Do I Get My Materials Back? Understanding the Memorial Jewelry Creation Process

One of the most common questions we receive at Second Life Keepsakes is:

“Will I get my materials back?”

The answer is simple: Yes. With the exception of breastmilk, all unused materials are carefully returned to you with your completed order.

Your Memories Matter

I understand that the materials you send are deeply personal and often irreplaceable. Whether you’re sending cremation ashes, pet ashes, flowers from a meaningful occasion, fur, hair, fabric, sand or other sentimental inclusions, I treat every package with the utmost care and respect.

Only a very small amount of material is needed to create your custom keepsake. Any unused portion is carefully packaged and returned to you when your finished jewelry is shipped.

Why Breastmilk Is Different

Breastmilk is the one exception to our return policy.

During the preservation process, breastmilk undergoes specialized treatment to stabilize and prepare it for use in jewelry. Once this process begins, the milk cannot be returned in its original form.

Because of this, any remaining preserved breastmilk is not sent back with your order.

However, your breastmilk powder stays on file, should you want to create another keepsake in the future.

How Much Material Should I Send?

Many customers worry about sending too much or too little. The good news is that only a small amount is typically needed to create your piece.

Detailed instructions are provided with every order so you know exactly how much material to send. If you accidentally send more than required, don’t worry—unused materials (except breastmilk) will be returned to you.

Peace of Mind Throughout the Process

We know that trusting someone with such meaningful materials can feel overwhelming. That’s why every order is handled individually, never in batches and every effort is made to ensure your memories remain safe throughout the creation process.

Whether you’re preserving the ashes of a loved one, commemorating a beloved pet, or celebrating a breastfeeding journey, our goal is to create a keepsake that allows you to carry those memories with you every day.

Questions About Sending Materials?

If you’re unsure about how much material to send or have questions about the process, we’re always happy to help. Contact us before placing your order and we’ll guide you through every step.

At Second Life Keepsakes, we believe every memory deserves to be honored with care, compassion and respect.

-Brittany xoxo