If you have recently lost a beloved pet, you may be thinking about pet cremation jewelry to keep them close. A very common question we hear is: can you put dog ashes in a necklace? Yes, you can. A pet ashes necklace has a small, threaded chamber designed to hold a tiny pinch of ashes or a few strands of fur.
If you are worried the process will be messy or difficult, you are not alone, and it does not have to be. Learning how to put ashes in a necklace takes only a few quiet minutes, and with a few simple precautions it is clean and respectful. Here is your complete step-by-step guide.
Still choosing a piece? Our guide to pet ashes jewelry compares the different types, and urn necklace vs solid engraved necklace helps you decide whether you want one that opens.
Quick Answer: How to Put Ashes in a Necklace
- Open the pendant by unscrewing the top cap.
- Use the funnel so the ashes go straight into the chamber.
- Add only a small pinch, about a quarter teaspoon. Use the filling pin to guide any ashes that stick.
- Wipe the threads clean, then screw the cap on firmly.
- Prefer fur? The process is the same, using a small, tightly folded lock of fur.
In This Guide
What You Will Need
You do not need special tools. When you order from The Pet Keepsake, your necklace arrives ready to be filled. You only need:
Your Custom Pet Urn Necklace
The pendant has a threaded screw-top closure, so the cap turns smoothly and holds securely once tightened.
The Mini Funnel and Filling Pin
Every order includes a small funnel and a pin to make transferring the ashes easy and precise.
A Small Amount of Ashes or Fur
You only need a very small pinch, about a quarter teaspoon. The rest can stay in your main urn or be used in another way. See what to do with dog ashes for ideas.
Step-by-Step: How to Put Ashes in a Necklace
Find a clean, quiet space where you feel comfortable, and take your time. For many people this is a meaningful moment to remember their pet.
Open the Pendant
Hold the pendant firmly and gently unscrew the top cap. The threaded closure keeps it from popping open by accident, but it turns easily when you want it to.
Insert the Mini Funnel
Place the small end of the funnel into the opening of the pendant. This guides the ashes into the chamber without spilling.
Transfer a Pinch of Ashes
Slowly pour a tiny pinch of ashes through the funnel. You do not need to fill the chamber completely. If the ashes stick, use the filling pin to gently guide them in.
Secure the Closure
Remove the funnel and wipe any dust from the threads, because stray ashes can stop the cap from seating properly. Screw the cap back on firmly until it is snug.
Wear Their Memory
Your necklace is ready to wear, with their face engraved on the outside and a little of them kept safe inside. For styling and everyday care, read our guide to how to wear a pet ashes pendant.
Tips for a Clean, Calm Experience
- Work over a tray or soft cloth. If anything spills, you can easily gather it.
- Make sure your hands and the pendant are dry. Moisture makes ashes clump and stick.
- Go slowly. A small, steady pour works better than tapping the container.
- Keep a little extra nearby in a small container, in case you want to top it up.
- Ask for help. It is completely fine to have a friend or family member with you, or to ask them to do it.
- Check the closure afterward. Hold the pendant up and gently turn the cap to confirm it is snug.
If you feel overwhelmed at any point, stop and come back to it later. There is no deadline, and many people fill their pendant weeks or months after the loss. Our guide to the 7 stages of grief after pet loss may help you feel less alone.
Can I Put Fur in the Necklace Instead?
Yes. If you prefer not to handle ashes, or your pet was not cremated, you can place a small lock of fur inside the chamber. The process is the same: fold the fur tightly and use the filling pin to gently push it into the pendant before you screw the cap closed.
Fur works just as well as ashes, and the chamber is filled the same way.
Custom Pet Portrait Urn Necklace
Our handcrafted urn necklace opens to hold a pinch of ashes or fur. It features a 99% accurate portrait engraving on the front and comes with a free funnel and filling kit.
After Filling: Keeping It Secure
Check the cap now and then, especially in the first few weeks, and tighten it gently if needed. Our guide to hidden screws and reinforced rings explains what a secure design looks like. Because the chamber is small, it is best to keep the pendant away from water, soaps and heavy impact. If you plan to travel with a separate container of ashes, read our guide to flying with pet ashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the ashes fall out?
The pendant has a threaded screw-top closure. As long as it is screwed on firmly, it should not open on its own during normal daily wear. We suggest checking it from time to time.
How much ashes do I need?
Only a very small pinch, roughly a quarter of a teaspoon. The chamber is intentionally small, which keeps the pendant light and comfortable.
Can I shower with the necklace?
We recommend taking it off before showering, swimming or using cleaning products. Our necklaces are made from 316 titanium steel, which resists rust and tarnish, but water and soap can wear on any jewelry, and you want to keep moisture out of the chamber.
What if I do not want to handle ashes?
You can leave the chamber empty, place a small lock of fur inside, or choose a piece that does not open. Our solid square portrait necklace carries their portrait without holding anything inside.
Does the necklace come with the funnel?
Yes. Every order of our urn necklace or bracelet includes a complimentary mini funnel and filling pin.
What if the ashes are coarse or will not go in?
Use the filling pin to guide them gently, and add them a little at a time. If you are unsure, email us at info@thepetkeepsake.com and we will help.
Looking for more guidance? Read our complete guide to pet ashes jewelry or learn what to do with dog ashes.
Keep Them Close Forever
The Pet Keepsake handcrafts premium pet cremation jewelry and custom portrait memorial keepsakes. We believe that love never fades, and our 99% accurate laser engravings ensure your beloved companion’s face is forever close to your heart.
More from The Pet Keepsake
Memorial JewelryHow to Wear a Pet Ashes PendantStyling, care and everyday tips.
Cremation GuidesWhat to Do with Dog Ashes?10 beautiful ways to honor your pet after cremation.
Memorial JewelryHidden Screws and Reinforced RingsThe security of modern cremation jewelry.
Cremation GuidesCan You Fly with Pet Ashes?TSA rules, airline policies and tips.
Grief Support7 Stages of Grief After Pet LossUnderstanding the healing process after losing a pet.