5 Meaningful Memorial Necklace Ideas to Remember A Loved One

Losing a loved one leaves an undeniable void. The physical absence of a loved one can be one of the most poignant reminders of their loss. Seeing familiar spaces where they were, like a quiet rocking chair on the porch, a still old wicker chair where they read newspapers, or a desk where they no longer sit, can make you feel incredibly sad. 

When you experience the grief, you might long for something tangible to hold onto, something that can feel of your loved one. In these moments, an item you can touch and keep close becomes incredibly precious. Many people find comfort in a special item, such as a memorial necklace.

Losing a loved one leaves an undeniable void. It creates a silence where laughter and shared moments used to be. In navigating this grief, many find comfort in a memorial necklace that honors their memory.

Our loved ones fill our lives with joy and meaning and make every moment precious. Their loss can bring us great sadness.

History of Memorial Necklace

People have worn necklaces to remember those who have died for a long time. A good example is the Victorian era. Back then, mourning jewelry was a common way to show grief. 

These pieces were often black, made of things like jet or gutta-percha. Sometimes, they had hair or the names of the person who died on them. This old tradition shows that people have always wanted to remember loved ones with jewelry.

A mourning pendant in history

Why Choose a Memorial Necklace?

Wearable

One of the comforting aspects of a memorial necklace is that you can wear it daily, keeping your loved one's memory close. Unlike a photograph kept at home, simply touching the necklace can bring a feeling of connection when you miss them. It can also travel with you, present for important events and milestones. This means remembrance isn't confined to a certain place; it becomes a part of your everyday life.

While photos keep memories alive, they’re not always easy to carry around without damaging them.

Heirloom

In many Western cultures, jewelry, especially necklaces, holds a strong tradition as family heirlooms. Passed down through generations, these pieces carry stories, history, and the essence of those who wore them before.

Close to Heart

A memorial necklace rests close to your heart. Across many cultures, the heart is deeply symbolic. In some traditions, it's seen as the seat of emotions – not just love, but also sorrow, courage, and joy. The ancient Egyptians believed the heart held the essence of a person's being and their intellect. Similarly, in various spiritual beliefs, the heart chakra is considered a center of love, compassion, and connection.

Wearing a memorial necklace in this position can create a powerful, intimate connection with the person you've lost.

5 Meaningful Memorial Necklace Ideas

Finding the right memorial necklace to remember a loved one is deeply personal. Here are five meaningful ideas to consider.

1. Redesign a necklace from your loved one’s jewelry

   
   

You could consider the possibility of taking jewelry that once belonged to your loved one and giving it new life. 

For example, you could take a ring they cherished and make it the pendant of a new necklace. You might also choose to add a personal engraving to the piece, such as a name, date, or a short, meaningful message. This way, you're repurposing something familiar into a new form of remembrance.

Redesigning a familiar object offers a powerful sense of continuity. You're carrying forward a piece that already holds history and connection. 

2. Choose meaningful symbols for a memorial necklace

   
   

When selecting a memorial necklace, considering the symbolism of different shapes can be a meaningful approach. Various pendant shapes carry different connotations, and the following are commonly chosen for remembrance:

• Heart: The heart is a universally recognized symbol of love. Resembling the human heart, it often represents love, life, and commitment. Wearing a heart memorial necklace can symbolize your enduring love for the departed.

  
  

• Angel Wings: In religious contexts, angels often symbolize purity, kindness, and righteousness. Angel wings can represent protection and companionship. Wearing a necklace with angel wings may symbolize that your lost loved one continues to watch over you or serve as a wish for their peace in the afterlife.

  
  

• Infinity: The infinity symbol (∞) represents eternity and unending love. Choosing an infinity memorial necklace can be a powerful way to express the timeless nature of your bond.

  
  

• Other personal symbols: Beyond these, other symbols can hold personal significance. For instance, if your loved one was a passionate guitar player, a memorial necklace featuring a small guitar pendant could be a beautiful and unique tribute to their passion and memory. 

  
  

Selecting a symbol that resonates with your individual beliefs and the unique bond you shared can bring a deep sense of peace to you and comfort to your family.

The heart is a common graphic. Many people choose heart-shaped memorial necklaces to honor their love for the deceased.

3. Customize a necklace with personal patterns

Beyond symbolic designs, some prefer memorial necklaces that feature personal details unique to their loved one. Common examples include fingerprints and photographs.

• Fingerprints: Each person's fingerprint is unique and can serve as a deeply personal emblem. These can often be engraved onto a pendant. In the United States, you can obtain a deceased loved one's fingerprint through the funeral home. 

  
  

• Photographs: As the famous author and photographer Eudora Welty once said, "A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away." A photograph of a loved one can be a powerful way to preserve their memory. Each time the photo is seen, their face and cherished moments can be recalled. To incorporate a photo into a memorial necklace, people often choose a locket-style necklace to wear. 

