Capturing a Loved One’s Fingerprint Before They Pass: A Lasting Keepsake

Losing a loved one is an incredibly emotional experience, and finding a way to keep them close can bring great comfort. Fingerprint jewellery offers a deeply personal way to honour their memory, preserving their unique touch in a timeless piece crafted from solid sterling silver or 9ct gold.

For those who have time to plan, we provide fingerprint impression wax kits, allowing you to take a detailed print that will be cast using the lost wax casting method. However, in sudden situations, you may not have access to a kit. If a loved one is nearing the end of their life or has passed unexpectedly, there are still ways to capture their fingerprint and create a lasting keepsake.

How to Take a Fingerprint Without a Wax Kit

If you don’t have one of our wax impression kits on hand, there are alternative methods using materials that can be found at craft stores, office supply stores, or even funeral homes.

1. Silicone Moulding Putty (Best Option)

A two-part silicone moulding putty is one of the most reliable ways to capture a fingerprint. This type of material is used for mould-making and sets quickly while preserving intricate details.

• Look for brands such as Pebeo Gedeo Moulding Siligum (blue) or Pinkysil Putty Silicone Rubber.
• These products can often be found at craft stores like Spotlight, Officeworks, or online retailers.
• Simply mix the two components together, press the fingertip into the putty, and allow it to set.
• Once cured, the mould can be sent to us to create a solid silver or gold fingerprint pendant.

♥️ This method provides the best detail and ensures an accurate fingerprint impression.

2. Polymer Clay (Good Alternative)

If silicone putty is not available, polymer clay is another option. It’s easy to find in craft stores, and although it requires baking, it captures fine details well.

• Choose a soft polymer clay such as Sculpey or Fimo.
• Gently press the fingertip into the clay and carefully remove it.
• Follow the baking instructions on the packaging—be careful not to overbake, as excessive heat can cause loss of detail.
• Once hardened, the clay can be sent to us to create a custom fingerprint piece.

This method works well if handled carefully but requires baking for durability.

3. Air-Dry Clay (Last Resort Option)

If the only available option is air-dry clay, it can still work, but it’s not as reliable as silicone or polymer clay.

• Press the fingertip into the clay while it’s still moist.
• Let the clay dry completely—avoid pressing too hard, as this can distort the print.
• Once dry, the imprint can be sent to us for assessment.

♥️ This method can be fragile, but if it's the only option available, we can discuss ways to make it work.

When Should You Take the Fingerprint?

If your loved one is still with you, you can take the impression at home using any of the above materials. If they have already passed, you may still have time to capture their fingerprint:

• Hospitals, palliative care, and funeral homes often allow families to take prints before final arrangements.
• Some funeral homes may already have fingerprinting supplies on hand—ask if they can take an imprint for you.
• If time is short, use whatever method is available and contact us for guidance.
  
  

Turning the Impression into a Timeless Keepsake

Once you have the fingerprint mould, it can be transformed into a unique piece of jewellery.

Handcrafted using the lost wax casting method, each piece preserves the fingerprint in solid sterling silver or 9ct gold.

Customisation options include:

• Hand-stamped initials on the reverse of your piece.
• Double-sided impressions to feature multiple loved ones.

♥️ Free repairs for life are included for all handmade custom pieces, ensuring your keepsake lasts forever.

A Way to Keep Them Close, Always

Losing someone is never easy, but having their fingerprint engraved in silver or gold allows you to carry their touch with you every day. Whether you’re preparing ahead of time or navigating an unexpected loss, there is always a way to preserve their memory.

If you have questions about capturing a fingerprint, feel free to contact us or explore our Fingerprint Jewellery Collection to find the perfect tribute.