How to Choose an Ashes Bracelet: A Simple Guide
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An ashes bracelet lets you carry a small part of someone you love wherever you go. If you're choosing one for the first time, for yourself or as a gift, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide walks you through it simply.
What kind of bracelet can hold ashes?
An ashes bracelet, sometimes called a cremation or urn bracelet, has a tiny stainless steel urn built into it. On most designs the urn is part of the clasp, so from the outside it looks like an ordinary leather bracelet. Only you know what it holds.
The urn holds a very small amount, so you don't need much. Many people also choose to keep a lock of hair, a little of a pet's fur or another tiny keepsake instead of ashes. Every By My Side bracelet comes with a filling kit, with the tools and step-by-step instructions to fill it securely.
Choosing a style
Start with what they already wear. Someone who lives in a watch and jeans will want something different from someone who loves colour. Here's a quick guide to the main styles.
| Style | What it's like | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Braided leather | A classic plaited band with a stainless steel urn clasp | Anyone, every day |
| Round design | A clean, rounded leather band, simple and understated | Someone who likes a minimal look |
| Infinity Slide | A leather band you can add Infinity Slides to over time | Someone who'd like to personalise it further |
| Small heart and large heart | Leather with a heart detail, in soft and bold colours | Someone who likes colour, or remembering a pet |
| Wrap bracelets | Leather wrapped around the wrist, some doubled | A layered, relaxed look |
| Distressed leather | Rugged stitched and braided strands with an urn pendant | A lived-in, outdoorsy style |
| Paracord | A 4mm cord band with an engraved urn, no leather | Vegans, or anyone active |
| Stainless steel bangle | A solid bangle with a double hidden urn | Someone who prefers metal to leather |
If they don't wear bracelets at all, the personalised heart ashes necklace works in exactly the same way.
Who is it for?
An ashes bracelet for a man
Many men want something they can wear every day without it drawing attention. Plain brown, black or blue leather, a wrap bracelet or paracord tend to suit best. The men's ashes bracelets bring these together in one place.
An ashes bracelet for a woman
The heart designs are a popular choice, in colours from vintage pink and metallic silver to Bordeaux red. Plenty of women prefer the classic braided or round leather styles too. Almost every design is unisex, so choose by the look rather than the label.
A bracelet for a pet
Losing a pet is losing family, and a pet memorial bracelet can hold a little of their ashes or fur. If you're buying for someone else, our guide to gifts for someone who has lost a pet has more ideas.
Getting the details right
Size
Each leather bracelet is made to fit. All you need is the exact snug wrist size, and the right extra length is added for a comfortable fit, depending on the design and leather. Measure with a soft tape measure, or wrap a strip of paper around the wrist and measure that. The bangle comes in set sizes from 50mm to 65mm instead.
Personalising it
An engraving is what makes it theirs. A name, a date, a short message, a heart or a paw print can go on the clasp or urn. Just add your wording in the engraving box that appears after you click Add to Cart. For something more unusual, the bespoke service can help bring an idea to life.
Which wrist do you wear a memorial bracelet on?
There's no right or wrong. Many people choose their non-writing hand, so the bracelet gets fewer knocks and less wear through the day. Others like it on the left wrist, closer to the heart. Wear it wherever feels right to you.
Wearing and caring for it
Is it okay to wear cremation jewellery?
Yes. Wearing a little of someone's ashes is a personal choice, and for many people it's a deeply comforting one. It isn't morbid or disrespectful. It's simply a way of keeping someone close, the same way people have always kept a lock of hair or a photo in a locket.
Looking after it
The bracelets are made from premium leather, so keep them away from water. Perfume, deodorant, aftershave and sun lotion can mark the leather over time, so it's best to put those on first and let them dry. Looked after, it will be with you for years.
Still not sure?
That's completely normal, especially if you're choosing while grieving. Take your time, and don't worry about getting it perfect. If you have any questions about styles, sizing or engraving, just get in touch. Michael reads every message himself and will happily help you find the right one.