This is a really hard subject to approach, but one that I feel I have to because if I avoid it, someone may miss out on having the most beautiful keepsake possible.
I am thankful that I have never experienced the loss of a child, I can only try to imagine how devastating it must feel. Ever since starting my keepsakes business it has played on my mind that I really wanted to be able to do something nice for parents in such a sad situation, something that would offer even the tiniest amount of comfort has got to be something worth offering.
But how does one approach the subject the subject without coming across that I want to make a profit from such a tragic situation? I do need to be paid for my work, but I certainly do not want to exploit grieving parents, it is a very awkward situation.
An item of silver hand or footprint jewellery would make the perfect keepsake. If looked after well, it will last a lifetime and unlike most keepsakes, handprint jewellery can be carried with you always.
From a personal point of view, although I would never find it easy, I would find it greatly satisfying to know that I have been able to help keep a memory alive and offer something incredibly special that can be treasured forever.
For very small babies I do generally recommend footprint or handprint jewellery rather than fingerprint jewellery. This is simply because tiny babies often do not have a defined fingerprint. Also often when a baby dies or is born sleeping, the hospital will take handprints and footprints to give to the parents as a keepsake. These can be used to create jewellery if they are available, and can be photocopies or scanned so there is no need to part with the original.
If your hospital doesn’t offer this service, I can send inkless wipes and paper so that you can take the prints yourself, or a member of staff will usually be happy to do it for you. It is a very sad time and I expect that keepsakes are the last thing on a grieving parents mind. If you are reading this and you know of a parent in this situation, a gentle suggestion that they may want to have prints taken may be something they will really appreciate in time to come. My inkless wipe kits can be purchased as a stand alone product with no obligation to have a charm made, however they do come with a voucher so that the cost of the kit can be redeemed against any item of footprint or handprint jewellery (effectively making the kit free) if you should want one. These make a comforting gift for someone who has lost a baby and a single print can be used to create as many silver jewellery items as you like. Each item is completely handmade so please feel free to contact me with special requests.
I hope I have dealt with this post sensitively, it is a difficult subject, but I hope that by posting it someone will be able to hear about the service and have a beautiful item to treasure.
i think you approached it in a very sensitive and caring way as I had struggled with this for desperate urge to want to capture and keep for the parents something that they can touch or hold to at least provide that moment of comfort and even though I still do not yet advertise this part of the service people tend to pass greiving parents on to you because of the comfort you once gave to them x
That is so very true. It is a lovely feeling when you can create something that you know will mean the world to someone and bring them some amount of comfort. I advertise this part of my business much more now, and I find that people appreciate knowing that it is available even if they do not choose to go ahead and have a piece made.