You can find traditional cremation rings in a wide assortment of metals and themes and both men's and women's styles. The standard sizes range from whole sizes 5 - 9 for women and 9-12 for men. Traditional cremation rings are often made in bulk, which means a quick turnaround time if your size is in stock. Also, because the wearer or the funeral home is responsible for adding the ashes, the ring ships in 1-2 days.

There are some pros and cons to traditional cremation rings. Traditional cremation rings are typically a little more budget-friendly, often pre-fabricated and ready to ship. However, because they have a visible screw, it makes them obvious that they hold ashes. Additionally, the integrity of the screw can be easily compromised with chemicals in soaps, cleaners, and shampoos, so the wearer needs to be vigilant about removing the cremation ring when washing their hands, showering, etc. Traditional cremation rings also bear the responsibility of being filled by the wearer or by the funeral home.

Ash rings are also available in a wide assortment of metals and themes and in both men's and women's styles. The rings come in whole and half sizes, and custom sizes are available. The stock is often more limited, adding a 'specialty' aspect to ash rings you don't automatically get with traditional cremation rings. Also, because the artisan is responsible for adding the ashes, some time is needed to retrieve and mix them with the resin.

As with traditional cremation rings, ash rings have pros and cons. Because the ashes of the deceased are mixed with resin and are an integral visual part of the ring, there is no visible screw. This means that ash rings are more discreet, given that they have the look and feel of any high-end jewelry ring. With ash rings, the jewelry artisan is responsible for mixing the ashes with the resin. We have one designated professional who creates our ash rings. This allows for complete oversight by one individual and eliminates more than one person handling the ashes. The downside to ash jewelry is that they are typically more expensive than traditional cremation rings due to the specialty nature of the rings.

Permanently sealed rings are considered a special order and are cast in real-time - i.e. when the order is placed. Because they are 'made to order,' permanently sealed rings are available in any style and whole or half size. Permanently sealed rings are available in sterling silver, solid 14k yellow gold, and solid 14k white gold. They can be created in virtually any theme or design.

There are some pros and cons with permanently sealed rings. Like ash rings, the ashes are integral to the ring design. There is no visible screw, making permanently sealed rings highly discreet and giving them the appearance of regular jewelry. We have one designated professional design team that works together to create the design, do the casting, and then fill the ring.

Permanently sealed rings also include a certificate of authenticity, assuring the wearer that the ashes that were sent in ARE the ashes in the ring. The downside to permanently sealed rings is that they are more expensive than traditional cremation rings due to the specialty nature of the rings, and the turnaround time is about 2 weeks with the design, casting, and production process.

Cremated ashes are perhaps the most common tribute for the interior of cremation rings. They need a relatively small amount of ashes - less than ⅛ teaspoon - and the ring styles are often discreet enough not to divulge what the interior holds.

The materiality of ashes creates possibilities to keep the human remains nearby and provides ways to create and reinforce the distance between the living and the dead (Mathjissen, 2017).

In my experience, families have one trepidation: filling the ring with ashes. It is not only highly personal, but also it can be challenging to take that step of handling the ashes of your loved one. That being said, it is that highly personal nature of the ashes that brings loved ones and family so much comfort by being close to a physical part of their loved one.

It is not uncommon for individuals to fill their cremation ring with the hair of their loved ones instead of ashes. A type of jewelry named "hair jewelry" has been created, an unusual yet popular way to cherish the memories of the deceased. This jewelry is made from the hair of the deceased. (Rahm, 1974). Add a few strands of hair into the interior of your men's cremation ring or your women's cremation ring as a way to keep the memory of your loved one close to you. This serves as a physical reminder and a very easy and hassle-free tribute to add to your ring.

A couple of instances where adding hair strands has proven helpful to families. Some families are unwilling to part with the ashes of their loved ones. When my nephew passed away, his parents did not want to part with any of his ashes - understandably. A lock of hair or a few strands of hair may be a better option in this situation as it still gives that physical reminder without compromising the 'whole' of the ashes.

A small piece of a t-shirt they always wore or another article of clothing can be added to the inside of your cremation ring in their memory. This is a great option as everyone has that article of clothing they always wear, that favorite worn t-shirt, an article of clothing they were recognized by or refused to part with.

Moreover, it takes very little! A very small piece of that clothing article is all that is needed to place inside the cremation ring. Since only a little is required, the piece can be taken from an inconspicuous part of the clothing not to disturb its integrity or take away from the memories it inspires.

A small amount of your pet's fur can be added to your cremation ring for pets, giving you a unique way to show your devotion to your pet. Much like adding a strand of hair, this symbolizes the physical part of your cherished pet without taking away from the 'whole' of the cremated ashes.

Pet hair or fur is also a wonderful remembrance for children or young adults who have lost their first pet. It gives them a part of their pet that they can help you insert into the remembrance and provides a way for them to grieve and talk about their loss, should they choose. It is a less scary option than ashes, yet it still gives them a tangible reminder that they can understand.

Take a look at this example. The owner of Jewelry Keepsakes, made a coin ring for himself several years ago. If you look closely, you can still see the precision of the text and the images from the coin on the band's interior. The band's exterior, however, has essentially been worn down to the smooth metal, with the images and text barely visible to the naked eye.

Cremation rings can be worn as a promise ring on the ring finger of the right hand as a symbol of your commitment and love. Promise rings are a terrific option for those who lost a sibling, good friend, or immediate family member.

These are great options for widows and widowers. The symbolism of a wedding ring is so sacred that many are unwilling to relinquish the meaning and visibility of their commitment on their left hand. "Historically tied to romance, a promise ring is given and worn as a sign of devotion," says Megan Mensink. A promise ring allows you to still show that commitment, however, in a symbolic way of the loss. I see it as a 'promise' to cherish them in death as you did in life.

After losing a spouse or partner, men's and women's cremation rings can be worn as a replacement wedding band. When a spouse dies, the symbolism of the wedding band and the commitment that it stands for is changed. The band may serve more of a reminder of what they had and be a painful reminder of their loss.

An ash ring provides a great opportunity to repurpose that symbolism. Many of our customers still crave that show of love and dedication; however, they need it to take on a different visual look and feel. A cremation ring is just that - especially if you custom design your ring.

Cremation rings for pets and cremation rings for humans can be worn on a necklace and as a loving reminder of a person or pet you cherish. This is a fantastic way to honor anyone in your life that has passed. It is ideal for siblings, the loss of grandparents, or even best friends, but it is discreet yet personal. It can be hidden underneath clothing, should you choose.

This is also an ideal option if you work in an industry where you cannot wear jewelry on your hands. Having a husband in law enforcement, it is rare to see him with his wedding band throughout his career due to the nature of what he does. During work hours, he will wear his wedding band on a chain, and during such times as vacation or date night, he wears his ring on his wedding finger.

Wrap the ring sizer around the base of the finger on which you will be wearing the ring. Thread the end of the sizer through the small top to create a loop. Tug on the end until the loop is snug around the finger's base without being tight. The loop should be able to slide over the knuckle yet not fall off your finger when you wave your hand.