The Designers Making Pet Memorials Jewelry Chic and Sentimental
Anyone who is lucky enough to have pets knows the unmistakable bond that is formed between human and animal. Our two- and four-legged companions embrace many roles in our lives, from family member to protector to confidante (they are great secret keepers). Celebrating their irreplaceable place in our hearts only makes sense, and the ultimate way to do so is with pet memorial jewelry.
Whether it’s a self-purchase or a thoughtful token to bestow upon the pet lover in your life, these special trinkets are sure to make an impression. From vintage-inspired gems to bespoke pieces punctuated with natural diamonds, pay homage to your pet or the pet lovers in your life with one of these diamond jewelry pieces, many of which are rooted in antique influence and destined to be sentimental heirlooms.
Ahead, meet the 5 designers making diamond pet memorial jewelry that’s adorable, deeply personal, and destined to become your most treasured keepsake.
Meet the Expert: Paula Lee
- Paula Lee is a fashion editor, writer, and brand consultant based in New York City.
- She is a contributor to publications like Oprah Daily and Glamour with 12 years of experience in editorial.
- Paula works with independent brands and emerging designers on brand strategy, storytelling, copywriting, and social media content.
What Is Pet Memorial Jewelry?
Pet memorial jewelry is a meaningful way to honor the life of a beloved animal companion. Whether crafted as a custom charm, a diamond-studded pendant, or a hand-painted locket, these pieces are designed to keep the memory of your pet close to your heart—literally. Some designs incorporate your pet’s likeness, name, or even a photo, while others feature symbolic elements like paw prints or birthstones. For many pet parents, pet memorial jewelry serves as a wearable tribute to an irreplaceable bond.
Pet Memorial Jewelry: Cameos
In the 19th century, mourning jewelry became de rigueur after Queen Victoria accessorized her all-black ensembles with rich jewels to commemorate her dearly departed Prince Albert. In addition to jet and onyx, romantic symbols (hearts and moons were prevalent), and locks of hair preserved in pendants or brooches, tributes to the deceased came in the form of bejeweled mini-portraits.
Now, of course, you can wear gorgeous jewelry honoring your furry friend, whether they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge into animal heaven or not. Francesca Villa’s ‘Being Furry’ collection applies this mini portrait to our beloved pets. From rings to pendant necklaces and lockets, there’s a piece for every style in this adorable pet memorial jewelry collection.
First, send in a photo of your pet to Francesca Villa, select your preferred design and gemstones (we suggest natural diamonds!), and let the designer work some magic! Each 3D pet portrait is hand-carved in crystal and hand-painted to match the likeness of your furry best friend. The pieces are all bespoke and tailored to how you want to see your pet. “Together we create the perfect jewel to celebrate your precious pet,” says designer Francesca Villa.
Pet Memorial Jewelry: Pendants
Another way to keep your pet close to your heart is through a meaningful pendant. Turn to Monica Rich Kosann’s signature designs to tell your own personal story. A diamond-studded paw print medallion makes a wonderful addition to any charm necklace or bracelet. The designer herself has the piece on her own bracelet: “I have the names of all our dogs from over the years engraved on the back,” Kosann says. “The diamonds just express how precious our furry friends are to us.”
Go the classic route and fill a gold and diamond locket with favorite photos—if you have multiple pets, opt for one that holds two or more images to give each equal play time. “I have helped my customers put cats, horses, and, believe it or not, a pig once,” Kosann shares of her lockets. “Animals are a part of everyone’s family.”
Pet Memorial Jewelry: Charms
For a fresh twist on a jewelry box mainstay, London-based Loquet specializes in sweet petite charms encased in diamond and gemstone-trimmed holders. Choose from a host of symbols to build your own personal combination that tells your pet love story, or send the brand a picture of your pet for a custom pet memorial jewelry charm.
“Diamonds are tremendously incorporated throughout my designs; whether it’s a single stone on one of our charms or a diamond-encrusted locket, they make our pieces feel that much more special,” explains Sheherazade Goldsmith, founder of Loquet, who keeps a gold and diamond charm of her dog Shady. “I have yet to meet a woman who doesn’t melt, just a little, over diamonds.”
Want a truly spectacular piece of pet memorial jewelry that is as one-of-a-kind as your pet? Have their likeness recreated as a regal portrait that doubles as wearable art.
London-based Cece Fein Hughes of Cece Jewellery is an art historian-turned-jeweler with a talent for ethereal, tattoo-inspired paintings. Allow her to reimagine your favorite animal as a fairy tale character before the sketch is brought to life as a hand-engraved and enameled pendant or signet ring accented with star-set diamonds.
Ask any jewelry aficionado who is also a pet parent what’s on their wish list, and chances are Irene Neuwirth’s colorful (and covetable) pet portrait pendants hold a top spot.
“Those who know me know how much I love animals, especially my dogs and horses,” shares Neuwirth. “I met an artist and commissioned them to create a treasure with an image of Teddy, my beloved labradoodle.” Set against vibrant opal, lustrous mother of pearl or abalone, the intricate designs get the designer’s trademark playful spin with rainbow-hued gemstones crowning the imaginative illustrations.
“I love whimsical jewelry and the idea of mixing unpredictable things together, so framing these carved crystal paintings with diamonds seemed like a wonderful idea!” she enthuses. “People love their pets—why not capture them on a piece of jewelry that will last forever?” Our dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, et al. may not be able to speak, but we’d bet they’d be tickled to know they are immortalized in pet memorial jewelry with sparkling diamonds.
