A Complete Guide To Sending Cremation Ashes

The process is safe, easy and respectful; we provide clear instructions to prevent errors. Please be reassured that we have made literally thousands of pieces with human and pet cremation ashes. Please don’t send it all and don’t overfill the pot.

Memorial Jewellery Process

Whether you order a single tiny round ashes necklace or a complete family order, we only need half a pot full at most. If we need more, we’ll let you know. Please order your ashes jewellery and we’ll post the collection kit within about a week.

Sending Cremation Ashes – Reassurance

Your loved ones’ cremains reaching us safely is very important. If you’re near Bath, UK please get in touch to drop off your kit in person (by appointment only). All kits must be sent by Tracked24Unsigned for UK clients, or by a tracked but unsigned service if you’re outside the UK. You MUST give us the tracking number so we can watch out for the kit and guarantee someone will be at the work to receive it! We’ll add the tracking number to our Royal Mail app and get a notification when the postie comes. You can track it here https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item#/tracking-results/0217FFA902D46970 – just replace that number at the end with your own tracking number!

Unfortunately, we aren’t able to take any responsibility for the post, please see our Delivery Terms and Conditions for more information, so please bring your kit in person if you can’t bear it being lost. ALWAYS remember to put your own name and address on the back so if there are any issues with delivery it can be returned to you. Remember, don’t send it all in case it is lost, so you have more to post to us if need be! In 11 years and over 2000 lots of cremation ashes being sent back and forth, Royal Mail have only lost one. The client had unfortunately forgotten to put their own address on the back so it was never retuned to them.

Cremation Ashes Quantity

sending adult and pet ashes

• We promise to return any amount that is unused
• Quarter of a teaspoon/a large pinch in the little pot we send is plenty for most pieces (half a teaspoon for a family order and we can always request more if necessary)
• Please do not fill the pot or it can spill when we open it
• Ashes from two or more people and pets can be combined in a pot (if you prefer to send them separately please let us know their names so we can send a separate pot for each)
• If you’re a bit nervous – you can always ask a friend for help or light a candle to honour the moment
• Tip: Sit in the middle of a made bed so you can pick up any specks of ash that fall

  

Please do not order if you are unable to access your loved one’s ashes due to family wishes or have sealed containers/urns. We are unable to cancel an order because an urn is sealed shut so please check first. A crematorium or funeral home may be able to help you unseal an urn and take out the ashes needed . You can order directly through most funeral homes, vets and crematoriums, they can contact us and we will send them example pieces to show you and you will get free shipping. We offer them commission at no extra cost to yourself.

baby ashes
If you are sending in your baby’s ashes we require even less, just a tiny pinch per piece, at most a quarter of a teaspoon. See our baby memorial jewellery page here for more info and a gallery.

Don’t send it all in case it’s lost in the post or we need you to send more!

Posting ashes is the scariest part of the process for most clients. Please know that we take it very seriously and are on hand to help. You can even call us if you want a friendly voice when you’re doing the transfer.

• The Golden Rule: “Never send everything you have.” Always keep some ashes back in case of the rare event of postal loss.

Posting Instructions (The Logistics)

Please Do NOT use “Signed For” (it goes back to the depot which delays things)

International Clients:

• • Label as “Jewellery Making Materials” or “Beads” to avoid customs holding it.

  • Value: Mark value as $1 / 1€. This is crucial—high values get returned or taxed!

  • Do not use expensive couriers (FedEx/DHL) as they often deliver outside hours; stick to standard national post (USPS, etc.).

    

 

Why Trust Tree of Opals?

After Nikki’s baby passed away, she asked if it was possible to keep some cremation ashes for jewellery but the hospital said no, the baby had been too tiny. Nikki started to work with ashes after her rainbow baby, Hannah, was born, because she knew how much memorial jewellery would have meant to her. We aren’t just a shop; we are experts who teach online and in person over on Keepsaker Supplies (Nikki’s wholesale business).

Cremains are treated with the utmost dignity in our workshop then set into Solid Silver, Gold Filled, and Ceramic, as well as luxury Hallmarked Solid Gold. We promise to return any unused ashes with the finished piece.

Order Cremation Ashes Jewellery When You’re Ready

Many shops will have articles saying “order today…” but we prefer clients to wait. When you’re in the early stages of grieving, it can get very confusing with so many options, especially if you’re involved with planning a funeral and meeting with solicitors. You can ask the crematorium to order on your behalf and this won’t cost you any extra, the shipping will be free and handled for you. Or you can order directly from us online or come for an appointment at our workshop in Bath.

UK & International Prohibited from Parcelforce Worldwide services – Allowed in the mail, see  restrictions and packaging guidelines below: 

• • Volume per item must not exceed 50g. 

  • Ashes must be placed in a sift-proof container and securely closed. Items must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned to prevent any damage. 

  • The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.
    Royal Mail – Human or Animal Ashes 2026

You will just need to keep checking your order here to see if we have received it. Normally, parcels sent this way arrive with us in a day or so but please be patient as we work from home and Nikki sometimes travels to offer training in memorial jewellery making.

You can still use the box we send your kit in, the Post Office will just affix a Tracked 24 No Signature sticker to the front the box. No need for you to put half a role of Sellotape on the box – one piece over the flap is fine! After you post your kit back to us, let us know the 16 digit tracking number by sending a photo of your recipt.

Ashes Beach Scene Tutorial Video

Learn to make a direct pour and cabochon stone beach scene with cremation ashes with this tutorial with UV resin