A silver keepsake: The craft of making an ash pendant
Sommige sieraden zijn meer dan alleen een mooi accessoire; ze dragen een verhaal, een herinnering, een stukje van iemand die we koesteren. In dit blog neem ik je mee in het bijzondere proces van het maken van een zilveren ashanger – een uniek en persoonlijk sieraad dat troost biedt en een blijvende verbinding symboliseert.
How the making of an ash pendant begins
On the workbench the tools are ready: saws, pliers, a caliper and a silver plate that will soon be transformed into a precious pendant. With precision and patience, I cut out the hand-drawn design, carefully filed, sanded and refined it. Every detail counts; after all, it is a piece of jewelry with deep meaning.
The form and symbolism
Different shapes can be chosen for the pendant: a heart, a flower, a drop or a more abstract design. I often incorporate a personal engraving or a small window into the pendant in which a symbolic bit of ash is kept. This process requires not only craftsmanship, but also empathy and attention to the wishes of the person for whom the jewelry is intended.
Shaping and finishing
With small files and sandpaper, I perfect the shape, then polish the silver until it shines. In this case, the pendant is a box in which the ashes of the deceased are visibly enclosed. Through the cut-out bird you can see the ashes clearly. In other cases, I make a small cavity to keep the ashes safe, sealed with a subtle and secure system. Often, too, I incorporate a bit of ashes at the bottom of the setting of a beautiful gemstone, completely hidden from view. It is a delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality.
An ornament full of meaning
When the ash pendant is finished, it is not just a piece of jewelry - it is a tangible memory, a piece of love to carry with you. Each piece I create tells its own story, carrying with it the emotion of the client and the craftsmanship of the maker.
Making a silver ash pendant is a tribute to a loved one and a way to keep them close. It is a small but powerful symbol of love and remembrance, handmade and worn with the heart.
