In the past, the most common keepsakes to remember someone by were usually family heirlooms like a piece of jewelry that belonged to someone special or an antique piece of furniture to pass down through the generations. The newest trend is fingerprint jewelry that memorializes a close relationship by capturing the fingerprint or thumbprint of your loved one, (or even a beloved animal) in a piece of jewelry. Through wearing the piece of jewelry, it creates a feeling of having that special person with you all the time.  Unlike other cremation keepsakes, fingerprint jewelry is not necessarily associated with death and is fast becoming a popular choice for non-death occasions because it is so personal and unique. For instance, people are opting for fingerprinted wedding bands, necklaces to celebrate the birth of a new baby imprinted with the baby’s footprints, and to celebrate a milestone anniversary.

How does the fingerprint jewelry process work?

Each piece is custom made and typically begins with using a fingerprint kit to capture the fingerprint. While there are several ways to obtain a fingerprint, probably the most straightforward option with less room for error is to use a fingerprint kit where a fingerprint ID card is used to capture a fingerprint or thumbprint, a baby’s hand or footprint, or an animal’s paw print.

Through a combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, jewelers transpose the fingerprint onto a wide selection of pendants, rings, and earrings. Designers create a digital image of the fingerprint, picking the section of the print that has the most interesting characteristics and aesthetic appeal. This ensures your fingerprint jewelry will have good texture and a prominent pattern. The jeweler then uses a computer-assisted manufacturing device to create a wax mold of the image, which is known as the pattern. Once the mold is produced, the lost wax casting method, also known as cire-perdue is used to create the piece of jewelry. Lost wax casting is the method of metal casting where molten metal gets poured into a mold that was created using a wax model.

What if you need to create fingerprint jewelry for someone that is already deceased or is MIA?

If you would like to create a fingerprint jewelry piece, but your loved one has already passed away or is missing in action, you may not realize, but you might already own or have access to the fingerprints you need, it’s just a matter of tracking them down.

– For people who have passed away: Most funeral homes take fingerprints of those who have passed away. Follow-up with the funeral home and more than likely they will be happy to help.

– For military men who were killed or missing in action: All soldiers have their fingerprints taken in military service – check their paperwork or ask the military office where they were registered.

Does Smart Cremation offer fingerprint jewelry?

In addition to providing budget-friendly direct Cremation services, Smart Cremation also offers a wide range of Sterling Silver and 14K Gold fingerprint necklaces and a fingerprint keepsake urn. Smart Cremation will work with you to find the perfect design and oversee the process every step of the way.