When someone we love passes away, it is natural to want to keep their memory close. One of the most heartfelt ways to do this in the UK is by wearing an urn necklace. This small piece of jewellery can hold a tiny amount of ashes or even a lock of hair. It lets people feel close to their loved ones every day. Today, urn necklaces have become more common across the UK, with many designs, materials, and styles available. You can choose from silver, gold, stainless steel, or even glass and resin. Some are custom-made by jewellers who carefully embed ashes inside the necklace, while others are self-fill and sent with tools for you to fill at home. In this article, we are going to explain what urn necklaces are, the types available in the UK, how they are made, where to buy them, and everything else you need to know in 2025.
What Is an Urn Necklace and Why It’s Special
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An urn necklace is a small piece of jewellery that holds a small part of a loved one’s ashes. It is also called ashes jewellery or cremation jewellery. These necklaces have a small compartment that can safely store the ashes. Some people choose to keep a lock of hair or pet fur instead of ashes. The necklace is worn close to the heart and gives comfort to the person wearing it. People wear urn necklaces in the UK not only for emotional reasons but also because they look like normal jewellery. They come in many designs, like hearts, cylinders, and crosses.
Urn necklaces have been used since ancient times. In recent years, they have become more common in the UK due to the rise in cremations. According to the Cremation Society of Great Britain, over 78% of people in the UK chose cremation over burial in 2024. With more people choosing cremation, there is a growing demand for ashes jewellery. Some families even buy matching urn necklaces so that each person can carry a part of their loved one. This makes urn necklaces both meaningful and practical.
Different Types of Urn Necklaces in the UK
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There are two main types of urn necklaces: custom-made and self-fill. Custom-made necklaces are created by professional jewellers. They take the ashes you send and carefully seal them inside the necklace, often using clear resin. Companies like Nicky Robin Memorial Jewellery in the UK use special polymer to make sure the ashes are safe and well-protected. These custom necklaces usually take 7 to 10 days to make and are sent back with any unused ashes.
Self-fill urn necklaces are sent to you empty along with a small funnel and tool kit. You can fill them yourself at home. This is a quicker option, as you don’t need to send ashes away. Brands like legendURN and Urns UK offer many self-fill options. They come in different shapes and are made of stainless steel or sterling silver. Both custom and self-fill options are good, and the choice depends on what feels right to you.
People in the UK also choose urn necklaces for pets. These necklaces are similar in design but may have paw prints or pet-themed charms. You can use them to hold ashes, fur, or even a small photo of your pet. These necklaces help keep the memory of a beloved animal close.
Materials Used in Urn Necklaces
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Urn necklaces in the UK are made from different materials, each with its own benefits. The most common materials are sterling silver and stainless steel. Sterling silver is popular because it is elegant and strong. It is also suitable for sensitive skin. Stainless steel is more affordable and doesn’t tarnish easily, making it good for daily wear.
Gold-plated and rose gold urn necklaces are also available. These are chosen for their beauty and warmth. Some high-end options are made of platinum, which is heavier and more expensive but lasts a long time. Another popular style is glass or resin-filled jewellery. In these necklaces, the ashes are mixed into coloured resin or placed in clear glass. These pieces are very personal and often made by hand.
No matter the material, most urn necklaces are made with care. Good quality necklaces have secure clasps and strong chains to keep them safe. If you are buying online, make sure the seller is based in the UK and check customer reviews before purchasing.
How to Fill and Seal an Urn Necklace
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Filling an urn necklace is easy, but you should do it with care. If you are using a self-fill necklace, it will come with a funnel and small screwdriver. Open the compartment and use the funnel to place a pinch of ashes inside. Only a small amount is needed. Most necklaces hold about a teaspoon or less. After filling it, use glue to seal the screw cap if you want extra safety.
Custom-made necklaces are filled by the jeweller. When you order one, you receive an inclusion kit that contains a container, prepaid envelope, and instructions. You place a small amount of ashes in the container and send it back. The jeweller then seals the ashes into the necklace and returns it within a week or so. This option is good if you want a cleaner and more professional finish.
In either case, make sure to store any leftover ashes safely. Many companies return unused ashes along with your finished jewellery. Always follow the instructions carefully to avoid damage or loss.
Best Places to Buy Urn Necklaces in the UK
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There are many trusted places to buy urn necklaces in the UK. Online stores are the most popular because they offer a wide range of styles and fast delivery. Here are some reliable options:
- Urns UK: Offers self-fill and custom ashes jewellery. Prices start at £30.
- legendURN: Known for handcrafted and eco-friendly memorial products.
- Nicky Robin Memorial Jewellery: Makes custom jewellery using ashes, hair, or fur. Turnaround time is about 7–10 days.
- Ashes With Art: Offers custom glass and resin jewellery for ashes.
- Amazon UK and Etsy UK: Good for quick options and handmade designs.