Fingerprint infinity pendant

4. Choose an urn necklace to hold your loved one's ashes

Another type of memorial necklace available is designed to hold a small amount of a loved one's cremated remains. These are commonly referred to as urn necklaces or cremation necklaces.

Such a necklace typically features a small compartment within the pendant that can be used to store ashes. A secure closure mechanism ensures the contents remain inside. For those who choose cremation, this style of necklace offers a way to keep a physical reminder close.

5. Create a memorial necklace with a personalized diamond from ashes

While an urn necklace answers the question of what to do with cremated remains,  it doesn't change the form of ashes, which can be a stark reminder of loss for some.  Some people might feel a bit uncomfortable wearing ashes directly in a necklace. They might also worry about whether the part holding the ashes will stay closed properly. 

Turning ashes into diamonds for a memorial necklace presents a better way that can encompass many of the features discussed earlier. You can set these personalized diamonds in various necklace styles, effectively redesigning a piece, and even engrave the setting for a personal touch. 

Because cremated remains contain carbon, it's possible to extract this element and, by replicating the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions under which natural diamonds form, grow a beautiful diamond. These memorial diamonds possess the same structure and brilliance as natural diamonds. Companies like LONITÉ offer this service.

The Advantages of Memorial Diamond Necklaces

When it comes to memorializing a loved one, memorial diamond necklaces offer several compelling advantages.

Ashes reborn into enduring beauty 

Since a memorial diamond is made directly from the ashes, it is like transforming a part of your loved one into a new, beautiful form. Although the loved one is no longer alive, the precious memories are preserved forever. 

Importantly, this process doesn't require all of the ashes. Leading memorial diamond companies like LONITÉ can create a 1-carat diamond with as little as 150 grams of ashes.

The healing power of memorial diamond necklaces

Wearing a memorial diamond necklace can also offer a sense of healing to you. 

For many, the physical absence of a loved one can feel overwhelming. Turning ashes into diamonds transforms this absence into a tangible, beautiful presence.

Gazing at and touching the diamond can evoke the brilliance of past times, much like the fire of the gem, and create a feeling of your loved one's continued presence. It's a shift from focusing on what is lost to celebrating an enduring connection.

Memorial diamond necklaces are everlasting

Diamonds are the most durable natural material on Earth. 

Memorial diamonds are real diamonds. The HPHT technique for producing memorial diamonds simulates the same environment as producing real diamonds, with the only difference being that memorial diamonds are made from ashes.

To further assure their authenticity, companies like LONITÉ provide certificates from renowned gemological institutes such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certificates confirm that the diamonds are genuine.

Compared to necklaces made with crystals or glass, a diamond is significantly more durable and less prone to damage, making it suitable for long-term remembrance and even as a family heirloom.

The inherent strength of a diamond, when created from a loved one's ashes, can symbolize the enduring depth and unbreakable bond of your relationship. To hold such resilience, beauty, and personal history close, a testament to a love that time cannot diminish, is a truly unique and compelling way to remember.

A unique memorial: personalized diamond necklaces

Typically, companies like LONITÉ specialize in cremation diamond necklaces that offer a high degree of customization. Beyond choosing the shape, size, and color of the diamond created from ashes, you can also personalize your memorial necklace.

With LONITÉ, your memorial diamond becomes a truly unique tribute. Explore a spectrum of ten exquisite cuts, from the timeless Brilliant to the distinctive Heart shape. Select from seven captivating color hues. Among these options, you are sure to find a choice that genuinely reflects your loved one's personality.

Beyond creating a uniquely personal diamond, you can also personalize a one-of-a-kind memorial necklace. You can choose from LONITÉ's existing collection of classic and timeless necklace designs. Alternatively, you have the option to custom-design a necklace from scratch, allowing you to incorporate patterns or elements that hold deep personal meaning. This ensures your memorial diamond necklace is as unique as your loved one.  

If you have an existing necklace, LONITÉ can expertly set your brilliant memorial diamond into it, giving a cherished piece new life. We can also redesign the entire necklace to perfectly showcase your diamond.

 As a final, deeply personal touch, LONITÉ offers the industry's most comprehensive engraving service for personalized messages. This could include a name, a significant date like a birthday, or a heartfelt message, creating a truly unique tribute that keeps their memory close in every meaningful detail.

Conclusion

The loss of a loved one is a deeply sorrowful experience. Finding a way to honor their memory can bring comfort, and a memorial necklace serves as a beautiful and personal tribute. While there are many meaningful options to choose from, such as symbolic pendants or necklaces holding ashes, creating a memorial necklace with a diamond made from their ashes offers a uniquely beautiful and enduring way to keep their essence close. This special form of memorial jewelry transforms remembrance into a lasting symbol of love. When you are ready, contact LONITÉ to create a timeless and beautiful memorial diamond necklace for your loved one.