Resin or Glass Memorial Jewellery: What’s the Difference?

Resin and glass can both be used to hold cremation ashes, but they look and behave differently. I use clear resin at Featherlings because it lets me position ashes, hair, fur or dried flowers by hand and control how visible they are in the finished piece.

Neither material is indestructible. The right choice depends on the finish you prefer, what you want included and how you plan to wear the jewellery.

1. Appearance and personalisation

Resin can be left clear or given a coloured background. The inclusions can remain visible or be made more discreet, depending on the design.

Glass memorial jewellery is formed using a different process, and the available colours and effects depend on the glassmaker. Ask to see examples from the person who will make your piece.

2. What can be included

For suitable Featherlings designs, I can use a small amount of cremation ash, human hair, pet fur or dried flowers. Separate settings can also hold different inclusions.

Not every material suits every design, so contact me before ordering if you want to combine inclusions or send something unusual.

3. Everyday care

Glass can chip or crack if it is struck or dropped. Resin is less brittle, but it can scratch and may be damaged by chemicals, heat or prolonged contact with water.

Whichever material you choose, remove memorial jewellery before swimming, showering, cleaning or exercising, and store it separately from other pieces.

4. Available designs and prices

Glass jewellery may involve lampwork or another specialist glass-forming process. Resin allows Featherlings to offer rings, necklaces, earrings, charms and cufflinks in a range of materials and finishes, while every inclusion is still arranged by hand.

Price also depends on the metal, design, size and maker, so compare the complete piece rather than the material alone.

Why Featherlings uses resin

Resin suits the way I work because I can place each inclusion by hand, offer clear or coloured settings and use it across a wide range of designs. That does not make glass the wrong choice; it is simply a different finish and process.

Browse ashes, hair and fur memorial jewellery, or contact me if you would like help choosing a design.