Best Cremation Jewelry Companies: Side-by-Side Comparison and Key Differences

When navigating the difficult process of saying goodbye, many families are turning toward portable memorials to keep their loved ones close. Finding the best cremation jewelry companies is no longer just about finding a small pendant; it is about finding a reputable partner that understands the emotional weight of your purchase. With the U.S. cremation rate projected to hit 64% by 2025 and over 80% by 2045, the industry has evolved to offer everything from high-tech lab-grown diamonds to minimalist, fashion-forward designs.

This article walks through, we analyze the top ashes jewelry companies on the market today. We evaluate them based on transparency, material quality, design variety, customer sentiment, production time, and return policies to help you make an informed decision during a sensitive time.

Why Choose Cremation Jewelry?

Cremation jewelry serves as a "portable memorial," a trend that has gained significant traction as families become more mobile and less tethered to traditional cemetery plots. Instead of a single urn sitting on a mantle, jewelry allows multiple family members to share a portion of the ashes, keeping a symbolic connection wherever they go.

As a final expense financial planner, I often see families looking for ways to personalize their mourning process while remaining within a budget. While a traditional burial can cost upwards of $10,000, cremation combined with a high-quality piece of memorial jewelry offers a more flexible and often more meaningful alternative. To better understand how these costs fit into a funeral budget, you can read our detailed breakdown on Cremation Jewelry Cost (Typical Costs and Cost Factors).

Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Companies

Selecting the right provider depends heavily on your budget and the type of memorial you desire. The following table summarizes the market leaders for 2025–2026.

Deep Dive: The Best Cremation Jewelry Companies of 2025

1. Saint Diamonds: Best for Transparency and Quality

Saint Diamonds has secured its position as the top-ranked ashes-to-diamonds provider for 2025. Their focus is on the scientific integrity of the process. They take the carbon from a loved one's ashes (or hair) and subject it to High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) environments to grow a real diamond.

The main thing: Saint Diamonds is widely praised for providing IIDGR or GIA certification for every stone, ensuring that families receive a genuine, lab-grown diamond of high clarity and color.

What sets them apart is their compassionate care. In an industry where "cremation jewelry reviews" often highlight long wait times, Saint Diamonds maintains a transparent timeline, which is vital when you are waiting for a permanent heirloom.

Pros:

• GIA or IIDGR certification included with every diamond
• Transparent production timeline with regular updates
• Wide range of diamond colors and cuts
• Competitive pricing for the certified diamond segment

Cons:

• 4 to 8-month production time
• Higher starting price than some competitors
• Limited non-diamond jewelry options

Rating: Value: 4/5 | Quality: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Turnaround: 3/5

2. Eterneva: Best for the Emotional Journey

Eterneva transformed the memorial industry by focusing on the "journey" rather than just the final product. When you choose Eterneva, you aren't just buying a diamond; you are signing up for an 8-to-12-month experience where you receive video updates of the diamond growth process. This approach is designed to help with the grieving process, providing "bright spots" during a difficult year.

Pros:

• Unique "memorial journey" experience with video updates
• High-quality diamonds with excellent clarity
• Strong emotional support throughout the process
• Featured on Shark Tank; well-known brand

Cons:

• Highest starting price in the diamond segment (from $3,000)
• Longest production time (8-12 months)
• Premium pricing reflects the brand experience rather than just the product

Rating: Value: 3/5 | Quality: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Turnaround: 2/5

3. Algordanza: Best for International Credibility

Algordanza is a Swiss-based company that has been producing memorial diamonds since 2004. As one of the original ashes-to-diamonds providers, they bring decades of experience and European precision to the process. Each diamond is produced in their laboratory in Chur, Switzerland, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Pros:

• Over 20 years of experience in the memorial diamond industry
• Swiss-made with rigorous quality control
• International shipping and service in multiple languages
• Each diamond is naturally colored (blue tones from boron in human ashes)

Cons:

• Starting price of approximately $2,999 is higher than some competitors
• International shipping may add time and complexity for US customers
• Fewer design options for settings compared to US-based companies

Rating: Value: 3/5 | Quality: 5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Turnaround: 4/5

4. Lonite: Best Budget Diamond Option

Lonite, also based in Switzerland, positions itself as a more affordable alternative in the ashes-to-diamonds market. With starting prices from approximately $1,400, they offer one of the lowest entry points for a genuine memorial diamond.

