Remembering the deceased with a cherished fingerprint ring
Over the last 6 months, we have received many requests for fingerprint engraved bands, as memorial rings engraved with either fingerprints or handwritten messages from critically ill or departed loved ones.
This never makes easy subject to write about, but having had direct contact arranging such commissions, I realise that an enormous amount of emotion goes into the work we do. Creating meaningful jewellery.
What better way than to keep a loved one with you—not just in thought, but physically carried with you from day to day. As a result, I decided to write this post because it really does resonate with so many people.
Recently commissioned 2.5mm wide memorial fingerprint ring
Important details to consider when commissioning a memorial ring
The timing could be a key consideration for fingerprint engraving
If you’re considering fingerprint keepsakes in the form of a memorial fingerprint ring or pendant, the most critical consideration is timing. When taking fingerprints, there is a need to capture a print before the opportunity has gone. Many clients struggle to decide upon the item itself but know what concept they want (e.g. a fingerprint laser engraved onto an item of jewellery). For this reason, we have now added the fingerprint engraving kit to our website shop. Rather than having to wait, this can be ordered and delivered immediately ahead of organising the commission. The cost of the kit will be later deducted from the commission cost.
Sending Fingerprints for engraving
We know that the fingerprints of a deceased relative are impossible to replace. For this reason, we can work from a scanned/emailed fingerprint. This means that your original print can remain safe in your care.
Please find the fingerprint kit here on our shop section of the website.
Lost or stolen Fingerprint Jewellery
We know that no insurance policy will replace the fingerprint engraved ring based on the print of a loved one. But we have a solution which gives greater peace of mind. We return your fingerprints to be kept safely in the event that you might need them again in the future. Taking scans or photocopies will also ensure you have prints backed up and on file to re-use in the event of loss or theft. When we work with clients outside the UK, most clients send a high-resolution scan to us by email to work with.
Ideas for Memorial Rings and Jewellery
There are many ideas that can be applied to jewellery, tastefully capturing memories to cherish with daily wear. The following are just a few concepts that can be worked into commissions.
Fingerprint engravings. 100% faithful scanned and laser engraved prints, beautifully finished, applied either inside rings or onto a pendant.
Personal handwritten message scanned and laser engraved onto a pendant or onto the surface (inner or outer) of a plain or diamond set band. We can apply a handwritten message from a person, as they wrote it, scaled down to fit onto a band or pendant. Alternatively, we can engrave a verse from a sentimental poem or extract from a book.
Ashes – a small quantity applied to jewellery. Either within a small chamber within the body of precious metal or within the resin or a small glass vial enclosed within a precious metal pendant.
Further to our existing ashes rings, we now also provide the complete Everwith collection. Many designs include the option of coloured resin, combined with ashes. These all go into a variety of jewellery styles.
Lost or archived family fingerprints. A case study
At Serendipity Diamonds we love to rise to a challenge. One of our recent challenges involved a fingerprint found by our client on their parent’s birth certificate. Our client kindly agreed to us featuring their commission in this article as a case study.
Taking the fingerprint from the birth certificate
The original fingerprint could be found on our client’s birth certificate. We all felt this was a lovely addition to have on a birth certificate. Although a little faded and a touch unclear, we spend considerable time, scanning and refining the print to create the final artwork.
Don’t worry if your fingerprint appears faded or unclear. As part of our service, we refine and enhance fingerprints for best results on the final engraving.
The original birth certificate features our client’s mother’s fingerprint.
Part of the birth certificate stamp obscured a section of the fingerprint
Creating the memorial fingerprint
We work through several stages to create the final fingerprint for the memorial ring. The final result gives a clear print, suitable for engraving.
This image shows the enhanced prints added to the jewellery commission.
Creating the final memorial fingerprint ring
Our client chose the Platinum version of our Tennyson wedding ring design, with a 7mm width. This allowed plenty of area to apply both prints. The final satin finish contrasted with the outer mirror polished bevelled edges.
The final ring, completed. Showing our client’s mum’s print within the ring—positioned opposite her own fingerprint.
Memorial Black Fingerprint Rings
New for 2021, we have introduced the Black Fingerprint Ring to our showroom collection. This versatile design features a subtle black fingerprint on a black satin-finished Zirconium band benefitting from a comfortable fit.
How to enquire about your own memorial fingerprint ring
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need any guidance. Our friendly team will help you with any details you require, and we will treat any enquiry with the urgency and sensitivity it deserves.
New! Ashes Rings – Memorial Rings for Cremation Ashes
Our latest addition to the memorial jewellery range involves adding ashes to rings. In 2020 we began adding ashes to Titanium bands—sealed within each ring.
We add a small sample of ashes to the resin, added into a channel inside the ring. Clients receive a small plastic container as part of our process to deposit a small sample after cremation.
Ashes ring deconstructed. The channelled inner section holds ashes within a bonded resin. The outer sleeve seals the ring—retaining ashes inside the band.
An outer sleeve locks in place and we then apply optional engravings to the inside or outside of the ring.
As a result of introducing the ashes ring a client can cherish a fingerprint ring with ashes added inside. Ashes rings suit jewellery made to remember loved-ones and pets. Please feel welcome to contact us for help. Rest assured we treat each enquiry with respect and compassion at all times.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
