Cremation Jewellery and Memorial Tattoos — Canadian Options
Cremation jewellery and memorial tattoos let surviving family members carry a small physical piece of the deceased with them. For some families, these are deeply meaningful; for others, they don't fit. This guide covers the options and considerations.
Cremation jewellery
Wearable items incorporating small amounts of cremated remains:
Pendants. Most common. Glass, metal, or stone pendant with internal ash compartment. Various styles from minimalist to elaborate.
Rings. Smaller ash compartment, typically in a setting or band.
Lockets. Traditional locket style with small interior space for ashes.
Glass art beads. Cremated remains incorporated into blown glass art beads. Each bead is unique; bracelets and necklaces made from multiple beads.
Memorial vessels. Small decorative containers (not worn) holding ashes for home display.
Cost: $100-$500+ per piece depending on material, complexity, custom work.
Canadian and international providers. Many work by mail order with secure ash shipping process.
Memorial tattoos
Tattoos incorporating small amounts of cremated remains in the ink:
- Very fine amount of ash mixed into standard tattoo ink
- Applied through normal tattoo process
- The visual result is a normal tattoo with personal meaning
- Design can be anything (deceased's name, meaningful symbol, portrait, etc.)
Cost: $300-$1,000+ depending on artist, size, complexity.
Requires tattoo artist with specific experience. Not all artists do this; some have refused on cleanliness/safety grounds. Reputable artists prepare the ash properly and use standard tattooing best practices.
How families divide ashes
Most families dividing ashes do so openly:
- Discuss who gets what (siblings, children, close friends)
- Most ashes typically remain for main disposition
- Small amounts to individual family members
- Document the division for clarity and family records
Religious considerations
Catholic. The Catholic Church does not permit dividing ashes. Catholic families observing teaching keep ashes intact for proper interment.
Protestant. Generally flexible; division for memorial purposes typically acceptable.
Jewish. Less common; division generally not part of traditional Jewish practice.
Islamic. Cremation itself not permitted; no division consideration.
Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist. Generally flexible; main ashes typically scattered per tradition.
Secular. Personal choice.
When this fits
- Family members want a personal physical memorial
- Geographic distance makes regular cemetery visits impractical
- The deceased had specific meaning to specific surviving family
- The aesthetic appeals (some find it beautiful, some don't)
When it doesn't fit
- Religious tradition prohibits dividing ashes
- Family members uncomfortable with the concept
- Practical complications with multiple ashes recipients
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures disposition preferences including any direction about cremation jewellery or memorial items.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Funeral Service Association of Canada — Funeral Service Association of Canada
Frequently asked questions
How much cremated remains are needed?
Very small amounts. Jewellery typically uses 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. Tattoos typically use less than a quarter teaspoon mixed into ink. The vast majority of the ashes are still available for other disposition (scattering, interment, family keeping).
How does cremation jewellery work?
Several styles — sealed glass pendants with visible ashes, metal lockets containing ashes in interior compartment, glass art beads with ashes incorporated, rings with small ash-filled compartments. Made by specialty Canadian and international providers; often custom-designed.
How do memorial tattoos work?
Small amount of cremated remains (very fine) mixed into tattoo ink. The tattoo is then applied normally. The amount of ash in the tattoo is small; the visual result is a normal tattoo with personal meaning. Requires specifically experienced tattoo artist; not all artists do this.
Is this safe (for tattoos)?
Cremated remains are sterile (high-temperature cremation eliminates any pathogens). Properly cleaned and mixed, the ash adds minimal additional risk to standard tattoo procedure. Choose a reputable tattoo artist with specific experience.
How do families divide ashes for multiple items?
Carefully and openly. Many families decide who gets what (siblings each receiving a pendant; family members choosing jewellery vs. tattoo vs. main urn). Document the division for clarity. Most ashes typically go to main disposition (scattering, interment, primary urn).
Religious considerations?
Catholic Church does not permit dividing ashes (see our Catholic cremation article). Protestant traditions are generally flexible. Most secular families are comfortable with division. Confirm with religious leader if observing specific tradition.