When someone we love has died, small physical things take on enormous meaning: a note in their handwriting, a birthday card, the shape of their fingerprint. A memorial keepsake lets you carry a little of that with you every day. This guide explains the options gently and practically, so you can choose something that feels right.
Handwriting jewellery
Handwriting is one of the most personal things a person leaves behind. A few words from a card, a signature or a simple "love Mum" can be engraved exactly as they were written.
Pieces that suit handwriting include the handwriting circle disc pendant, the handwriting bar necklace, the handwriting signature bracelet and, for men, the handwriting leather bracelet, handwriting cufflinks and signature tie bar.
Photographing handwriting
- Lay the paper flat and photograph from directly above, not at an angle.
- Use daylight near a window, without shadows across the writing.
- Fill the frame with the words you want, and keep the photo sharp.
- Choose a short section: a name, a sign-off or a single line usually works best on small jewellery.
Upload the photo on the product page. If you would rather send it later, leave the upload empty and email it to hello@lushkeepsake.com with your order number. For photo and handwriting orders, we will contact you if we have any question before engraving.
Fingerprint jewellery
A fingerprint is unique, and a fingerprint bracelet carries that detail in a small engraved disc. Prints can come from an ink print taken by a funeral director, from a print on paper you already have, or occasionally from a clear impression on an object.
Getting a clear fingerprint
- Many funeral directors can take an ink fingerprint if you ask; it is worth asking early.
- Photograph the print flat, in good light, as close as your phone will focus while staying sharp.
- Send the clearest print you have, even if it is not perfect, and we will contact you if we have any question.
Words to remember them by
If you would rather engrave words, keep them simple. These are lines people often choose:
- A name with years, for example "Margaret 1941 to 2026"
- "Always with me"
- "Forever in my heart"
- "Until we meet again"
- "Love you more"
- Their nickname for you, or yours for them
- Coordinates of a place you shared
A birthstone bar keychain can hold a name, dates and a short line on its four sides, with the stone for their birth month. See more in what to engrave.
Keepsakes for pets
Losing a pet is losing a member of the family. Pet memorial keepsakes can carry their portrait, their name or a paw print:
- The pet memorial necklace is engraved with your pet's photo and name.
- The pet portrait keychain and pet portrait cufflinks are engraved from your photo.
- The pet name paw print ring is a quiet everyday reminder.
For portraits, choose a sharp, well-lit photo where your pet's face is clearly visible, ideally looking towards the camera.
Jewellery or an everyday keepsake?
Not everyone wears jewellery, and that is fine. A keepsake that is carried rather than worn can be just as meaningful: a keyring on the house keys, a wallet card tucked behind bank cards, or a pair of handwriting cufflinks for special occasions. Think about how the person lives. Someone who touches their keys a dozen times a day may find more comfort in a keyring than in a necklace kept in a box.
Some families order the same piece for several relatives, so that brothers, sisters and grandchildren each carry the same handwriting. If you are doing this, add each piece to your basket separately so each keeps its own details.
Gifts for someone who is grieving
A memorial keepsake can be a kind gift for a friend who has lost someone, but it is personal. If you are unsure, a simple piece with the person's name or initial is gentle and rarely wrong. You might also consider giving it a few weeks after the funeral, when the cards have stopped arriving and the quiet sets in.
Timing
Every piece is engraved to order in our London workshop and is dispatched the same working day if ordered before 3pm, Monday to Friday (orders placed after 3pm are dispatched the next working day). Standard UK delivery is free. If you need a keepsake for a funeral or memorial service on a particular date, email us before you order and we will tell you honestly whether we can make it in time.
See all memorial jewellery and keepsakes and pet and memorial keepsakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I send handwriting or a fingerprint?
Upload a clear photo on the product page. If you would rather send it later, leave the upload empty and email it to hello@lushkeepsake.com with your order number.
What if the handwriting photo is not very clear?
Send the clearest version you have. For handwriting and fingerprint orders we will contact you if we have any question before engraving.
Can you make a keepsake in time for a funeral?
Orders placed before 3pm, Monday to Friday, are dispatched the same working day. If you have a fixed date, email us before ordering and we will tell you honestly whether we can make it in time.
