The main difference between our memorial pieces comes down to one thing: when the ashes are added. Ash-infused and filled jewelry handle that step at opposite ends of the process. Our fillable keepsakes ship the next day, and you add the ashes at home. Our glass pieces go to the artist first, because the ashes are incorporated into the design before the piece is created. Below, we break down what each option involves.
What Fillable Memorial Jewelry Means
Fillable jewelry arrives empty. You add a small portion of ashes yourself, at home, on your own time and at your own pace.
Every fillable piece ships the next day and arrives ready to wear. Each one also comes with a fill kit and instructions, so you understand how the piece comes together before you begin.
Silver Fillable Pendants
Our silver fillable pendants are small keepsake pendants with an element that unscrews. Depending on the design, that works one of two ways:
- The loop at the top unscrews.
- A small compartment on the back opens instead.
Ashes are added through that opening, and the pendant is then closed again.
The Hearthwood Urn Collection
Our Hearthwood Urn Collection is a set of hand-turned wood pendants made from many different types of wood, from oak to ebony. When you view a design, the listing tells you which wood was used.
Each pendant is built around a stainless steel tube wrapped in a decorative wood laminate. These are handmade by an artist, made one at a time rather than mass-produced.
Key Takeaway: Natural wood grain varies from piece to piece, so each Hearthwood pendant looks slightly different from the next. That variation is part of the design.
How Ash-Infused Glass is Made
Our glass work follows the opposite sequence. The artist needs the ashes before the piece exists.
Infused During the Creation Process
Our glass jewelry and glass memorials all have the ashes permanently infused into the glass during the creation process. The ashes become part of the material itself.
Anything with a Glass Element
Infusion is not limited to pendants. Every glass memorial we offer follows the same process, including:
- Glass jewelry
- Paperweights
- Suncatchers
If a piece has a glass element in it, the ashes are infused rather than added by hand later.
Pro Tip: Confirm which category a piece falls into before you order. That single detail determines whether the ashes stay with you or ship to our studio first.
Need help choosing the right memorial for your family? Contact Sands of Time for a free consultation.
Choosing Between Ash-Infused and Filled Jewelry
Both options are legitimate ways to keep someone close. The right one depends on how involved you want to be.
When Families Prefer a Fillable Piece
Some people prefer something more hands-on, whether that is a Hearthwood pendant or a fillable keepsake pendant. Filling the piece yourself at home is part of why they choose it.
Ordering Timelines for Ash-Infused and Filled Jewelry
Fillable memorial jewelry ships the next day, and you fill it at home whenever you are ready. Ash-infused glass requires the ashes to reach the artist first, since they are incorporated into the design before the piece is shipped.
Key Takeaway: Fillable pieces are the faster option. Infused glass is the permanent, artist-made option.
Ready to Order?
We are glad to walk you through our fillable pendants, our Hearthwood collection, and our infused glass memorials so nothing about the process is unclear.
Reach out for a quote or call our team today, and we will help you choose between ash-infused and filled jewelry.

