FAQs

What are 'inclusions'?
Inclusions refers to any items that are set into the silver or resin, this can include ashes, pet fur, human hair etc.  

What are 'prints'?
When refering to prints, I could mean fingerprints, handprints, footprints or pawprints, either in moulds or on paper or digitally scanned. For the purpose of making jewellery, handwriting and drawings may also be refered to as prints sinse they are handled in much the same way. 

How much ashes or hair/fur do you need for jewellery?
I generally ask customers to send around a teaspoon worth of ashes, this is more than enough for several items of jewellery.  Having more ashes than I asctually need allows me to pick out the very best pieces to fit your chosen setting. 

For hair it will depend on the setting, small settings only require a few short snips of hair, items such as band rings require a length of hair around 10cm.

What happens to any unused ashes or hair?
Any unused ashes or hair will be returned to you with your finished order unless you have specifically asked me to store them for you. If you think you may want more orders in the future I am more than happy to store small amounts of ashes or hair. 

How can I be shure my prints/ashes/hair etc won't get muddled up with someone elses?
I run a very strict filing system that ensures all prints and ashes etc are well labeled with both the order number and the customer name. As soon as your ashes/prints are received they are paired with the paperwork for your order and filed ready for the order to be made. 

I only ever work with one set of inclusions at a time, my workstation is cleared and wiped down in between every order to prevent any cross contamination. 
 

Is the keepsake jewellery real silver?
Yes, all handmade jewellery is made from Sterling Silver.   I do also now offer a small range of ashes items and machine engraved items that are made from stainless steel, this will be stated on the product page.

I have my own prints, can you work with them?
I am able to work with prints in silicon moulds and on paper. If you have prints on paper these can be emailed to me, moulded prints will need to be posted to my studio.

Please keep in mind that if your print does not have clear visable lines, it will probably not be suitable for jewellery.   Most hand, foot and pawprints are fine, however some fingerprints if they are overinked, smudged or just do not have clear lines may not be suitable. If you would like me to look at your prints before you order, please email them to gemma@lastingtouch.co.uk

I don't have my own prints, what can I do?
If you need to collect prints I can send you a print collection kit, you can choose whether you would prefer ink or moulded prints. 
Most of my products (with the exception of some budget items) have a kit included in the price if required. You can also purchase a kit as a standalone product here.

Do you supply a kit for collecting ashes?
Yes, when you place an order for ashes memorial jewellery you can choose whether to send the ashes yourself (ideal if you need a faster turnaround) or to have a collection kit sent out to you.
If you are sending the ashes yourself, please be sure to label them with your name AND order number.

How much is postage and packaging?
If you are in the UK, 1st Class P&P for keepsake jewellery is free.  This includes the cost of posting your print or ashes kit out to you, however you will be responsible for the cost of returning it using your chosen postage method.

How long will it take to make my keepsake jewellery?
The time taken to make your jewellery can vary at different times of year and also depend on the type of product you are ordering. Big events like Mother's Day, Father's day and Christmas are always busy and it can take up to 28 days to make orders when prints or ashes are returned just before these dates. At quieter times of year it is often faster, if you need your jewellery for a specific date please do let me know.  Handmade products take longer to make than machine engraved pieces.
If you need something very fast, consider a machine engraved item, I have some pieces which can be shiped in 24 hours!
Please also see the delivery options page for deadlines and priority order prices.

What are the different 'Name Styles'?
More info and examples of the different writing styles for handmade jewellery can be found on our names styles page.

What s the difference between sterling silver and fine silver?
Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver.
Sterling silver is a minimum of 92.5% silver and up to 7.5% copper.
The copper in sterling silver acts as a strengthener to help the silver withstand scratches and general wear for longer.
If you would prefer your jewellery to be made with fine silver please get in touch.

Does the jewellery come with a necklace?
Most of the items do have a necklace option but please check the individual product pages for more information.   Other options such as bracelets, charm bracelet bails and keyrings are also available. 

Is the keepsake jewellery hallmarked?
Lasting Touch does have it's own official registered hallmark however the only way to get silver jewellery officially hallmarked is to send it away to the assay office and unfortunately for small numbers of items this is a costly process.  For this reason I do not routinely hallmark the jewellery. 
Hallmarking is not a legal requirement on items under 7.78g if you would like your item hallmarked there is a charge of £35 per order (not per piece) and a 2 week extra wait.

If you would like your jewellery stamped with a small 999FS mark (for fine silver) or 925SS (for sterling silver), I can do this for you in my workshop at no extra charge, please keep in mind that this is not a hallmark.

What is the 'Gift Package'?

The gift package upgrade is available on most fingerprint and handprint jewellery orders and is perfect if you've left it a little late to order.  The printing kit will come presented inside a box ready for you to present as a gift.  The recipient can be involved in collecting the prints and sending them back, choose a specific item or purchase a gift voucher amount and let the receipient choose.
More Gift Kit Info...