Pros:

• One of the most affordable memorial diamond options (from approximately $1,400)
• Swiss production process with international reach
• Accepts both ashes and hair
• Available in a range of colors including yellow, blue, red, and green

Cons:

• Longer production time (6-10 months)
• Less brand recognition than Eterneva or Saint Diamonds
• Customer reviews are more limited, making independent verification harder

Rating: Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Service: 3/5 | Turnaround: 3/5

5. EverDear: Best for Speed and Affordability

EverDear has disrupted the memorial diamond market with starting prices from approximately $995 and production times as short as 3 months. For families who want a diamond but cannot wait 6 to 12 months, EverDear offers a compelling middle ground.

Pros:

• Most affordable diamond option (from approximately $995)
• Fastest production time in the diamond segment (3-5 months)
• 30-day refund policy provides extra peace of mind
• Clean, modern website with transparent pricing

Cons:

• Newer company with a shorter track record
• Diamond certification details are less prominent than Saint Diamonds or Algordanza
• Limited color options compared to Swiss providers

Rating: Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Service: 4/5 | Turnaround: 5/5

6. Jewelry Keepsakes: Best for Traditional Variety

If you are looking for a traditional "urn pendant"—a small vessel that holds a pinch of ash—Jewelry Keepsakes offers the most extensive catalog. With over 2,000 designs, they cover everything from hearts and crosses to hobby-themed pieces like fishing lures or musical notes.

Pros:

• Largest selection of designs (over 2,000)
• Stock items ship within 24-48 hours
• Permanently sealed (waterproof) options available
• Wide price range accommodates all budgets

Cons:

• Lower-end pieces use stainless steel, which may not feel "premium"
• Custom engraving adds 1-2 weeks to delivery
• Some designs are similar to generic wholesale products

Rating: Value: 5/5 | Quality: 3/5 | Service: 4/5 | Turnaround: 5/5

7. Close By Me Jewelry: Best for Visible Memorials

Unlike traditional pendants where the ashes are hidden inside, Close By Me Jewelry uses a patented resin-infusion process. The ashes are mixed into a high-quality resin and set directly into the metal, appearing like a stone. This allows the unique texture and color of the ashes to be visible, creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Pros:

• Unique patented process makes ashes visible
• Each piece is genuinely one-of-a-kind
• High-quality metal settings (14k gold, sterling silver)
• Strong reputation with consistently positive reviews

Cons:

• 4 to 6-week production time
• No returns due to custom nature
• Resin may be less durable than glass or diamond over decades

Rating: Value: 4/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Turnaround: 3/5

8. Spirit Pieces: Best Artisanal Glass

For those who prefer color and artistic flair, Spirit Pieces specializes in "memorial art." Their artisans swirl a small amount of ash into hand-blown glass. The results are vibrant pendants, orbs, and suncatchers where the ashes look like a nebula or a cloud within the glass.

Pros:

• Beautiful, art-quality glass pieces
• Each piece is handmade and unique
• Wide range of products beyond jewelry (orbs, suncatchers, paperweights)
• Moderate pricing

Cons:

• Glass is more fragile than metal or diamond
• 4 to 6-week production time
• No returns due to custom nature

Rating: Value: 4/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Service: 4/5 | Turnaround: 3/5

Cremation Jewelry by Price Range

To help you narrow your search based on budget, the following breakdown organizes cremation jewelry into four tiers.

Budget (Under $100)

For families on a tight budget, quality memorial jewelry is still available. Budget options are typically stainless steel urn pendants with screw-top closures.

• Best providers: Perfect Memorials, Oaktree Memorials, Cara Keepsakes
• Materials: Stainless steel, alloy, basic sterling silver
• Best for: Families wanting a simple, dignified keepsake without a major financial commitment
• What to watch for: Avoid gold-plated items at this price point; they will wear off over time. Stick with stainless steel, which does not tarnish.

Mid-Range ($100 – $500)

This tier includes higher-quality urn jewelry, resin-infused pieces, and hand-blown glass. The materials are more durable and the designs more refined.

