will love and cherish for many years.
10. TO COMMEMORATE A PET
Paw print necklaces and necklaces for pet ashes are beautiful and meaningful ways to keep your beloved furry friend close to your heart forever.
Over time, dogs, cats, and other small animals become important to our family. They are our loyal companions, our cuddly friends, and our confidants. When they pass away, it can be incredibly difficult to say goodbye. However, a paw print necklace or necklace for pet ashes can offer comfort and solace during this difficult time.
These unique necklaces are made with your pet's paw print. They can be engraved with your pet's name, a special date, or a loving message. Wearing a paw print necklace for ashes can keep your furry friend's memory alive and show the world how much they mean to you.
Taking a paw stamp is easy. Order a fingerprint kit online, stamp your pet's print onto the paper, and mail it back to the company. They will then create your custom necklace. You can even choose from various metals and finishes to create the perfect piece of jewelry.
Suppose you are looking for a unique and meaningful way to honor your beloved pet; consider a paw print necklace or necklace for pet ashes. It is a gift that you will cherish forever.
11. WELCOME A BABY
Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most special occasions we will ever celebrate! A baby fingerprint necklace is the perfect gift to commemorate that moment and make those tiny prints last forever. Baby grows up so fast, right before our eyes! Having a tiny fingerprint to hold onto is something truly special, so you can always touch it and remember when your child came into this world.
Baby fingerprint gifts are appropriate for all family members, not just the parents! How touched would Grandma and Grandpa be to have that little special moment forever inked on a keepsake? They are sure to show it off to all their friends proudly! Remember to leave a special engraved note on the custom fingerprint piece to let Grandma and Grandpa know how much they mean to the family.
12. GIFT FOR CLASSMATES
Parting can be such sweet sorrow. If it’s time for you and your classmates (or teammates) to move forward with your lives in separate directions, a fingerprint pendant can be the perfect gift always to remember each other and the amazing times you had together.
On the other hand, custom fingerprint necklaces can be the perfect gift for sorority sisters! What more thoughtful gift for a “big sister” to give to a “little sister” than a piece of them that they can take with them as they grow and succeed through life? Sometimes, when we’re looking for encouragement, the memory of a mentor can be enough to go off of.
Remember that you can always add up to six lines of engraved encouragement on the back of any custom fingerprint pendant.
13. CONGRATULATIONS
We have so many reasons to celebrate throughout life! Big or small, a piece of custom fingerprint jewelry is a thoughtful way to say "congratulations" to someone we care about. Thumbprint jewelry can say "congratulations" in such a special way because there will never be another gift like it!
For example, first-time homebuyers would love the personalized fingerprint keychain! This could be a great gift from a realtor, parents, or a close friend. It’s a great way to say, "Congratulations on your new home!" with something more personal than a gift bag or bottle of wine.
Use the engraving options to send a congratulatory message or include the homeowner's name or address.
14. CONDOLENCES
There are many times in life when we know that “I’m sorry” just doesn’t cut it. There are no words to describe the deep feelings of love and sorry we feel for another person. When words fail you, custom thumbprint jewelry will lift you. Giving a personal gift that lasts forever is a chance to tell the person you love that you will always be there for them.
Each time they rub the texture of your thumbprint on their pendant or keychain, they will be comforted knowing they have a friend they can lean on in times of hardship or despair. Jewelry is a surefire way to cheer anyone up, but when you give it the extra personal touch of an engraved print, monogram, birthstone, or message, the recipient knows exactly how much you mean to them.
15. THANK YOU
When words fail us, the perfect gift is all we need to express our feelings. It can be as simple as a pawprint pendant to say, “Thank you for pet sitting for me," or as complex as saying, "Thank you for saving my life." Either way, a thumbprint pendant is the perfect gift, so show your never-ending appreciation for someone because it’s a gift that will last forever.
Here are a few examples of people you can thank.
Medical Professionals
If you are dating or married to a medical professional, you know how trying the long periods apart are. When you give the gift of thumbprint jewelry, your hero will begin every shift with a piece of you with them - whether it's a long day at the hospital or traveling for business, the doctor, nurse, or first responder will be able to feel your love.
It’s also a great idea to gift baby fingerprint jewelry to the doctor, midwife, or nurse who helped deliver your baby! For many people, that day is the most special day of their lives, and it can be hard to find a way to thank the people who played the biggest part in making everything go smoothly.
Lastly, a special medical professional may be by your side through a major life event. Thumbprint pendants are a great way to personally thank the person who helped you or your loved one get to where they are today and for the endless hours they spend providing help and care when we need them most.
Members Of The Military
While it can feel almost impossible to thank the military members for all they do, we can start by thanking those closest to us. If you have a soldier in your life, giving them a gift that means they can take a piece of you wherever you go is one of the most meaningful things you can give them.
For this purpose, you should get one of the sleep dog tags imprinted with your thumbprint and one with your soldier's thumbprint. That way, each of you has something to hold onto and feel the texture of while you are apart.
Military thumbprint pieces are also a great idea because they are of heirloom quality. Thumbprint pieces can be passed down through generations to continue the pride and patriotism that your family or loved ones feel for their soldier for years and years to come.
