Category: Blog

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.

Why Choose a Fingerprint Charm Necklace

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.

• A Personal Connection: Each fingerprint is as unique as the person it belongs to. When you wear a fingerprint charm necklace, you’re carrying a piece of them with you wherever you go.
• Emotional Comfort: Having that physical connection can provide comfort and solace during difficult times. It’s like of them is right there with you.
• Customized Keepsake: Fingerprint charm necklaces can be customized with a name or sentimental message to make it even more personal.

How to Obtain a Fingerprint

Getting a fingerprint for your charm necklace is easier than you might think. Here are a few methods you can use:

• Ink and Paper: This classic method involves gently pressing your loved one’s fingertip onto an ink pad and then onto a piece of paper. Be sure to use a gentle touch to avoid smudging.
• Fingerprint Jewelry Kit: Many jewelry companies, including us, offer kits that include all the materials you need to take a clear fingerprint. These kits are designed to be user-friendly and often include instructions. You can order yours here.
• Funeral Home Services: Some funeral homes offer fingerprinting services as part of their memorial packages. Check with your chosen provider to see if this option is available. If you intend to order a kit from us, we can send it directly to the Funeral Directors, just add their full address details at the checkout. Please add the name of the deceased the notes on checkout.

Ordering Your Fingerprint Charm Necklace

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.

Honoring Their Memory, One Touch at a Time

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.

Why does my jewellery tarnish?

There are a number of reasons why jewellery tarnishes.

The main reasons are:

• Reacting to humidity,
• Reacting to oils, cream, make-up, perfume and sweat.
• Reacting to chemicals such as chloride (which is why you shouldn’t wear your jewellery in the pool) can cause it to tarnish.

My jewellery always tarnishes very quickly, turning brown or black, why is that?

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.

Are there any other reasons why my necklaces, earrings and rings tarnish?

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.

How can I prevent my jewellery from tarnishing?

There are a few things you can do to extend the shine of your jewellery and prevent it from tarnishing.

• Keep your jewellery dry.
• Put your jewellery on after applying any cream, make-up or perfume.
• Don’t swim, shower or bathe with your jewellery on
• When you take off your jewellery, wipe clean your jewellery of any moisture
• When storing your jewellery, keep it in an air-tight container
• Use an anti-tarnish swatch and a sealable bag to prevent tarnishing
• Separate your jewellery by metals.

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.

How can I remove tarnish from my jewellery?

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.

Which Birthstone Necklace is right for my friend?

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.

What are the birthstones for each month?

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)

Layered Necklace Set in Gold or Silver

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.

Who is the type of necklace for?

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.

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.

My Own Experience – Losing Miffy

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.

Ways of Coping – Keeping A Memory Alive

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.

Pet Keepsakes To Cherish

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.

Other ways you can preserve a memory of your pet.

1. Have a Pet Portrait completed either digital or drawn by hand.
2. Their name, date of birth printed and framed.
3. Have a poem or quote (like the one below) printed and framed with their picture.
4. Your Dog’s lead and photo put into a deep framed box and displayed.
5. Capture piece of their fur in a locket or preserved in a resin charm for you to wear.

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.