Welcome to my blog where I will be giving you lots of information about me, my business and my passion, creating keepsakes for other parents. In my blog post you’ll get to find out why I decided to create my own business, how I hand make my keepsakes, the latest products on offer and any promotions that are currently running. I hope you enjoy reading it, please leave some feedback, I’d love to know your thoughts xx
Losing someone we love is tough, no doubt about it. We often look for ways to keep their memory close to our hearts. One beautiful way to do this is by getting a fingerprint charm necklace imprinted with the unique fingerprint of the deceased. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the benefits of having one, how to obtain a fingerprint, and where to order your very own keepsake.
When we lose a loved one, it’s natural to want a tangible reminder of them. Fingerprint charm necklaces offer a unique and personal way to remember your special someone.
Getting a fingerprint for your charm necklace is easier than you might think. Here are a few methods you can use:
Now that you have the fingerprint, it’s time to order your charm necklace. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Take a look at our range of Fingerprint Charms. All can be personalised with a name. A message can also be inscribed on the reverse if the charm is large enough. Most of our customers choose a large charm to fit the fingerprint of an adult.
2. Browse through their selection of fingerprint charm necklaces and choose a design that resonates with you. Consider any additional customizations you want.
3. Provide the Fingerprint: If you already have a copy of the fingerprint, you’ll need to send it to us. Please get in touch first to organise this.
4. Review and Approve: Before your necklace is crafted, we’ll double-check your requirements before we begin making your charm.
5. Wait for Delivery: Once you’ve given the green light, we’ll create your unique piece. Shipping times may vary, so be patient while you wait for your special necklace to arrive.
A fingerprint charm necklace of a much loved deceased person isn’t just jewellery; it’s a symbol of love, remembrance, and a connection that transcends time and space. By taking a unique fingerprint and turning it into a beautiful piece of jewellery, you’re creating a lasting tribute to your loved one that you can cherish forever.
So, if you’re looking for a heartfelt way to keep a piece of your dearly departed close to your heart, consider getting a fingerprint charm necklace. It’s a touching and meaningful choice that allows you to carry their memory with you wherever you go.
It’s lovely getting a new piece of shiny jewellery that you can enjoy wearing but what happens when it starts to tarnish and how can you prevent it from happening.
There are a number of reasons why jewellery tarnishes.
The main reasons are:
The sulphur in the air and on our skin (our body produces sulphur to varying degrees) can react with the metal (jewellery) we are wearing, turning it black. If your skin tends to be more acidic and therefore has more sulphur, you may notice that your jewellery tarnishes quickly.
All types of jewellery tend to tarnish eventually, over time due to the reasons listed above and also because your jewellery is not kept dry (this includes it being exposed to humidity, body sweat, cream and oils.) Tarnishing is a natural occurrence when wearing silver, copper or brass.
There are a few things you can do to extend the shine of your jewellery and prevent it from tarnishing.
Don’t throw away those Silica gel sachets you get when you buy an item! Save them and use them to store with your jewellery. The work by drawing away any moisture and thus prolonged the condition of your pieces.
It’s important to use the correct cleaning products for your type of jewellery.
For example, if wearing pure silver (also known as fine silver) or sterling silver, it’s important to use a silver polishing cloth.
If you have gold jewellery, a gold cleaning cloth is needed.
Intricate pieces of jewellery may need to be professionally cleaned by an experienced jeweller.
Using warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush to initially clean the piece can also work.
Always pat dry with a soft cloth, then clean.
Most jewellery cleaning cloths are coated with an anti-tarnish solution to prolong the shine.
Brass and copper jewellery can also be initially cleaned with soapy water. A brass polishing liquid or paste can work wonders in reviving the shine.
Copper pieces oxidise over time and it is more of a preference whether you like the ‘Antique’ look of copper or shiny copper.
Does gold tarnish?
Gold will tarnish over time and lose its lustre.
Soaking it in warm, soapy water should revive its colour.
