When you place an order…
We will be in communication confirming the design and price of your selection via e-mail. The pricing of the pieces vary but most of them range from $100-$300 including shipping (for US orders only). If you have other family members who might want a pendant you should try to order together to save on shipping costs and avoid having to send multiple batches of ashes. Once a design is finalized you will be asked to submit payment. Split payments are also an option as long as the total cost is paid before your piece is shipped to you. Most orders take about a month to complete, including the time it takes to get your loved ones ashes to me.
Next you will receive a package in the mail that includes everything you will need to send me a very small amount of ashes with a prepaid shipping label. For international orders, you will be responsible for shipping the ashes to me and the cost will not be included. Please follow any regulations that your country has for sending cremated remains into the US. Cremated remains have very specific guidelines on how they are able to be shipped in the United States. Everything must be sealed and labeled and sent through USPS Priority Mail Express. Don’t worry, your kit will have everything you need and detailed instructions. Less than a teaspoon of ash is needed for each pendant, and a tiny scoop will be included in your kit. If you have concerns about opening and scooping the remains yourself, you can always call your local funeral parlor and ask if they might be willing to help. You are also welcome to add a note with details about the person or pet that we are memorializing if you would like.
When I receive the ashes…
Everything for your order will be kept together throughout the entire making process. I only work on one order at a time and I clean all of my tools and surfaces between projects to avoid any mix ups or cross contamination. For most designs the ashes will never leave the tin they are shipped in, but for some styles they will be placed on a steel or graphite pad so the glass can more easily roll over them. Any extra ashes will be swept back into the tin and returned with your order.
When it is time to begin your piece I will start by reading over anything you have written to describe the person or pet I am about to work with. Then I like to address them out loud and let their spirit know that I will be making this beautiful piece for you to remember them, and ask for their help and cooperation in doing so.
Then I begin making the glass bead. This requires me to get glass to a molten state and then touch it to the ash so it sticks to the surface. One of the most exciting things that I noticed when I began making these pieces was that the ashes tend to make streaks of colors in the flame when they are heated. Sometimes it is like a rainbow streak of light coming off of them! Once the ashes are applied I will coat the entire surface in clear glass so that they are entirely encased. I will then spend a long time looking at the bead from every angle while heating and shaping it with precision until it is just right. From there it is placed in a hot kiln overnight and slowly brought down to room temperature, which is a process called annealing. This will make the glass stronger and less likely to crack.
The next day your piece will need to move from my glass making bench to my jewelry bench where work will resume on it. If you chose a pendant with a glass loop it will be boxed up and shipped out at this point. All of the sterling silver finishes on my pendants are made from scratch. Everything is made and shaped to fit your particular bead. This can take a few days to complete. The surface will need to be painstakingly ground and polished to a mirror finish. I like to take my time with this part to avoid leaving and scratches or dents on the surface as silver is a very soft and delicate metal.
Once your piece is completed…
You will receive an email with a photo of your completed piece at this time. If you have already paid in full you will also receive a tracking number for your shipment. If you still hold a balance we can make arrangements at this time to complete your payments before it is shipped out to you. You should receive your finished piece within a week.
If you have any questions or concerns once you receive your order do not hesitate to contact me! I want you to be happy with what you receive so that you feel comfortable wearing it.
