At The Bench Jewellery, we believe that jewellery should tell a story—and some of the most meaningful pieces we’re privileged to create are memorial pendants. These small, handcrafted keepsakes hold powerful emotional weight. Whether it’s a fingerprint pendant necklace worn close to your heart or a charm engraved with a beloved pet’s paw print, a memorial pendant offers more than beauty—it offers connection.
For those navigating the loss of a loved one or looking to preserve a memory in metal, memorial jewellery becomes a source of comfort. And as a custom jewellery studio with goldsmiths serving Kamloops, Kelowna, and Chilliwack, we’re honoured to help our clients carry their stories forward in gold, silver, or platinum.
What Is a Memorial Pendant?
A memorial pendant is a piece of jewellery made to honour and remember someone who has passed away. It might be worn daily as a subtle reminder of someone close, or it may be kept as a private memento, cherished for its emotional significance. While memorial pendants are often worn as necklaces, they can also take other meaningful forms—bracelets, keychains, rings, cufflinks, or even lockets—each designed to suit the wearer’s lifestyle and personal connection. What makes each memorial pendant special is the way it’s customized for the individual—crafted from scratch, shaped with intention, and designed to carry the imprint of memory.
These pendants often incorporate:
- Names or initials
- Special dates
- Short inscriptions or messages
- Fingerprint or paw print engravings
- Symbols that carry personal meaning (hearts, feathers, birthstones, etc.)
Each piece is designed and finished by hand at our bench, ensuring the result is as unique as the person it honours.
Fingerprint Pendants: A Personal Touch
Among the most requested memorial styles we craft is the fingerprint pendant. These pieces feature an engraving of a loved one’s fingerprint, either as a full print or a partial section, carefully transferred to the surface of the metal.
Why do so many people choose fingerprint jewellery? Because fingerprints are completely individual—just like the person they represent. A fingerprint pendant necklace becomes a literal touchstone, preserving the unique pattern of someone’s presence even after they’re gone.
We work with families to capture high-quality impressions (from ink, scans, or digital files), and we engrave those prints onto solid precious metals for a lasting finish. Whether you prefer something minimalist and subtle or ornate and layered, the design is fully customizable.
Honouring Our Furry Family: Paw Print Memorials
Pets are family too, and their loss leaves a very real and lasting mark. That’s why we also offer paw print engraving for pet memorial pendants. These can be crafted from a digital scan or a printed impression, and incorporated into necklaces, lockets, or charm-style pendants.
Some clients choose to pair the paw print with a name or short inscription. Others keep it simple, letting the texture of the print say everything. Either way, it’s a beautiful way to keep a companion animal’s memory alive.
Why Choose a Custom Memorial Pendant?
There’s no shortage of mass-produced memorial jewellery online—but what sets a handcrafted piece apart is the level of care and individuality in the design. At The Bench Jewellery, we start every custom piece with a conversation. We want to hear about the person (or pet) you’re honouring, and help you design a pendant that reflects their spirit.
Here’s what makes a custom memorial pendant different:
- Tailored design: Shape, metal, engraving, stone settings, and chain length are all customized to your preferences.
- Bench-made quality: Our goldsmiths work at the bench—not in a factory. Every detail is crafted by hand.
- Durability: Memorial pendants are often worn every day. We build them to last.
- Emotional meaning: Your story is built into the piece—making it truly one of a kind.
We offer guidance through every step of the process, from selecting materials to capturing prints, choosing font styles, and final polishing. It’s not just jewellery—it’s a memorial built to carry love forward.
A Thoughtful Gift of Remembrance
Memorial jewellery isn’t always commissioned by the person who will wear it. We often create fingerprint pendant necklaces as gifts for someone grieving, or as group pieces for family members after a loss. For example, siblings may each wear a pendant featuring a parent’s fingerprint. A group of friends might share paw print charms to honour a pet that was part of their lives.
If you’re considering a memorial pendant as a gift, we can help you navigate the process and present something meaningful and appropriate.
Creating with Care, Across BC
From our custom benches in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Chilliwack, we serve clients across British Columbia with a focus on craftsmanship and compassion. Every piece of memorial jewellery we create is treated with respect and care, because we understand that we’re not just making jewellery—we’re preserving memories.
If you’d like to start the process of designing a memorial pendant, whether it includes a fingerprint, paw print, or personal engraving, we’re here to help. Visit us in-store or get in touch to book a custom consultation. We’re honoured to help you carry someone’s memory with you, beautifully.