Using a gold polishing cloth to bring it back to its original shine.
Can I prevent plated jewellery from tarnishing?
Plated jewellery is affected by the same elements in the air and on the skin as 100% base metals.
Keep your plated jewellery, clean, dry and stored properly to continue to enjoy wearing such pieces.
You need to take extra care when cleaning your as it’s plated with a layer of gold or silver. A gentile wipe with a soft cloth should suffice. Also keeping it inside a sealable bag with an anti-tarnish swatch will prolong the look of the piece.
Can I stop my jewellery from tarnishing altogether?
In short, no. As long as your jewellery is exposed to things like moisture, oils, creams, perfume and the pH of your skin, it will have a tendency to tarnish over time.
Are there metals that don’t tarnish?
Yes, steel is an extremely strong metal, hence the reason why we use it for cutlery. It is also a durable metal to make jewellery from and is tarnish resistant.
Aluminium is a soft, lightweight metal that is often used to make hand-stamped pieces. Again, it is tarnish-resistant.
Finally, gold in its purest form, is tarnish resistant. Gold used for jewellery tends to be mixed with other base metals to strengthen it and it is these base metals that react with substances in the air such as sulfur and cause jewellery to tarnish.
Where can I buy jewellery cleaning cloths/creams and liquids?
You can easily buy silver, brass, copper and gold cleaning cloths online from well-known places such as Amazon and Ebay. Furthermore, liquids and creams can easily be bought from local jewellers as well as online shops.
I have intricate, expensive pieces of jewellery that I’d like to have cleaned, where can I go?
Always seek the advice of the jewellers you obtained your pieces from and find out whether they provide a professional cleaning service.
Precious pieces of jewellery, including those with diamonds and gemstones and heirlooms
should always be cleaned by a specialist.
In short, why your jewellery tarnishes is down to how the base metals react with substances in the air and on the skin. Ways to prevent it include keeping your jewellery dry when not in use, storing in an air-tight container and using the correct polishing method to maintain its shine.
Finally, the advice given here is just that, please seek the correct instructions on how to clean your jewellery from the manufacturer you obtained your jewellery from.
Buying Birthstone Necklaces for friends is the perfect way of showing them how special they are.
A birthstone is a personal gift like no other, it’s a way to celebrate a special birthday in a sentimental way.
Your friend will enjoy such a thoughtful gift that shows you have bought a gift with them in mind.
Our birthstone necklaces are adorned with dainty, Swarovski crystal charms.
There are twelve charms to choose from, one for each month of the year.
Each charm is faceted, meaning that it is cut in such a way to create a beautiful sparkle.
Measuring 6mm in diameter (less than 1 centimetre) these charms are elegantly minimalistic.
January – Garnet (Deep Red)
February – Amethyst (Purple)
March – Aquamarine (Light blue)
April – Diamond (Clear crystal charm is used to represent this month)
May – Emerald (Deep Green)
June – Alexandrite and Pearl, sometimes Moonstone (Light Amethyst crystal is used to represent this month)
July – Ruby (Deep Red)
August – Peridot (Light/lime Gree)
September – Sapphire (Dark Blue)
October – Opal and Tourmaline (Rose (pink) coloured crystal is used to represent this month)
November – Topaz and Citrine (Deep yellow, ‘Citrine’ crystal is used to represent this month)
December – Turquoise (Green/Blue Crystal)
Does your friend prefer wearing gold or silver jewellery?
Our birthstone necklace charms comes in 24K gold-plated or Sterling Silver.
This means that you can pick the perfect colour your friend would love to wear.
The set consists of two, separate necklaces, one 16 inches and one at 18 inches.
Having two lengths means a layered look can be created by wearing the necklaces together.
Someone who is into birthstones, the zodiac, or anything associated each month, will appreciate this range.
Equally, if you know someone who loves to wear jewellery that is an extension of themselves.