• Best providers: Spirit Pieces, Close By Me Jewelry, Jewelry Keepsakes, You Are Forever, Cherished Emblems
• Materials: Sterling silver, hand-blown glass, resin-infused metal, 10k gold
• Best for: Daily wear pieces that combine beauty with durability

Premium ($500 – $3,000)

Premium cremation jewelry includes high-end urn jewelry in solid gold and entry-level memorial diamonds. These are heirloom-quality pieces designed to last a lifetime.

• Best providers: EverDear, Heart in Diamond, Close By Me Jewelry (14k gold), Lonite, Jewelry Keepsakes (gold collection)
• Materials: 14k-18k gold, lab-grown diamonds (smaller sizes)
• Best for: Families seeking a lasting, high-quality tribute

Luxury ($3,000+)

The luxury tier is dominated by ashes-to-diamonds companies. These pieces are genuine lab-grown diamonds created from the carbon in cremated remains, set in fine jewelry.

• Best providers: Saint Diamonds, Eterneva, Algordanza
• Materials: Lab-grown diamonds (0.25ct to 2ct+), platinum, 18k gold
• Best for: Families who want a permanent, certified diamond as a legacy piece

Pet Cremation Jewelry

The loss of a pet can be just as devastating as the loss of a human family member. The cremation jewelry industry has responded with a growing selection of pet-specific memorial pieces.

What Makes Pet Cremation Jewelry Different?

Pet cremation jewelry functions the same way as human cremation jewelry—urn pendants, resin-infused pieces, and even ashes-to-diamonds are all available. The main differences are in design (paw prints, bone shapes, pet silhouettes) and the amount of ash required (pet ashes work identically to human ashes for jewelry purposes).

Top Companies for Pet Cremation Jewelry

For more on memorializing a pet, visit our guides on pet memorial jewelry and pet memorial products.

Cremation Jewelry for Men

While much of the cremation jewelry market has traditionally been designed with women in mind, there is a growing range of masculine options.

Popular Styles for Men

• Dog tag pendants: Stainless steel or titanium dog tags with a small ash chamber. These are subtle and easy to wear daily.
• Signet rings: A traditional men's ring style with a hidden compartment or resin-infused stone.
• Leather bracelets: Braided leather bracelets with a small stainless steel capsule containing ashes.
• Cufflinks: For men who prefer formal accessories, memorial cufflinks with a small resin or glass inlay are available from companies like Close By Me Jewelry and Cherished Emblems.
• Cross or medallion pendants: Simple, understated pendants in brushed metal or black stainless steel.

Recommended Companies for Men's Cremation Jewelry

How to Order Cremation Jewelry: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ordering cremation jewelry can feel overwhelming, especially during a period of grief. The following steps will walk you through the process.

Step 1: Decide on the Type of Jewelry

Consider the following questions:

• Do you want a piece you can wear daily, or a display piece for the home?
• Do you prefer the ashes to be hidden inside (urn pendant) or visible (resin/glass)?
• Is your budget under $500 (traditional jewelry) or above $1,000 (diamond)?

Step 2: Choose Your Company

Use the comparison table above to shortlist 2 to 3 companies that match your budget and preferred style. Check online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau.

Step 3: Select Your Piece

Browse the company's catalog and select a piece. Pay attention to:

• Material: Stainless steel, sterling silver, 14k gold, glass, or diamond
• Closure type: Screw-top, permanently sealed, or resin-infused
• Engraving options: Many companies offer custom engraving for names, dates, or short messages

Step 4: Prepare the Ashes

Most companies will send you a "filling kit" with a small funnel, scoop, and adhesive. For ashes-to-diamonds companies, you will ship approximately 1 cup of ashes in a provided secure container.

• Urn pendants: Require approximately 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ash
• Resin/glass pieces: Require approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
• Ashes-to-diamonds: Require approximately 1 cup (200g) or a small lock of hair

Step 5: Send the Ashes (If Required)

For custom pieces (resin, glass, or diamonds), you will ship the ashes to the company. Use a tracked, insured shipping method. Most companies provide pre-paid shipping labels.

Step 6: Wait for Delivery

• Stock urn pendants: 1-3 days
• Custom engraved pendants: 1-3 weeks
• Resin or glass pieces: 4-6 weeks
• Ashes-to-diamonds: 3-12 months

Step 7: Fill and Seal (For Urn Pendants)

If you ordered a traditional urn pendant, you will fill it yourself using the kit provided. Use a tiny dab of jewelry-grade adhesive on the screw before the final turn to prevent accidental opening.

