What is DNA jewellery? Traditionally DNA jewellery referred to pieces made to look like a DNA strand, such as this silver bracelet from the I Love Science Store. They don’t usually contain anyone’s actual DNA but are instead a lovely gift idea for someone who loves chemistry and biology.
DNA is a molecule composed of two chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses – Wikipedia
In recent years artists have been starting to offer what they call DNA jewellery in the form of encapsulating breastmilk, cremation ashes, locks of hair and fur, umbilical cord and placentas in resin, glass or other media. They are putting parts of their clients’ DNA into a piece that can be worn to keep their loved one close. It is a kind of keepsake jewellery containing parts of the body of the person or pet.
Memorial, Keepsake and DNA Jewellery
Breastmilk jewellery is most often referred to as DNA jewellery, but memorial DNA jewellery would be a heart ashes ring or a lock of hair charm bead. They are all kinds of keepsake jewellery (keeping a loved one close) and the terms are interchangable. Memorial jewellery (keeping a loved one close who has passed away) seems most right for us here at Tree of Opals because we focus on memorial pieces.
Here at Tree of Opals we also offer memorial jewellery that’s not DNA jewellery, such as engravable pendants and a handwriting and fingerprint engraving service that can also be used for paw prints, hand and foot prints, even pet nose prints and hoofprints. Nikki is skilled in using Photoshop to get the best result from less than ideal images so please get in touch if you have something you would like engraved.
You can find some other memorial gift ideas here and if you’re interested in what it’s like to make memorial jewellery then please read Nikki’s blog My Week Making Cremation Ashes Jewellery here.