Where are you based?
I work from my home studio in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire, UK.

Fingerprint Jewellery UK

I'm not local, can I still have keepsake jewellery made?
Of course, fingerprint kits as well as hand and footprint kits and ashes/hair collection kits can be sent through the post and are very easy to use.  Take the prints in the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you and your child.

When will my kit be posted?
Ashes collection kits and print kits are usually posted either the same or next working day after I receive your order.

Do you have any tips for getting a good print?
Try to do it when your child is relaxed.  For tiny babies it can be done whilst they are asleep or feeding, for older children, watch the instructional videos with your child and explain to them what they need to do.  Also check out my blog post on how to get good handprints with your child.

The prints I took with the inkless wipes are smudged or messy, is that ok?
If they are not completely smudged, that's fine.  I can edit out any shadows on fingers or toes.  Don't worry if you have got your own prints on the paper either.

I'm not happy with the prints, can I get another kit?
Before you order extra kits, send me a copy of the prints.  Usually they are ok even if they are smudged and messy.  Extra print kits are available to purchase. If you still feel you need one. 

My child doesn't have a defined fingerprint, can you enhance it?
Children under a year old often do not have very defined prints, unfortunately if the fingerprint whorls are not very strong in your moulded prints I cannot enhance them.  You will get a dimple in your charm that is a replica of your child's finger tip, whorls or not.  If you have taken an ink print and there is some definitition, it may be possible to enlarge and/or enhance it but I will need to se the print before I can confirm.
For babies under 6 months old I tend to recommend a full hand or footprint instead of a fingerprint.  For newborn babies a footprint is almost always easier to get!

Will the print be exactly the same in the charm as it is in the mould.
Mostly yes. Due to the process there will be some shrinkage and the print may be very slightly smaller than the original (no more than 10%). 
Please also bear in mind that standard charms are only 1.5mm deep, if your mould is deper than this only the first 1mm depth will be impressed. This may make the print appear smaller than the original. 

My fingerprints are on paper can you use those?Usually yes, but it's best to send them to me to look at first. Fingerprints done with ink on paper take a bit more work and produce a very different style of fingerprint jewellery.  They do need to be fairly clear and defined, adult prints work best.

Unlike moulded prints, ink prints can sometimes be enhanced and /or englarged if necessary. 

Will I see the detail in a hand or footprint?
Some detail will invariably be lost when the print is down sized, however I do pride myself on the time I spend ensuring as much detail as possible is preserved.  I will do everything I can to make sure lifelines and strong markings are visible in the final piece of hand or footprint jewellery.  Please look at the gallery for examples of my work.
If the lines in the print are not strong they may only appear very faintly or not be visible at all on the final piece.  If you want me to 'extra enhance' prints to make the lines appear please talk to me about this when you return your prints.

How will my jewellery be packaged?
Your jewellery will be presented in a  gift box, and packaged up inside another box along with your prints and aftercare information.  Outer packaging is unbranded to avoid spointing any surprises!

Do you offer discounts on keepsake jewellery?
I sometimes have offers on certain products.  Make sure you are on my mailing list and like my facebook page to find out what the current offers are.   https://www.facebook.com/lastingtouchkeepsakes

I can't see what I want, can you make something different?
Absolutely! Many items are hand made and the design possibilities are limitless, if you want something bespoke, email me your ideas and I will see what I can do.

 
Can you put a print on boths sides of the charm?
Yes, double sided charms are made thicker than single sided ones and so use more silver, an additional charge is made to cover the cost of the extra silver and exra work involved in making an additional print. I also now have a range of machine engraved jewellery which can accomodate prints on both sides.

Can you make more than one charm with the same print?
Yes, fingerprints, handprints and footprints can be used to make as many charms as you like.

Will I get my prints back?
Yes, I will return your prints with your finished jewellery.

Do you keep the prints on file?
The original fingerprint moulds and inkless hand or footprints will be returned to you with your charm.  A digital copy of the hand or footprint will be kept on file in case you wish to have more jewellery made.  Fingerprint casts will be kept on file for a period, after which time you may need to return the original mould for a new fingerprint to be made. If you would prefer me not to keep a copy of your prints just let me know.

I lost my charm, can you make me an identical one?
I can certainly make you a replacement charm, however as each one is hand made it will not be identical to the one you lost.  I will do my best to get it as close as possible.

I plan on having more children, can you make more jewellery for me in the future?
Absolutely! Feel free to contact me for a chat if you would like to discuss the best options for adding to at a later date.  If you are buying charms to wear alongside existing charms, please send me a photo of your jewellery and I will try to make the new one to match as closely as possible.

Do you price match?
If you've seen an item which you believe to be the same standard of work and quality of materials, please do get in touch and discuss it with me.  Please check that things such as postage and print kits are included when asking for a price match.  I will decide on an idividual case by case basis whether I am able to price match.