As a gift, this necklace set comes presented in a gift box. A jewellery cloth and jewellery care advice is also included.
Choosing birthstone necklaces for friends who mean a lot to you is such a thoughtful gift.
Take a look at our range of Birthstone Necklaces and pick the right one for yourself or someone dear to you.
Personalised gifts for the family will make them smile on Christmas day and beyond.
All handmade in the UK, these personalised jewellery gifts capture the love and affection of family members.
Fingerprints are a unique part of all of us but have you ever considered capturing those of someone you love?
Reasons to do this is to preserve a memory of them, remember a time when they were young or to ensure you have a special part of them, with you forever.
The process of capturing a Fingerprint is simple. A Fingerprint Kit is sent with your order. The instructions, clearly show how to capture your loved one’s prints. A quick ‘How To’ photo guide is incorporated too.
The prints are sent back to me and I’ll begin making your charm with any personalisation you’ve asked for. To find out more about this process, see my Fingerprint Kit Article.
If you’re buying for a Mum who loves to wear necklaces, a heart fingeprint charm would be the perfect gift for her. She has the option to choose 1, 2 or 3 charms depending on the number of fingerprints she wishes to capture.
This is an extremely sentimental charm necklace for Mum to wear, featuring the precious prints of her children.
Does Mum have a charm bracelet she likes to keep adding to?
A Fingerprint Heart, Bead Charm would be a special addition to her collection. She could incorporate an initial on the front or a name on the reverse of the charm.
Dad would enjoy a Fingerprint Dog-tag charm or a identity bar, leather bracelet, Fingerprint charm. Both have the option to add a name to the front of the charm.
The bracelet can incorporate a short message on the back to make for a meaningful gift for Dad to wear beyond Christmas.
Maybe Dad would love a keepsake keyring of a loved one to cherish. This Fingerprint Keyring is one he can keep as a sentimental piece in addition to his usual, everyday keyring.
Personalise this keyring with a name on the front or a short message on the reverse. It comes attached with a keyring ring chain and comes presented in a gift box.
Nan or grandad would love a hand-drawn picture their child has created and have it engraved onto a steel keyring for them to carry with pride. Add a message to the reverse of the charm to capture some precious words.
A card wallet would make for a lovely personalised gift that their nieces or nephews can contribute to by providing their handprint, footprint or drawing.
The process for engraved Keepsakes is easy and a handprint/footprint kit is included should you need one.
Whatever personalised gift you decide on, whether a Fingerprint Charm Necklace, Fingerprint Bracelet or other, all items are lovely, meaningful Christmas gifts that are proudly handmade, here in the UK.
Turnaround time for Fingerprint Keepsakes is 2-3 weeks from the date we receive your prints back and 2 weeks (from the date we receive your prints back) for all engraved Keepsakes.
Keeping you informed of the progress of your order is what we do best. In addition, your order will include free, (mainland) UK delivery.
If you’d like to receive 10% off your first order, keep up to date with new products and offers, sign-up to our newsletter.
Buying a necklace for Mum is a special way to show your love on Mother’s Day.
We have a lovely range that can be personalised in different ways so there’s something for everyone.
A special Mum Necklace means that a Mum has something she can enjoy beyond Mother’s Day.
Our most recent addition to personalised necklaces is our birthday, charm necklaces.
For each month of the year, there are 12 coloured, Swarovski charms to choose from.
Create your family birthstone necklace by choosing the charms to represent the birthday’s of your family.
The charms come attached to a 24K gold plated cable chain. In addition, you get to choose your length of chain from the options available.
Your personalised chain comes presented in a gift box and includes free, UK delivery.
Did you know you can capture the handprint of your child onto a piece of jewellery?
Using a safe inkless wipe and special printing paper, you can capture the true details of your child’s handprint.
Handprints of children, no matter how small can be captured this way.
The unique lines and shape of their fingers will then be imprinted onto a pure silver charm. This charm is then attached to a chain for you to wear with pride.
