There are things you hold onto after you lose someone. A voicemail you can't delete. A jacket that still smells like them. A birthday card in their handwriting tucked in a drawer.
A fingerprint is something different. It's something that existed only on that one person — something entirely, irreplaceably theirs. And it's something you can wear.
Fingerprint memorial jewelry has become one of the most meaningful ways people choose to grieve, remember, and carry someone with them after loss. This guide is for anyone considering it — for themselves, or as a gift for someone they love.
Why a Fingerprint?
A name can be shared. A date can be a coincidence. But a fingerprint belongs to one person alone. No two are alike — not even between identical twins.
When you wear a piece of jewelry engraved with someone's actual fingerprint, you're wearing something that is completely and entirely theirs. That level of specificity is rare in any keepsake. It's what makes fingerprint jewelry feel so different from anything else.
Can I Get a Fingerprint After Someone Has Passed?
Yes — and you're not alone in asking this. Many families reach out to us specifically after a loss, not before.
There are a few ways to get a fingerprint after someone has passed:
- Ask the funeral home — many funeral directors routinely capture fingerprints during the preparation process. If you ask specifically, they can provide an ink impression on paper that you can photograph and send to us.
- Check existing documents — some older passports, military records, or identification documents contain fingerprints that can be photographed and used.
- Ink impressions taken at home — if your loved one is in hospice or you have time before they pass, a simple ink pad and white paper is all you need.
If you're unsure whether what you have will work, please don't hesitate to reach out before placing an order. We'll tell you honestly what we can create from it.
Have questions about your order or need help getting started? Contact us using the live chat bubble in the bottom right — we typically respond immediately.
What Pieces Work Best for a Memorial?
The most popular choices for memorial fingerprint jewelry are:
- A pendant necklace — worn close to the heart, visible when you want it to be, hidden when you don't.
- A bracelet — tactile and present, something you touch throughout the day.
- A charm — can be added to an existing chain or bracelet alongside other meaningful pieces.
All Dreamy Gold pieces are made in 18k Gold PVD stainless steel or silver — built to be worn every day, for years.
What Can I Add to Make It More Personal?
Many families choose to engrave the back of the piece with a name, a date, or a short phrase. Some common choices:
- Their name and birth and passing dates
- A phrase they used to say
- Simply "Always" or "Forever"
- Their initials alongside yours
It turns an already personal piece into something even more specific — a story only you fully understand.
Ordering Multiple Pieces for a Family
It's very common for families to order the same fingerprint engraved across multiple pieces — one for each sibling, or a matching necklace and bracelet for a couple who both want to carry the same person with them.
We retain the digital fingerprint file after production, which means re-orders are straightforward. You don't need to re-submit the print — just reach out and we'll take care of it.
When Is the Right Time to Order?
There's no right answer to this. Some people order within days of a loss, needing something tangible to hold onto. Others wait months or even years, coming back to the idea when they're ready.
Grief doesn't follow a schedule. Neither does this kind of jewelry. Whenever you're ready, we're here.