If you recently lost a loved one, you may be looking for a piece of commemorative jewelry to continually wear to keep your loved one in your thoughts. While some mourners spend thousands of dollars to have a memorial diamond grown from a loved one’s cremains or strands of hair, you may want to take a less expensive route.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- What’s Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry?
- How Much Does Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry Usually Cost?
- How Do You Get a Thumbprint or Fingerprint From a Deceased Loved One?
- Custom, Store-Bought Types of Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry
- DIY Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry
- Where Can You Buy Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry?
- What Are Other Types of Fingerprint Memorial Keepsakes?
If you want a personalized piece of jewelry unique to your loved one, why not consider fingerprint memorial jewelry? Let us tell you what fingerprint jewelry is and the types available in the online marketplace. We will also tell you how much fingerprint jewelry costs and how to make your own.
Whether you buy the fingerprint jewelry or complete it as a do-it-yourself project, you can feel comfortable knowing that the piece is as unique as your loved one.
What’s Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry?
Fingerprint memorial jewelry is a custom-made piece of jewelry that includes the printed or etched fingerprint of the deceased. Of course, some people may have custom-made fingerprint jewelry made for people who are still alive, but memorial jewelry is for those who are deceased. Do-it-yourself versions can be made when the finger is pressed into a malleable material.
Of course, some pieces of jewelry may be made with a generic fingerprint, but memorial jewelry is made with your special person’s exact prints.
Even if your loved one has already been cremated or recently passed away, you may still find his or her fingerprints on certain personal effects. You still may be able to obtain a print — keep reading to learn how.
If your loved one faces death, you may consider taking the necessary steps to get a fingerprint now. Explain to your loved one that you are making something special but you don’t have to describe it as a memorial item.
How Much Does Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry Usually Cost?
Fingerprint memorial jewelry costs, on average, between $50 and $200. The price depends on the size and quality of the piece.
Some companies create a customized piece at a discounted rate, while others only offer premium products that could be passed down as a family heirloom.
How Do You Get a Thumbprint or Fingerprint from a Deceased Loved One?
You may be wondering how to get a thumbprint or fingerprint of your deceased loved one. Here are some ideas.
If your loved one’s body is at the funeral home, contact the staff to see whether the funeral home has a fingerprint scanner on hand. Many funeral homes keep this piece of equipment and most would be happy to capture high-quality prints for you to use for a custom-made piece of jewelry.
You could also take a high-resolution digital photo of a print on a birth certificate or another piece of identification that uses fingerprints or footprints. Your photograph should fill the frame as much as possible without cutting off any part of the fingerprint. It should be saved as a JPG and uploaded to the fingerprint jewelry company.
You could also use the traditional method of obtaining a fingerprint using black ink on white paper. If you are uncomfortable doing this, you may ask the funeral home director or a good friend to complete the process.
Custom, Store-Bought Types of Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry
You can find a few different types of fingerprint memorial jewelry. Here are some types you can consider.
1. Earrings
Use your loved one’s fingerprints to create a pair of earrings. Usually, these earrings are dangly and hang away from the earlobe. The same fingerprint appears on each earring.
2. Fingerprint heart pendant
Have your loved one’s fingerprint etched on a silver or gold heart. Depending on the design, some of the fingerprints may be cut off along the edges.
3. Fingerprint cross
If your loved one was a Christian, you might consider having a section of his or her unique print etched on a metallic cross.
4. Dog tags
Dog tags can be personalized with your loved one’s prints, as well as their name, birth date, and death date.
5. Charm bracelet
Have your loved one’s fingerprint etched on a charm. Add other charms that remind you of your loved one.
6. Token
Some people don’t like wearing jewelry, but they may want a little token to carry with them in their pockets. This token can be inscribed with your loved one’s name and fingerprint.
7. Fingerprint ring
You can choose between several types of fingerprint rings and most of them have the fingerprint etched on the flat top part of the ring.
8. Guitar pick
Did you share a love of music with the person you lost? A fingerprint guitar pick may be the perfect commemorative item.
9. Pocket knife
If you are a practical person, why not choose a commemorative item that you can use? Have your loved one’s fingerprint etched on the side of a handy pocket knife.
10. Cufflinks
Even if you aren’t a daily cufflink wearer, you can break out these commemorative pieces on special occasions.
11. Teardrop pendant
A teardrop might be the most fitting pendant shape for the situation. Etch your loved one’s fingerprint or thumbprint on a teardrop pendant.
12. Handwriting fingerprint pendant
Some companies allow you to print on both sides of a pendant. You can personalize one side with your loved one’s fingerprint and the other side can have a sample of his or her handwriting.
13. Photo fingerprint pendant
Instead of purchasing a locket to hold your loved one’s photo, have the photo etched on one side of a pendant or keychain. The flip side can showcase your loved one’s print.
14. Bar fingerprint jewelry
Not all fingerprint jewelry has to be round. Showcase a portion of your loved one’s fingerprint on a rectangular bar, a popular shape for those who love jewelry.
15. Fingerprint locket
Place a photo or lock of hair in a locket etched with a fingerprint.
16. Fingerprint wrapped in an angel wing
Jewelry designers have made creative use of the fingerprint motif. If you like thinking about how your loved one is now wrapped in an angel’s arms, this is the perfect design for you.
17. Infant fingerprint jewelry
Fingerprint jewelry can be made with the tiniest of prints. You may even be able to use the handprint or footprint of a baby as a piece of jewelry.
