Turning human ashes into jewellery

A funeral firm based in Maidenhead is giving bereaved families the chance to put the cremated ashes of their loved ones into jewellery.

The novel invention, which divides opinion between the squeamish - who see it as macabre and those who find the jewellery comforting -can be used in anything from picture frames to cuff links.

Locks of hair can also be displayed inside jewellery to help remember those who have passed away.

The patented products, which are being sold by Passages from its UK headquarters in Maidenhead, sets a small sample of ashes or a lock of hair in a clear, hard polymer, which can then form the centrepiece of pendants and brooches.

Inventor Nick Cranham, who admitted that some find it bizarre, came up with the idea after chatting with a group of friends.

See this week's Advertiser for the full story.