Always choose a UK-based seller to ensure quicker delivery and better customer service. Check for return policies and reviews before buying. Some sellers also offer personalisation like names, dates, or quotes.
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Styles and Designs to Choose From
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Urn necklaces come in many styles to match your taste. Some common shapes are heart, teardrop, cylinder, and cross. Each shape has its own meaning. Heart pendants show love. Teardrops express sadness and remembrance. Cylinders are simple and modern. Crosses have religious meaning.
There are also pet-themed necklaces with paw prints and animal shapes. Some necklaces are plain and look like normal jewellery. Others are colourful and artistic, with resin or enamel designs. You can also choose a locket-style urn necklace that opens up and holds a small photo along with ashes.
Some jewellers allow you to add birthstones, fingerprints, or even sound waves of a loved one’s voice. These extra details make your necklace more special. Whether you want something simple or detailed, you will find many options across UK shops.
How Urn Necklaces Help with Grief
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Wearing an urn necklace can help with the grieving process. It gives a feeling of closeness to the person who passed away. People say they feel less alone when wearing the necklace. It becomes a part of their daily life and offers comfort in hard times.
For many, grief lasts a long time. Having something physical to hold or wear makes the pain easier to manage. A necklace that carries ashes becomes more than jewellery—it becomes a source of strength. Some people choose to wear it on special days like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Others wear it every day.
In group situations, matching urn necklaces let family members share memories. Parents, siblings, or children can all wear a piece that connects them to their loved one. This creates unity and support within families.
Sharing Ashes Through Multiple Necklaces
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Often, there is one urn for cremated ashes, but several people may want to keep a part of their loved one. Buying multiple urn necklaces is a good way to share the ashes. It allows family members and close friends to each keep a small amount.
Urns UK and legendURN offer matching sets, so everyone can have the same design. Some families buy different designs to suit each person’s style. This makes the memory personal for everyone. Sharing ashes through jewellery is a respectful and thoughtful way to stay connected to someone you all loved.
If you have pets, you can also share their ashes in multiple pet-themed necklaces. This is helpful when several family members had a bond with the pet. Each person can carry a small memory with them.
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Keeping Your Urn Necklace Safe
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To make your urn necklace last longer, take care of it properly. Store it in a dry place when not wearing it. Avoid wearing it while swimming or showering, especially if it is not waterproof. Clean it gently with a soft cloth. Avoid using chemicals or cleaners that might damage the finish.
If your necklace has a screw-top closure, check it from time to time to make sure it is tight. Some people add glue to the screw when sealing it. This gives extra security. For resin or sealed jewellery, avoid dropping it or exposing it to high heat.
It is also a good idea to get a backup chain or case. This ensures that even if the chain breaks, the pendant remains safe. Most UK sellers provide storage boxes and care guides with their products.
Top 10 Urn Necklace Designs in the UK (2025)
1. Sterling Silver Heart Urn Necklace
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This is one of the most classic and meaningful designs in the UK today. The heart symbol represents love and everlasting memory, making it a popular choice for those remembering a parent, partner, or child. Made with 925 sterling silver, this necklace is safe for everyday wear and suitable for people with sensitive skin. The ash compartment is small and secure, hidden behind a screw-top or slide mechanism. Many sellers offer engraving services for names, initials, or dates. This necklace blends emotional value with elegant simplicity.
Material: Sterling Silver (925)
Best For: Everyday memorials, sentimental keepsake
Price Range: £45–£80
Where to Buy: Urns UK, Etsy UK
2. Cylinder Vial Ashes Necklace
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Designed with a minimalist approach, the cylinder vial style is sleek and gender-neutral. It is especially preferred by men or those who want something modern and subtle. The shape allows for a slightly larger compartment, and it usually comes with a funnel for self-filling. These are mostly made from durable stainless steel or silver, making them strong enough for daily use. The simple design also fits well with formal or casual outfits.
Material: Stainless Steel or Silver
Best For: Men, minimalists, daily wear
Price Range: £30–£60
Where to Buy: legendURN, Amazon UK
3. Tree of Life Cremation Necklace
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This design is filled with symbolism. The tree of life represents strength, connection, and the cycle of life. Many people in the UK choose this for its deep meaning and spiritual roots. The tree design is etched or embossed on the surface of the pendant, which often comes in silver, gold-plated, or rose gold finishes. It’s a thoughtful gift for someone who has lost a family member, and it works beautifully as a piece of spiritual jewellery.
Material: Silver or Rose Gold-Plated
Best For: Spiritual remembrance, family legacy
Price Range: £40–£90
Where to Buy: Etsy UK, Ashes With Art
4. Custom Resin-Filled Urn Necklace
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For those looking for a one-of-a-kind keepsake, resin-filled necklaces offer a creative and personalised option. Jewellers like Nicky Robin Memorial Jewellery handcraft each piece using ashes embedded in coloured or clear resin. Customers can choose colours that remind them of the person they lost—like their birthstone colour or a favourite shade. These necklaces are made with love and care and sealed permanently, so they are both safe and waterproof.
