You may be concerned with how the ashes will be placed in the memorial jewelry which you have selected.   Cremation jewelry is opened and filled in one of two different ways and, honestly, it is really quite simple!!

Top Opening Bale

Among the most common ways that cremation jewelry can be opened is by simply unscrewing the top threaded bale.  The bale portion of the jewelry urn is the part that the necklace -- or chain or cord -- goes through, as seen on this first image here.  This design is a discreet way to open cremation jewelry.   Once the ashes or other contents (such as dried flowers, lock of hair or earth from a special place) are placed inside of the jewelry urn, the use of an adhesive to permanently seal the urn pendant is strongly encouraged (see last paragraph below).

Threaded Screw Openings

Another common method of opening and sealing cremation jewelry is by a small threaded screw. These threaded screws are normally located on the bottom or back of the urn pendant.  Placing a threaded screw on the back or bottom of the keepsake urn is often selected so as to not compromise the design of the cremation urn jewelry piece.  Many pieces of cremation jewelry that have threaded screws do not have bales---thus, the most common reason for having a threaded screw opening.   Because of the small nature of threaded screws, it is recommended that you gently open and close the keepsake urn.  By gently handling threaded screws, you can avoid the possibility of damaging the threads on the cremation pendant.

Filling Cremation Jewelry

Filling cremation jewelry is typically done with the assistance of a small funnel.   Most memorial jewelry includes a small plastic funnel which can be used to help transfer the cremains, dried flowers, lock of hair, or earth from a special place.   In addition to the funnel, a small object such a paper clip or toothpick can be used to assist the ashes to pass from the funnel into the cremation keepsake.

Sealing Cremation Jewelry 

Most cremation jewelry pieces are designed with a secure seal.    However, if you anticipate the cremation pendant will come in contact with water, then the use of non-water soluble glue is encouraged for the sealing of the cremation keepsake.  Also consider that moisture can accumulate in or around the threads.  This too can slowly cause the pendant to become unglued.  

Sealing the pendant is done simply by applying a very small portion of adhesive (such as super glue or epoxy) to the cremation jewelry.   The adhesive should first be placed on the threads of the cremation jewelry instead of the actual bale or threaded screw.   Since the bale or screw is typically a small piece, it can be difficult to handle with adhesive.   For this reason, we also recommend placing the adhesive inside of the threads first.

Individual preferences will always vary.   Some family members may not feel that they are capable of sealing the keepsake urn themselves---or may simply not wish to do so.   In these circumstances, it is quite common to seek the assistance of the funeral services professional helping the family with the funeral services.  A jeweler or other similar reputable establishment may also be called upon to assist the family member in the sealing the jewelry urn.  Most funeral services or other professionals will be happy to assist you at little or no charge.