To make the charm extra special, personalise it with the name of your child on the front. Depending on the options you choose, you can personalise the charm further by adding a short message or date on the reverse.
Your charm comes gift boxed so is the perfect present for a Mum.
Fingerprints are as unique as the individual they belong to. Capturing your child’s fingerprint means you can always have a piece of them close to you at all times.
A fingerprint necklace is a beautiful way of showing who means the most to you.
Again, adding their name to the front makes for a truly customised piece of keepsake jewellery.
A fingerprint kit is sent out with your order, it’s a simple and easy way to capture your loved one’s fingerprint.
To create family necklace for mum, two or three charms can be added to feature the fingerprints of each child.
The fingerprint of anyone, any age can be captured but we advise to wait until your child is at least a year old to take their fingerprint. This is because it can take this long for their fingerprints to fully develop.
Not forgetting Mums who’s baby is a four-legged friend with a tail, we capture paw prints onto charms too!
Our best selling charm from the range is this, pure silver Teadrop Paw Print Charm. The charm features the cute paw print of your pet as well as their name on the front.
An inkless paw print kit is sent with your order, with instructions on how to capture your pet’s paws.
Once completed, you can send a photo of the print via email: loretta@truelovekeepsakes.co.uk, Instagram DM or Facebook Messenger.
To find out more about how a pawprint is captured to make a charm, read our post here.
Cute handprints/footprint Keepsakes to print and use
There’s something about the handprint and footprints of children that look extremely cute.
A fun way to capture their prints is in the form of these fun pictures (see below.)
Enjoy capturing your child’s hand or footprint and turn it into a fun picture that can be gifted.
Print and frame it as a lasting keepsake to display proudly in the home.
These pictures are available to our subscribers. To get yours, sign up to our newsletter below and get the instant download straight to your inbox.
We have a selection of beautiful gemstone & personalised jewellery for Christmas. Our 2021 Christmas Gift Guide features some of the best sellers from our keepsake and gemstone range.
All personalised jewellery gifts below include free (mainland) UK delivery.
Once more, my jewellery is handmade here in the UK and can be bought from my online shop. Alternatively, a selection of my gemstone jewellery and personalised jewellery can be brought from our Etsy shop.
As I’m a small business, everything is created by hand meaning if you love something you see, order when well ahead of time for Christmas.
With this in mind, we have some Early Bird offers, running throughout October and Early November. Simply click on the items listed below to see what’s on offer.
Make someone’s day by giving them a beautiful piece of personalised jewellery. Fingerprints are unique, there are no two prints alike. Having a loved one’s fingerprint imprinted onto a pure silver heart charm necklace is something they will treasure forever.
A short message or date can be captured on the reverse of the charm and the necklace comes attached to a stunning, modern, snake chain.
You can capture someone’s fingerprint by purchasing a Fingerprint Kit separately. This works well if you’re wanting to preserve a memory of a loved one who you have recently lost. Alternatively, a Fingerprint kit is sent automatically when you place an order for a charm.
When it comes to babies and small children, what do you find the cutest, Handprints or Footprints? Depending on your preference, you can capture the cute prints of a child onto one of two necklaces I offer.
A Footprint Charm, medium in size is big enough to fit two gorgeous footprints from one child. A Handprint Charm, again, medium in size is big enough to fit one precious handprint. Both charms can be personalised with a name on the front of the charm.
Are you the proud owner of a lovable cat or dog? Or do you know someone who has recently become a pet owner?
This Teardrop Paw Print Charm Necklace is our bestseller-shaped charm for Paw Print jewellery. Your cat or dog’s actual paw print is captured onto the charm which is then personalised with your pet’s name.
You’ll receive a free Paw Print Kit to capture your pet’s paws when you place an order. It will come with full instructions and is safe to use on your pet.