Law Enforcement
If you have a special officer in your life or one that helped you through a particularly tough situation, what better way to say “that you” or “I appreciate you” than a gift that lasts forever? With the option to personally engrave a thumbprint pendant for an officer, you can have their badge number, name, or city they have sworn to serve and protect on the back of their gift.
As a suggestion, the matte black thumbprint necklace pendant is perfect for any law enforcement officer. The style is sleek and bold, just as they are, while still having an air of softness and kindness.
How To Gift Thumbprint Jewelry
Have you ever had trouble finding the perfect gift box or bag to present your thoughtful gift in? When you order thumbprint jewelry, the work is done for you! Each item is presented in a lovely gift package hand-wrapped with care. You don’t have to worry about presenting your thoughtful gift in a blank black box without any character!
Some jewelry stores sell gorgeous and expensive jewelry, making you spend more on the perfect chain. However, each piece of thumbprint jewelry—no matter what size, shape, or style—comes with a matching 20" chain, free of charge!
Don’t worry if you wait until the last minute to purchase your unique gift. If necessary, you can push a rush on the job without worrying about compromising quality! Your piece will be quickly and carefully made by hand in the USA and shipped within 1 or 2 days.
Here are a few ideas on when to gift them their personally designed thumbprint jewelry:
- When you see each other for the first time at your wedding
- Before your graduate walks across the stage
- As you say goodbye to your soldier at the airport
- When your loved one is handed the keys to their new home
- When you visit a new mom recovering from labor
- When you visit a loved one recovering from surgery or illness
- On a dinner date
- During a romantic night at home
- At a baby shower gift ceremony
- When discharged from the hospital
- In the mail, as a sweet surprise
- & so many more! Do whatever feels right to you
How To Get A Thumbprint Image
There are several ways to get a thumbprint for your piece of jewelry. If you want to keep it a surprise, you should be sneaky!
ASK THE FAMILY
The best place to start is with a family member. If you’re looking for a baby's fingerprint, they will have that in their file of records or a memory box. Every baby's feet are stamped at birth, so parents will likely have them safely preserved somewhere in their home!
If you need an adult's fingerprint, start with their close friends and loved ones. You never know what they might have! However, Jewelry Keepsakes will provide a free thumbprint collection kit if prints are not found.
CONTACT THE FUNERAL HOME
If you want to collect the fingerprint of a parent or loved one who recently passed away, contact the funeral home, as they will likely have a copy on file. However, you may need to be a direct family member for this process, so it’s best to check with the family first!
REQUEST A THUMBPRINT COLLECTION KIT
We offer a free thumbprint collection kit that you can select when ordering your jewelry. Once you receive a thumbprint collection kit, stamp the finger that you want engraved on your fingerprint pendant and send it back to Jewelry Keepsakes! The process is extremely easy and hassle-free.
You can also use your phone and a QR code to send in your fingerprints. On the website, an image of the card is sent out with the thumbprint collection kit. Use the QR image on that card to upload the fingerprint image directly from your phone to the website. You may also opt to upload the image to your computer and email it to sales@jewelrykeepsakes.com!
Conclusion
Personalized thumbprint jewelry is a unique and heartwarming gift for honoring a loved one or celebrating life. This first-time buyer's guide explains everything you need to know about buying one.
And there you have it! Fourteen perfect occasions to give a loved one, friend, or someone who means something special to you a piece of thumbprint jewelry. These are among the best gifts because they are lasting, unique, and personal.
Fingerprint jewelry is made with heirloom-quality metals that will withstand years of loving and being passed down from generation to generation. Thumbprint pendants are much thicker than typical industry standards, so you may have the keepsake in your family live on forever!
Updated March 28, 2024
Works cited
- "No two finger prints are alike." Rutgers, https://sites.rutgers.edu/fingerprinting/no-two-finger-prints-are-alike/
- "The tradition of keeping mementos in memory of loved ones dates back at least 2,000 years." University of York, 21 Jun 21, https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2021/research/mementoes-loved-ones-2000-years/
- Do's and don'ts when buying jewelry for a friend" Lavalier, 29 Jun 20, https://lavalier.com/best-friend-jewelry-gifts/
Jeri K. Augustus
Meet Jeri K. Augustus, an experienced customer service professional from Great Falls, Montana, with a heart full of compassion for helping others. Jeri has spent more than four decades in the industry and has gained a wealth of personal experience with loss and grief. She has dedicated herself to assisting families in finding meaningful ways to honor their loved ones who have passed on and celebrate those who are still with us.
Jeri's contribution to the cremation jewelry industry is remarkable. She played a key role in developing new lines of modern pendants, cremation rings, and bracelets. She launched a line of photo-engraved jewelry that now includes several hundred styles for families to choose from. She is actively involved in leadership and customer care at Jewelry Keepsakes Inc., where she helps people every day with their inquiries and concerns regarding these products.
Despite her many years in the industry, Jeri remains passionately committed to helping those who are grieving and supporting families as they find personal ways to cherish their loved ones. She still resides in Montana and enjoys spending her free time with her dogs, children, and grandchildren. If you're looking for someone who can guide you with compassion and expertise in selecting a beautiful keepsake to remember your loved ones, Jeri is the perfect person to help.