Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal journey, and finding meaningful ways to keep their memory alive can bring comfort during difficult times.
One unique and touching way to do this is through pressed flower jewelry. Sometimes called dried flower jewelry, these handcrafted pieces preserve flowers from funeral services, turning them into personal, wearable keepsakes that can be cherished for years to come.
What is Dried Flower Jewelry?
Dried flower jewelry is a type of handcrafted accessory that encases real, dried flowers within resin or glass. The flowers are carefully selected, pressed flat to preserve their shape and color, and then arranged into jewelry pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings. Each piece tells a quiet story, offering a way to carry the beauty and sentiment of fresh blooms long after the service is over.
How Flowers From Funeral Services Can Be Preserved in This Form
Flowers often play a significant role in funeral and memorial services, symbolizing love, remembrance, and hope. Rather than letting these blooms wither away, many families choose to preserve a few petals or entire flowers as a tangible reminder of the day. These preserved flowers can be transformed into dried flower jewelry, allowing you to hold a piece of that moment close, wherever you go. Roses, lilies, and forget-me-nots are popular choices due to their symbolic meanings and visual appeal.
Common Types of Jewelry Used
The most common types of dried flower jewelry include pendants, lockets, charm bracelets, and drop earrings. Rings and cufflinks can also be made, often with a small, carefully selected flower or petal encased in resin. Some families opt for matching pieces, such as a pendant for one person and a keychain for another, so multiple loved ones can share the same memory in a unique form.
How is Dried Flower Jewelry Made From Funeral Flowers?
Creating dried flower jewelry involves a step-by-step process that requires both technical skill and emotional care. First, the flowers are gently pressed and dried. This process typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the flower type and moisture level. Once dried, the flattened flowers are arranged artistically to fit within the jewelry mold. Each design is tailored to highlight the flower’s natural beauty while preserving its delicate structure.
Next, the flower arrangement is sealed in place using a clear resin or glass. The resin is poured in layers, curing between applications to avoid air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish. Once cured, the piece is shaped, polished, and sometimes accented with additional design elements like gold leaf or subtle color tints. Every step is performed with care, as artisans work with fragile, meaningful flowers that often carry emotional weight.
Why Choose Dried Flower Jewelry as a Funeral Keepsake?
Pressed flower jewelry stands out among other memorial keepsakes because it’s not only beautiful but also deeply symbolic. Flowers are fleeting by nature, but this process gives them lasting life. Wearing a piece made from a loved one’s funeral flowers can bring a quiet sense of connection and comfort. For many, it’s like holding a small part of their memory in their hands.
These keepsakes are also one-of-a-kind. No two flowers are the same, and no two arrangements will ever be identical. This uniqueness ensures your jewelry piece is truly personal, just like the person it honors.
Can Pressed Flower Jewelry Be Personalized?
Absolutely. Dried flower jewelry offers many options for customization. Artisans can embed initials, short names, or important dates into the design. Birth flowers, favorite blooms, or even color themes that reflect your loved one’s personality can be incorporated. Some pieces feature symbolic designs such as hearts, teardrops, or crosses, making the jewelry not only visually meaningful but emotionally resonant as well. Whether you’re looking for something spiritual, sentimental, or simple, dried flower jewelry can be designed to reflect your exact wishes.
When Should You Create Dried Flower Jewelry After a Funeral?
There’s no “right” time to create dried flower jewelry. Some families choose to have it made shortly after the funeral, ensuring the flowers are still in good condition for pressing. Others wait weeks or even months until they feel emotionally ready. Dried flower jewelry is also commonly commissioned around anniversaries, birthdays, or other days of remembrance. The process can be started at any time, as long as the flowers have been stored properly or dried in advance. Whatever timeline you choose, it’s always the right time to honor your loved one in a way that feels meaningful to you.
How Do You Care for Dried Flower Jewelry?
To preserve the beauty and meaning of dried flower jewelry, it’s important to care for it properly. Keep the jewelry away from water, perfume, and prolonged direct sunlight, as these can cause discoloration or weaken the resin. When you’re not wearing it, store the piece in a cool, dry place—ideally in a jewelry box or pouch. Clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth, avoiding abrasive materials or chemicals. With the right care, dried flower jewelry can last for decades while keeping the memory it represents fresh and vibrant.
Where Can You Get Pressed Flower Jewelry Made?
Many artisan jewelers and memorial keepsake makers specialize in creating dried flower jewelry. There are also online services that accept mailed-in funeral flowers, allowing you to start the process from anywhere in the country. These services often guide you through flower selection, design preferences, and delivery timelines. For those who find healing through hands-on projects, there are also DIY kits available. However, it’s important to remember that working with fragile, meaningful flowers requires patience and care—something skilled artisans can offer with precision and sensitivity.
Is Dried Flower Jewelry the Right Keepsake for You?
Deciding on a memorial keepsake is a personal choice, and what brings comfort to one person might not be the same for another. Dried flower jewelry offers a heartfelt way to keep a loved one close, combining beauty with deep emotional significance. Whether it’s your first memorial keepsake or one of many ways you’ve chosen to remember, it can serve as a daily reminder of love, loss, and the moments that mattered most. Every grief journey is unique, and every way of remembering is valid and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions to consider:
1. Can I use artificial flowers instead of real ones?
Dried flower jewelry is traditionally made using real flowers to preserve a natural connection to the person or event. While artificial flowers can’t be pressed, some artisans offer alternative designs using faux materials upon request.
2. What if the flowers are already dried—can they still be used?
Yes, previously dried flowers can often be used, especially if they’ve been stored in a cool, dry place. However, the final result may vary depending on the condition of the petals.
3. How long does it take to receive the finished jewelry?
Most dried flower jewelry takes between 4 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on the artisan’s workload and the complexity of the design.
Pressed Flower Jewelry are a Meaningful Tribute
Dried flower jewelry is more than just a keepsake—it’s a lasting tribute crafted with intention, love, and respect. By preserving flowers from a funeral service, you’re capturing a piece of a significant moment and turning it into something you can carry with you. Whether you’re drawn to the artistry, the symbolism, or the personal touch, pressed flower jewelry remains one of the most touching ways to honor someone who has passed.
If you’re not sure about how to make dried flower jewelry or where to get them, speak to a professional funeral services provider today.
