Reliquary Necklace -- A Special Project

I just finished what was a very special project for me. A couple of months ago I was contacted by a fellow artist who wanted to commemorate her late husband in a piece of jewelry. But this wasn't going to be a photo locket or a name charm or something similarly typical. She wanted a necklace that incorporated her husband's cremated remains. I have to admit I had to give the project some thought...I had never worked with something as sacred as human ashes and, surprisingly to me, the idea of using them made me pause just a little. But I was really honored to be asked to work on something so meaningful. And in reality, it sounded like something I would make for myself if I experienced such a loss and I realized it really wasn't such an odd request. So I jumped in with both feet and below is the result...


Two of the charms you see are actually cremains that did not burn completely...a tooth cap that I polished and what appears to be something like a snap. Another charm features hair snippets set in resin.

I was really pleased with the end result, and thankfully the artist for whom I made this let me know that she was also very happy. This was a very sacred project for me that really had a sense of purpose. I'd like to thank C.K. for choosing me to create this for her. And for her permission to share this piece and my experience with all of you. Thank you!