Another lovely gift for a pet owner is a gorgeous pair of dainty Heart, Paw Print Earrings. Again, these earrings are imprinted with your pet’s true paw print. Furthermore, the studs are made from sterling silver and come presented in a gorgeous gift box.
Why not pair them up with a Heart, Paw Print Bead Charm, made from Pure Silver that fits onto many of the popular charm bracelets on the market and thus would be a beautiful addition to an existing charm bracelet. You have the option to add a snake chain charm bracelet can be added to your order make this a complete gift set.
If your looking for a little bit of sparkle for your Christmas gifts this year then gemstone jewellery might be the perfect gift for you.
This year, I’ve teamed up my gemstone necklaces with earrings to give you a gorgeous set that would wow the recipient. Deep orange, blue and deep green as well as amber yellow gemstones make these pieces of jewellery a perfect addition to any wardrobe.
Carnelian, Blue Chalcedony, Citrine and Green Onyx are used to create stunning necklaces and pretty dangly earrings. Save £10 when buying them as a set.
With the festive season approaching, the resuming of Christmas dinners and parties with family, friends or work colleagues will once again begin. This also brings the prospect of dressing up for a night out. A pair of champagne coloured, crystal earrings really adds a bit of sparkle to your outfit. Furthermore, these Teal Crystal Earrings will add a sophisticated look to whatever you’re wearing.
We mustn’t forget those who have birthdays in the coming months leading up to Christmas! Our Birthstone Necklaces offer a modern take as two necklaces sets to give an on-trend look. Perfect for anyone who loves crystals, is interested in birthstones and loves to wear necklaces.
If you enjoy getting into the festive spirit of Christmas these Spiral Christmas Tree earrings are very fitting. Made from Sterling Silver wire and finished off with a sparkly Swarovski crystal.
Being under £15, These festive earrings are also a lovely gift for stocking fillers. Alternatively, these fun Reindeer earrings are perfect for this time of year.
Losing a beloved pet, whether a cat or dog is one of the hardest things to go through.
Sometimes that loss is sudden, due to ill health or an accident. The thought of no longer seeing them is heartbreaking.
In 2018 I lost my cat, Miffy. It was all very sudden having not seeing him for a few days. That worry started to set in as the New Year was fast approaching and I wanted him home. He’d gone for a few days before and just turned up to get his food in the evening. This time, it just felt different.
I checked online lost pet sites and checked with local vets but no luck. Unfortunately, I had to see with my very own eyes. He was laid out on my high road, he had been knocked down and it’s a sight I’ll never forget.
It hurt so bad to know he was in pain and none of his family was with him. To see that where his body was found, it was clear he was trying to make his way back home. It was a very sad time for us all.
I never got to say goodbye or stroke him one last time and it hit all of us really hard. At home, we still had all his things and it took a long time to let go of his belongings.
Over the years, since making keepsake jewellery, I have come to understand the great job Veterinary clinics do.
There are many that will take an imprint of a pet that has lost it’s life. Some Vets will take a paint impression – a paw print captured on paper using paint. Furthermore, some have the means to take a simple clay impression for you to cherish. Others have an Inkless Wipe Kit that’s quick and easy for taking a print and easily framed afterwards.
It’s a case of asking to see if they provide this kind of service. If not, ask if it’s possible for them to do so just so they can preserve a memory for you.
Having an imprint of your pet’s paw is one way of remembering them and coping with the grief.
A cat or dog is more than just a pet, they are a big part of the family. They bring years of happiness and joy to their humans.
It takes many months, if not years to get used to not having your pet around. Learning to cope take’s time and it’s a new adjustment for all the family. Do you love wearing jewellery? Their paw print captured on a charm to wear could be perfect for you.
Putting up photos of them around the house, when you’re mentally ready is a great way of remembering their life.
If you’d like to find more ideas for Pet Keepsakes, visit my Pinterest Paw Print Keepsake Board, there are lots of ideas!
I’ve always loved this quote and think it sums up the magnitude of love our pets create in our lives.
