FAQ — Memorial Jewelry, Cremation Ash & Breastmilk Jewelry Questions | Everclose Jewelry

Question 1

What is memorial jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Memorial jewelry is custom-made jewelry that incorporates a physical piece of someone you love — cremation ashes, hair, fur, dried flowers, or other meaningful materials — so you can carry them with you always. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and handcrafted specifically for you.

Question 2

What is cremation ash jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Cremation ash jewelry (also called cremation jewelry or memorial ash jewelry) is a ring, pendant, bracelet, or earring that contains a small amount of cremated remains sealed inside the piece. The ashes are carefully encased in resin or set within the jewelry setting so they are preserved and protected for a lifetime. Only a teaspoon of ashes is needed — the rest are returned to you.

Question 3

What is breastmilk jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Breastmilk jewelry is custom jewelry made from your own preserved breastmilk. The milk is processed into a powder and encased in resin inside a ring, pendant, or other setting. It is a beautiful way to honor your breastfeeding journey — whether it lasted one day or two years. Only 10ml of breastmilk is needed per piece.

Question 4

Why choose Everclose Jewelry for memorial or keepsake jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Everclose Jewelry is a small, woman-owned studio based in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. Every piece is handcrafted by Susan Brocksmith — not mass-produced. Susan works personally with each client, ships nationwide, and offers in-person collaboration for customers within 2 hours of Lake St. Louis. Everclose offers one of the widest selections of settings, metals, and add-ons available anywhere, including crushed opal, genuine gemstones, glow stone powder, gold foil leafing, and more.

Question 5

Can I get memorial jewelry made from pet ashes or fur?

Accepted Answer

Yes — pet memorial jewelry is one of the most meaningful things Everclose creates. Fur, ashes, paw prints, and nose prints can all be preserved beautifully in a ring, pendant, bracelet, or earrings. Losing a pet is a profound loss and every beloved animal deserves to be honored.

Question 6

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

You can build your piece and place your order directly on the Design page — no consultation needed. Prefer a personal touch? Reach out through the Contact page and I will walk you through every option with care. Either way works perfectly.

Question 7

What if I am not sure what kind of piece I want?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly what the first conversation is for. You can also browse the Design page to explore all settings, metals, and options at your own pace — it shows live pricing as you go. If you still have questions, reach out and I will help you find what feels right. There is no pressure.

Question 8

Can I see examples before I decide?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — visit the Gallery page to browse finished pieces. New photos are added regularly so check back often.

Question 9

How much material do I need to send?

Accepted Answer

Very little — 1 teaspoon of ashes, 10 strands of hair or fur, or 10ml of breastmilk per piece. Any unused cremains or preserved breastmilk powder will be returned to you.

Question 10

What materials can I include in a memorial piece?

Accepted Answer

I work with cremation ashes, hair or fur, dried flowers, sand or seashells from a meaningful place, clothing, pet collars, baby footprints, pet paw prints, pet nose prints, and names encased on select jewelry. If you have something else in mind, reach out — I will do my best to work with what is meaningful to you.

Question 11

Is it safe to mail cremation ashes or other materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes — place each inclusion in its own individual sealed zip-lock bag first. Then, whether you are sending one item or several, place the sealed bag (or bags) into a second zip-lock bag and seal it — always double-bagged, no exceptions. Put the double-bagged package into a bubble mailer and ship via USPS with tracking to: Everclose Jewelry, c/o Susan Brocksmith, 310 Pointe Loma Blvd., Lake St. Louis, Mo. 63367. Important: do NOT write "cremains" on the outside — USPS will charge additional fees. Once shipped, email, text, or call to let me know it's on the way. Shipping costs are your responsibility. Within 2 hours of Lake St. Louis, Mo.? No shipping needed — we will collaborate in person, and your finished piece will be personally delivered to you.

Question 12

Can I use frozen breastmilk?

Accepted Answer

Yes — fresh or frozen breastmilk both work beautifully. I only need 10ml per piece — not ounces. Place it in its own sealed zip-lock bag, then double-bag it in a second zip-lock, and put everything in a bubble mailer. Ship via USPS with tracking to: Everclose Jewelry, c/o Susan Brocksmith, 310 Pointe Loma Blvd., Lake St. Louis, Mo. 63367. Once shipped, email, text, or call to let me know it's on the way. Any unused preserved breastmilk powder will be returned to you. Within 2 hours of Lake St. Louis, Mo.? No shipping needed — we will collaborate in person, and your finished piece will be personally delivered to you.