18. Pawprint jewelry
If your loved one was of a four-legged variety, you might want to purchase a memorial piece of jewelry using your pet’s paw print. Pawprints can be easily obtained from living pets when they walk across a sidewalk after visiting a dew-moistened lawn. Take a close-up photo of the pawprints before they disappear off the cement.
DIY Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry
You wouldn’t think that fingerprint jewelry would be something that a do-it-yourselfer could complete. While it may not be a project for a beginning crafter, it’s definitely possible for someone with the right tools and a little skill.
Here are some simple steps for how to create a fingerprint jewelry pendant:
- Warm a small ball of polymer clay by rolling it in your hand.
- Roll the clay out on a sheet of wax paper, so it’s ⅛ of an inch thick.
- Press the finger or thumb into the clay and gently roll it back and forth.
- Cut around the thumbprint to achieve the desired shape.
- Cut a small hole into the top of the pendant so a chain or ribbon will fit through.
- Brush metal powder over the top of the clay using a small brush.
- Bake the pendant in the oven according to the instruction.
- Place a glaze over the finished product after it cools.
A pendant can be used in a variety of ways. Besides being placed on a chain and wearing it around the neck, it can also be used as a keychain or small charm for a bracelet.
Where Can You Buy Fingerprint Memorial Jewelry?
You might be able to find a business near you that sells fingerprint memorial jewelry. Start your search by asking the employees from the funeral home that you used for your loved one’s services.
Some funeral homes sell personalized products that can be made with your loved one’s fingerprints, cremation ash, or snips of hair. The benefit of working with the funeral home is that they can assist you with collecting the items you need.
You might also reach out to local jewelry designers in your area. Even if they don’t offer fingerprint jewelry, they might have the contact information of a local artisan who does offer this type of merchandise.
Here are some online retailers and platforms that can help you create a customized piece of jewelry to remember your loved one.
Etsy
Etsy is a great website to turn to when you wish to order a personalized item. There are dozens of items available from several different Etsy stores. For example, you can purchase a pendant (to use on a necklace or bracelet), a ring, or a keychain that features your loved one’s fingerprints.
Amazon
Some of the businesses that sell fingerprint memorial jewelry have Amazon stores. If you like to limit the number of companies that have your personal information, you might consider buying your jewelry through Amazon rather than directly from the company.
Legacy Touch
Legacy Touch offers a 24-hour turnaround time for customers. Items ordered before noon (CST) will be delivered the following day if you pay a $20 fee. This company offers pendants, rings, pins, pocket knives, and other products. They also have a ring that can hold two different fingerprints.
Jewelry Keepsakes
Jewelry Keepsakes has a section of its website devoted to thumbprint jewelry. Besides offering pendants, rings, and keychains, the company sells money clips, pocket knives, and fingerprint pendants that can hold your loved one’s ashes.
Thumbies
You can order Thumbies fingerprint items directly from the company’s website, or you might be able to order Thumbie products from the funeral home.
Besides offering products that celebrate the lives of human loved ones, Thumbies also will help you celebrate your pets’ lives.
Pictures on Gold
Pictures on Gold has dozens of items that can be decorated with your loved one’s fingerprint. This online company also offers same-day or next-day delivery, which is helpful if you wish to wear the personalized piece at your loved one’s memorial service.
What Are Other Types of Fingerprint Memorial Keepsakes?
After looking through the websites listed above, you might notice many fingerprint keepsakes besides pendants or rings. Here are some other ideas for memorializing your loved one.
Keychain
Some people don’t wear jewelry. However, most adults have a set of keys that can be adorned with a fingerprint keepsake. A keychain is an excellent idea for a keepsake because it’s something that you touch every day.
Lighter
Smokers may wish to purchase a Zippo lighter adorned with their loved one’s fingerprint. Zippo lighters can be refilled.
Tie tack or cufflinks
Are you looking for a gift for the man in your life? Tie tacks or cufflinks can be made with your loved one’s fingerprints on them.
Lockets
A typical locket can have extra meaning if you purchase one decorated with your loved one’s fingerprint.
Cremation jewelry
There are two basic types of cremation jewelry. Cremated remains can be used to grow a diamond or gem or used to create a piece of decorative glass.
Other pieces of cremation jewelry can hold a small portion of cremated remains, acting as a miniature urn. Again, your loved one’s fingerprints can be used in the design of these pieces.
Bookmark
If your loved one was an avid reader, you might consider passing out bookmarks at the memorial service. One Etsy company will design bookmarks using your loved one’s fingerprints.
Mug
You can purchase a mug with your loved one’s fingerprint on it. Further personalize this piece by adding your loved one’s signature to the other side.
Coin
Maybe you don’t wear jewelry, but you would like to have an item to carry around in your pocket to remind you of your deceased loved one. One company sells quarter-sized coins that can be stamped with your loved one’s fingerprint. Look for this on Etsy.
Other Ways to Memorialize Your Loved One
It’s comforting to have an item that reminds you of a dearly departed loved one. It can be as small as a pocket token or personal as an article of clothing that your loved one wore.
An adventurous person may get a tattoo to memorialize a loved one. A small amount of your loved one’s cremains can be mixed with the ink, so the tattoo would be intensely personal.
If you have a good friend who recently lost a family member, you may be trying to think of a memorial item to use as a sympathy gift. While a piece of fingerprint jewelry may not be possible, your friend may appreciate a simple necklace with a heart or cross pendant. You can have the piece engraved with the name of the deceased or a simple “always in my heart.”
Whether you’ve lost a family member or plan to buy a gift, do not overlook the comfort that comes from a favorite photograph of your loved one, enlarged and placed in a beautiful frame.