Material: Hand-Poured Resin with Ashes
Best For: Artistic, custom-made memorials
Price Range: £100–£250
Where to Buy: Nicky Robin Memorial Jewellery
5. Pet Paw Print Urn Necklace
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Our pets are part of our families, and when they pass away, the loss can feel just as deep. Pet paw print urn necklaces are designed specifically to honour furry friends. These necklaces often come in stainless steel or silver and feature a paw design on the front. The chamber can hold a small amount of ashes or fur. They are ideal for dog or cat owners who want to keep a part of their pet close forever.
Material: Stainless Steel / Silver
Best For: Remembering beloved pets
Price Range: £25–£55
Where to Buy: Urns UK, Amazon UK
6. Angel Wing and Heart Combo Necklace
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This design combines two powerful symbols—angel wings and hearts—to create a deeply touching piece. The wings wrap around the heart-shaped urn, representing protection, love, and eternal guidance. It’s a favourite among those mourning a parent, child, or spouse. The added sparkle of a small gemstone or cubic zirconia brings a soft beauty to the necklace.
Material: Silver with Gemstone Accents
Best For: Comfort and remembrance
Price Range: £45–£75
Where to Buy: legendURN, Etsy
7. Fingerprint Engraved Urn Necklace
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One of the most personalised pieces you can buy, the fingerprint urn necklace includes the actual fingerprint of your loved one etched into the surface. Some UK jewellers even offer audio wave engraving for a recorded voice message or engraving of a handwritten note. This design carries a deeply unique connection to the person you’re remembering. It’s typically crafted from sterling silver and custom-made with care.
Material: Sterling Silver
Best For: Deeply personal remembrance
Price Range: £90–£200
Where to Buy: Ashes With Art, Etsy UK
8. Crystal Glass Teardrop Memorial Pendant
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These pendants are elegant, colourful, and emotional. Shaped like a teardrop, they symbolise loss, love, and memory. Many are made using borosilicate glass, and inside, ashes are fused into beautiful swirls of colour. Some include flecks of gold or pearl effects. Each one is handcrafted and unique. They’re especially suitable for people who want an art-inspired keepsake that still feels meaningful and wearable.
Material: Crystal Glass with Sealed Ashes
Best For: Artistic and symbolic remembrance
Price Range: £120–£250
Where to Buy: Ashes Into Glass, Nicky Robin
9. Round Locket-Style Ashes Necklace
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This locket-style urn necklace lets you combine ashes with something personal—a photo, message, or dried flower. Inside is a compartment that opens up and includes a small capsule for ashes. The front may feature engravings or a glass window. These pieces are perfect for those who want a combination of visual and emotional memory in one place.
Material: Silver or Stainless Steel
Best For: Combining ashes and photo memory
Price Range: £50–£90
Where to Buy: Urns UK, Etsy UK
10. Birthstone Urn Necklace
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A birthstone urn necklace combines beauty with meaning. Each necklace includes a stone that reflects the birth month of the departed loved one. The ashes are stored in a hidden compartment behind the gem or below it in a chamber. These pieces make great gifts for family members or friends and are often worn at special events or anniversaries.
Material: Silver or Gold-Plated
Best For: Honouring birth month and memory
Price Range: £40–£85
Where to Buy: Amazon UK, Urns UK
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Conclusion
Choosing an urn necklace UK is a special way to keep the memory of a loved one close. These necklaces are not just jewellery—they are personal reminders of the people and pets we miss. In the UK, you have many choices when it comes to materials, styles, and designs. Whether you go for a custom-made piece or a self-fill option, you can find something that fits your needs. Urn necklaces offer peace, comfort, and a lasting tribute that stays with you every day. In 2025, more people in the UK are choosing urn necklaces to keep memories alive and close to their hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an urn necklace and why do people wear it?
An urn necklace is a small piece of jewellery that holds a tiny amount of ashes from a loved one or pet. People wear it to feel close to someone they’ve lost and to keep their memory with them every day.
2. Is it safe to fill an urn necklace myself?
Yes, self-fill urn necklaces in the UK come with tools like a funnel and instructions. It’s simple to do at home, and many people prefer this option to keep the ashes with them.
3. How long does a custom urn necklace take to make?
Custom urn necklaces made by UK jewellers like Nicky Robin usually take around 7 to 10 days. You’ll receive a secure pack to send a small amount of ashes, and unused ashes are returned.
4. Can I wear my urn necklace every day?
Yes, most urn necklaces are made from strong materials like sterling silver or stainless steel, so they’re safe for everyday use. Just avoid water if the necklace isn’t sealed or waterproof.
5. Where can I buy a quality urn necklace in the UK?
Trusted UK sellers include Urns UK, legendURN, Nicky Robin Memorial Jewellery, and Ashes With Art. These brands offer good designs, safe delivery, and personalisation options.