Question 13

What if I only have a very small amount of material?

Accepted Answer

That's completely okay. I work with whatever you have and am experienced in making the most of precious, limited materials. Nothing goes to waste.

Question 14

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround time is 2 weeks from when creation begins to when your finished jewelry ships, providing the jewelry setting is in stock. If a setting needs to be special ordered, average turnaround time is 4–6 weeks. I will always give you a clear timeline upfront.

Question 15

Can I include more than one material in a piece?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many clients combine ashes with hair, dried flowers, breastmilk, or other meaningful materials to create something truly unique. You can also enhance any piece — memorial or breastfeeding journey — with add-ons like crushed opal, genuine gemstones, gold or silver foil leafing, mica powder, glow stone powder, and birthstone color. These are available on every design.

Question 16

Can I order multiple pieces from the same materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many families order several pieces to share among loved ones. I can often create multiple items from a single set of materials. Just let me know when you reach out.

Question 17

Is the material preserved safely inside the piece?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your materials are carefully encased and protected inside each piece. With proper care, your jewelry will stay beautiful for years to come.

Question 18

How do I care for my Everclose jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Your Everclose jewelry is handcrafted with care and personalized just for you. With proper care, your piece is designed to be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, sleeping, or using saunas or hot tubs. Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, hairspray, sunscreen, cleaning products, chlorine, salt water, and other harsh chemicals. Protect from hard impacts, scratches, and excessive pressure. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Store your jewelry in your Everclose jewelry box when not being worn. Use the included polishing cloth to gently clean the metal as needed. Do not use abrasive cleaners, polishing dips, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners. 925 Sterling Silver can naturally tarnish over time, but regular polishing with your polishing cloth will help restore its shine. Gold filled and 18k PVD jewelry may gently be wiped clean with a soft cloth if needed and dried thoroughly before storing.

Because every Everclose piece is individually handcrafted and personalized, slight variations are natural and make your jewelry one of a kind. Breast milk differs from woman to woman; ashes have variance in color as well.

Important: Your jewelry is created to be worn and cherished, but like all fine jewelry, it should be treated with care. Normal wear, accidental damage, improper care, exposure to chemicals, excessive heat, water, or impact may affect the appearance of your jewelry over time and are not considered manufacturing defects. If you need assistance, please contact me.

Question 19

Can I combine breastmilk with other materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it makes for a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Breastmilk can be combined with hair, dried flowers, ashes, or any other meaningful material. You can also add crushed opal, genuine gemstones, gold or silver foil leafing, mica powder, glow stone powder, and birthstone color to any breastfeeding journey piece. These add-ons are available on every design — memorial or breastfeeding journey alike.

Question 20

Do you make pet memorial jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I honor beloved pets just as I honor people. Fur, ashes, pawprints, or nose prints can all be preserved beautifully.

Question 21

Can I choose a setting other than what is shown?

Accepted Answer

Yes — always. Every photo on this site shows just one example of what's possible. Every setting style can be made as either a Memorial or Breastfeeding Journey piece. Visit the Design page to browse all options. Do you have an idea for a setting that isn't listed? Contact me and we can probably make it happen!

Question 22

What metals are available?

Accepted Answer

I offer 925 Sterling Silver, 14k Gold Filled, Rose Gold Filled, 14k Solid Gold, Titanium, Black Ceramic, Cobalt Chromium, Tungsten, and Stainless Steel — depending on the setting. Visit the Pricing page for full details.

Question 23

What if my breastfeeding journey was short?

Accepted Answer

Every journey — one day or two years — is worth honoring. There is no minimum. Your story matters.

Question 24

Where can I see pricing?

Accepted Answer

Full pricing for every setting is listed on the Pricing page. You can also get a live estimate on the Design page as you build your piece.

Question 25

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept all major credit and debit cards securely through Stripe. Payment is collected when your order is confirmed.

Question 26

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

Because every piece is custom-made with your irreplaceable materials, I am unable to offer refunds once crafting has begun. Please reach out before placing your order if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Memorial & Keepsake Jewelry

Getting Started

Materials & Shipping

The Process

Jewelry & Customization

Pricing & Payment

Still have a question?