Understanding the Different Types of Memorial Jewelry

Before making a purchase, it helps with understand the mechanical differences between these products. Not all "cremation jewelry" works the same way.

• Urn Pendants: These have a hollow chamber and a small screw. You fill them yourself using a kit.
• Ashes-to-Diamonds: A scientific process that uses carbon from the remains to grow a gemstone.
• Resin-Infused: Ashes are solidified into a resin "stone" that is set into the jewelry.
• Glass-Blown: Ashes are incorporated into molten glass at extremely high temperatures.

For a deeper look into the mechanics of these pieces, see our article on How Cremation Jewelry Works or browse the various Types of Cremation Jewelry available today.

Best Practices for Choosing and Caring for Your Jewelry

Material Choice: Durability Matters

For a piece intended to be worn every day, the material is the most important factor.

• Stainless Steel: The best budget-friendly option. It does not tarnish, is hypoallergenic, and is extremely hard.
• 14k Solid Gold: The gold standard for longevity. Unlike gold-plated jewelry, solid gold will not wear away or change color over decades of use.
• Avoid: Silver-plated or brass items. These can react with skin oils and turn green or black, which is devastating for a sentimental item.

Gemstone Hardness

If you are selecting a memorial ring, pay attention to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. A ring takes a lot of impact throughout the day.

• Diamonds: 10 (Best)
• Sapphires/Rubies: 9 (Excellent)
• Glass/Resin: 5-7 (Requires more care)

Securing the Seal

If you choose a traditional screw-top pendant, the seal is the most common point of failure.

Emerging Trends for 2025–2026

The cremation jewelry market is shifting away from obvious symbols of death toward "Quiet Luxury."

1. Soft Geometry: We are seeing a move away from rigid hearts and crosses toward fluid, organic shapes like asymmetrical pebbles or "fluid gold" bars that look like standard fine jewelry.
2. Tech Integration: "Smart Memorials" are arriving. Some companies now offer a discreet QR code etched onto the back of a pendant. When scanned, it opens a digital tribute page with photos and videos of the deceased.
3. Mixed Metals: Blending yellow and white gold in a single piece is a major forecast for 2026, allowing the jewelry to match any outfit or other accessories.
4. Eco-Friendly Materials: Gen Z and Millennial buyers are pushing for recycled metals and bio-based resins to ensure their memorial is as sustainable as it is sentimental.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When shopping for ashes jewelry companies, it is easy to be overwhelmed by emotion and make a hasty purchase. Here are the most frequent pitfalls:

• The Resin vs. Glass Mistake: Many budget sellers use resin (essentially plastic). Over 1–3 years, resin can yellow when exposed to UV light and scratches easily. Hand-blown glass or lab-grown diamonds maintain their clarity forever.
• Overfilling the Chamber: It is tempting to try to fit as much ash as possible into a pendant. However, overfilling can strip the threads of the screw, meaning the pendant will never seal correctly. You only need a "symbolic pinch."
• Skipping the Hallmark: For gold and silver, always check for purity hallmarks (e.g., 925 for sterling silver, 14k for gold). If a company doesn't list the hallmark, you may be paying fine jewelry prices for plated base metal.
• Ignoring the FTC Funeral Rule: Some people worry about how to get the ashes into the jewelry. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, your funeral director is generally required to help you handle the remains, and many will fill your jewelry for you at no extra charge if you ask politely.

Conclusion

Choosing between the best cremation jewelry companies is a step toward healing. Whether you opt for the luxury of a Saint Diamonds lab-grown stone or the modern simplicity of an Oaktree Memorials pendant, the goal is the same: to create a lasting tribute that reflects the beauty of the life lived.

As you move forward with your arrangements, remember to check for material quality, request certifications for gemstones, and use proper adhesives to secure your precious cargo. Handling these logistics correctly ensures that your memorial remains a source of comfort for decades to come. If you are also managing the administrative side of a loss, you may find our guide on Accessing Deceased Bank Account (Practical Steps and Documents) helpful for navigating those final financial hurdles.

Bottom line: A well-chosen piece of cremation jewelry doesn't just hold ashes; it holds memories. By selecting high-quality materials like 14k gold or stainless steel, you ensure those memories stay protected.