Complete Guide To Wearing Cremation Jewelry

It’s perfectly normal to have questions about wearing cremation jewelry. This may be a new experience for you, and wearing something with human remains is bound to bring up questions of emotion and etiquette. You are not alone if you’re wondering, “Can I wear my cremation jewelry in the shower?” or “How long can I wear cremation jewelry?”. This guide will attempt to answer your questions about wearing cremation jewelry.

Can You Wear Cremation Jewelry All the Time?

You may want the answer to this question to be a resounding yes, given how much comfort your cremation jewelry gives you and how priceless it is to you. There are times when you shouldn’t wear your cremation jewelry. Exposure to sweat, water, and chemicals could damage any jewelry, especially cremation jewelry. Cremation jewelry can be very delicate and should be treated with care. Store it somewhere safe when exercising or swimming. The salt in your sweat and the chemicals in a pool could damage your jewelry. Otherwise, you can wear your cremation jewelry all of the time. 

Is it Odd to Wear Cremation Jewelry?

Absolutely not. Of course, other people might have different, perhaps even strong opinions. However, consider this: grief is one of the most powerful experiences we will go through as humans. Losing a loved one is a terrible thing and healing takes incredible strength and bravery. It’s a devastating wound, and your healing process will be unique. You wouldn’t begrudge someone who’s been in a car crash the crutches and casts they need to heal. So you should allow yourself to have exactly what you need to heal. If that is a piece of cremation jewelry, so you have part of your loved one close by, then wear that cremation jewelry. Plus, it is a tangible way to honor your departed loved one and millions of people every year order cremation jewelry pieces. 

Can You Wear Cremation Jewelry During a Wedding?

When it comes to cremation jewelry during a wedding, it is up to you. There are no formal etiquette rules governing where you can or can’t wear cremation jewelry. If it makes you uncomfortable, feel free to wear other jewelry, but you won’t be breaking any “rules” if you do wear it. However, the core of etiquette is based on consideration of others, so if you have good reason to believe that wearing your cremation jewelry will upset the bride or groom, then it may be the gracious thing to do to leave it at home. Otherwise, unless you say something, no one will be able to tell you’re wearing cremation jewelry, making this a non-issue. If you want to wear it but still feel uncomfortable, consider an outfit that hides the jewelry.

Can You Wear Cremation Jewelry in the Shower?

If you’re wondering, “Can I wear my cremation jewelry in the shower?” you are not alone. Many people do not want to take off their cremation jewelry, even for a shower. The general answer is the same for cremation jewelry as it is for any other fine jewelry: don’t wear it in the shower. While the occasional dip is likely ok, water, soap, and other chemicals can build up or damage your jewelry. And, cremation jewelry is even more delicate than regular jewelry. Your cremation jewelry, given its contents, is priceless, so it’s imperative that you avoid water contaminating the ashes. It’s also easy to damage jewelry in the shower, not to mention the risk of it going down the drain, so it’s best left in a safe place before you hop in your next hot shower. 

How Long Can You Wear Cremation Jewelry?

The answer to this question is an easy one. You can wear your cremation jewelry for as long as you want. Grief is its own animal and never truly dissipates, no matter how much time has passed and how much we’ve healed. With one exception, ignore what other people think (or what you think they’re thinking) and wear your cremation jewelry for as long as it gives you comfort. Your departed loved one is always in your heart and thoughts, and a piece of cremation jewelry reflects that and honors the one you’ve lost. 

Which Cultures Wear Cremation Jewelry?

While many cultures have traditions related to cremation ashes, such as South Korea’s death beads and the Hindu practice of scattering ashes on the Ganges river, cremation jewelry seems to be a Western tradition. Perhaps the most famous cremation jewelry are the pieces designed and worn by Queen Victoria in honor of her late husband, Prince Albert, who died in 1861. While none of her pieces held cremation ash, some had locks of hair or portraits.