To find out how to order a Memorial Keepsake including taking your pet’s prints, you can read more here. In addition, learning how a Paw Print ring is made, can be found here.
Having a baby is such a special time, capturing their handprint using inkless our Inkless Baby Handprint Kit is easy to do.
The handprint kit consists of an inkless wipe that is safe to use on babies and adults alike.
It is dry to the touch and so perfect for a mess free way of capturing your baby’s handprint.
Included in the kit is an A4 size white paper, specially made to use with the inkless wipe and full instructions for capturing the perfect print.
The kit can be used for handprints, footprints or both! The wipe can be used multiple times in one go, depending on the size of your child’s hand and feet.
As you continue to use the wipe, the print will become more faded nevertheless, you should have some good prints to use and cherish.
After taking your child’s prints, you can simply wipe their hands/feet with a damp cloth or baby wipe.
This inkless baby handprint kit is also great for using on older children and adults. Therefore, it’s a great gift for anyone seeking to capture the prints of someone they dearly love.
Furthermore, if you have a loved one who has recently passed and you wish to capture their prints, we can send a kit straight to the funeral directors. If you’d like to do this, simply add the address of the funeral directors at the checkout. Alternatively, you can contact us here.
You can order a full print kit, consisting of 1 inkless wipe and 1 paper for £7 including free UK (mainland) Postage from our online shop.
This print kit works as a lovely gift for a new Mum or Mum to be and can brought in a presentation box, with 1 inkless wipe, 1 paper, full instructions and a 10% off voucher to use on their first order.
The prints act as a lasting keepsake and work beautifully framed with a name, date and other special information. Alternatively, you can use the actual handprint/footprint captured and have it turned into a beautiful piece of, pure silver jewellery.
Our handprint/footprint range, uses your precious prints to make a special piece of keepsake jewellery for you to wear. We do not take your prints, we only need a copy to use to make a special stamp to imprint into silver. You can view our entire range by clicking on the link above or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you’re on social media, and would like to send us a message please follow us on Facebook or Instagram. We regularly check our messages.
You’ll have a lasting memory of your pet when you order a memorial, paw print necklace.
Saying goodbye to a pet, who you’ve spent months or years loving, is one of the hardest things to do.
A pet cat or dog is undoubtedly an extension of your family. You remember the day they came into our life s a puppy or kitten or perhaps as a rescue pet. They immediately filled your life with love and affection.
Sometimes, our pets dying can be sudden. Not getting the chance to have that one last stroke and a proper goodbye is devastating. Luckily, as long as you have their paw print, you can order a memorial in the form of a necklace.
Capturing your pet’s actual Paw Print is an important thing to do to keep a part of them. It’s the first step to ordering a memorial Paw Print Necklace.
If you require just a print, a Paw Print Kit can be ordered separately. Alternatively, a free kit is sent when you place an order for a piece of jewellery.
Vets can capture your pet’s paw print in clay or on special paper to capture the print as seen in the picture below.
Once a print is captured on paper, it’s easy to turn it into a piece of memorial jewellery for you.
Your pet’s actual paw print is reduced to make a special stamp. Then it’s used to create a paw print charm necklace of your choosing.
Heart charms are my most popular shape my customers tend to order. However, most recently, I have introduced a teardrop-shaped charm which is also proving to be popular.
When you place an order, your cat or dog’s name can be inscribed on the front of the charm. In addition, depending on the size of the charm, a special date can be added on the reverse. Also, a short message can also be added to the reverse to make for a truly sentimental piece. This will incur an extra charge. To discuss any extra personalisation to your charm, please contact me.
After ordering, you can expect to receive your memorial paw print necklace within 2-3 weeks. This is from the date I receive your prints back. I’ll keep you up to date on the progress of your order. Finally, your finished Paw Print Necklace is presented in a lovely gift box. Your order is sent via 1st Class Recorded Post and free UK (mainland) is included.
You can view my entire Paw Print range here.
