Journal | Meraki Studio Jewellery

Why We Use 9ct Gold for Our Fingerprint Impressions
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Why We Use 9ct Gold for Our Fingerprint Impressions
When it comes to creating fingerprint jewellery, choosing the right metal is essential to ensure every delicate detail is preserved for a lifetime. At Meraki Studio, we use solid 9ct gold for our fingerprint impressions because of its perfect balance between durability and wearability. If you’ve ever wondered why we don’t use higher carats, here’s everything you need to know about why 9ct gold is the ideal choice for fingerprint jewellery. The Durability of 9ct Gold Fingerprint jewellery is designed to be worn every day, which means it needs to stand the test of time. 9ct gold is stronger and more resistant to wear than higher carats, ensuring your fingerprint impression stays crisp and defined for years to come. Higher gold content = softer metal – As the gold content increases, the metal becomes softer. 9ct gold is more durable – The lower percentage of pure gold (37.5%) is balanced with other metals to create a stronger, longer-lasting piece. Perfect for everyday wear – Your jewellery will keep its shape and details, even with daily use. Why Not Use Higher Carat Gold? While 18ct or 24ct gold is often associated with luxury, these higher carats are much softer and more prone to wear. Over time, this can cause the fine ridges of a fingerprint impression to wear down, making them less defined. 18ct gold (75% gold) – Softer and more prone to scratches and surface wear. 24ct gold (99.9% gold) – Extremely soft, making it unsuitable for holding fine details like fingerprints. If you specifically want a higher carat gold for your fingerprint jewellery, we can customise your order - just reach out to us to arrange pricing. Why 9ct Gold Is the Best Choice for Fingerprint Jewellery Stronger & more resistant to wear – Ensures your fingerprint stays visible over time. Ideal for everyday wear – Less prone to scratches and dents than higher carats. A beautiful balance of durability & warmth – Retains the classic gold look without the fragility of higher-carat options. Create Your Own 9ct Gold Fingerprint Jewellery At Meraki Studio, we handcraft each fingerprint impression piece using the lost wax casting technique to ensure the finest details are preserved in solid 9ct gold. Whether you're creating a sentimental keepsake or a memorial jewellery piece, you can trust that your fingerprint impression will remain timeless. Looking for something different? If you'd like a higher carat gold, contact us to discuss a custom order. Explore our fingerprint jewellery collection and create a piece that lasts a lifetime.
Article author: Lucy Johnston
Capturing a Family’s Fingerprints on a Family Fingerprint Bar
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Capturing a Family’s Fingerprints on a Family Fingerprint Bar
Family is at the heart of everything we do, and what better way to keep your loved ones close than with a personalised piece of jewellery? A family fingerprint bar is a beautiful way to capture the unique touch of each family member in solid sterling silver or 9ct gold, creating a timeless keepsake that tells your story. If you’re considering a fingerprint bar, here’s everything you need to know about capturing each impression and creating a piece that represents your family. What Is a Family Fingerprint Bar? A family fingerprint bar is a custom jewellery piece that features the fingerprints of two or more loved ones, arranged side by side on a sleek bar design. Whether it’s parents and children, siblings, or even multiple generations, this sentimental piece preserves the unique impressions of your family forever. Each fingerprint is carefully pressed into wax, which we then cast in solid metal using the lost wax casting technique—ensuring every tiny ridge and detail is perfectly preserved. How to Capture Your Family’s Fingerprints To create a perfect fingerprint bar, you’ll need to capture each impression clearly. Here’s how: 1. Choose Who to Include A family fingerprint bar can feature impressions from two to four people (or more, depending on the size). Consider who you’d like to include—partners, children, parents, or even a beloved grandparent. 2. Use a Wax Impression Kit At Meraki Studio, we provide a wax fingerprint kit that makes the process simple. The wax softens in your hands, making it easy to take a clear impression. 3. Press Each Finger Gently Adults & older children: Staring to one end of the wax take it in turns to press the fingertip gently into the wax side-by-side, applying even pressure to capture the ridges. Babies under 12 months: Instead of the fingertip, take an impression of the creases between their fingers for a more defined imprint. 4. Label Each Print For Stamping If you want to include initials stamped on the back of your pendant, make sure to label whose fingerprint is whose so we can stamp with the correct initial.  5. Send It Back for Casting Once you’re happy with your impressions, return the wax to us, and we’ll handcraft your piece in solid sterling silver or 9ct gold, preserving each detail forever. Why Choose a Family Fingerprint Bar? A Symbol of Connection – Each print represents someone special, keeping your loved ones with you wherever you go. Timeless & Personal – Unlike standard jewellery, a fingerprint bar carries real, personal meaning. A Treasured Keepsake – Perfect for milestone moments, from the birth of a child to celebrating family bonds. Create Your Own Family Fingerprint Bar At Meraki Studio, every fingerprint bar is handcrafted with love using the traditional lost wax casting method. Whether you choose sterling silver or 9ct gold, your piece will be a one-of-a-kind keepsake to cherish forever. Ready to create yours? Explore our fingerprint jewellery collection or contact us to start your custom order.
Article author: Lucy Johnston
Capturing a Baby’s Fingerprints: A Guide to Preserving Precious Memories
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Capturing a Baby’s Fingerprints: A Guide to Preserving Precious Memories
Babies grow and change so quickly, and many parents look for meaningful ways to capture those fleeting early moments. One beautiful way to do this is through fingerprint jewellery, creating a lasting keepsake of your little one’s unique imprint. However, if your baby is under 12 months old, you may notice that their fingerprints aren’t as defined as an older child’s or an adult’s. If you're looking to create a personalised fingerprint impression in jewellery, here’s what you need to know about capturing a baby’s fingerprints successfully. Do Babies Have Fingerprints? Yes, babies are born with fingerprints, but the fine details—such as the delicate ridges and patterns—are often too faint to transfer clearly, especially in the first few months of life. Newborns and infants have incredibly soft skin, and their fingertips are still developing, making it difficult to capture a well-defined fingerprint impression. How to Capture a Baby’s Fingerprint Impression Instead of trying to press a baby’s fingertip into wax or ink, we recommend capturing an impression of the creases and folds in their skin. These tiny details create a unique and beautiful texture that translates beautifully into jewellery. Best Method for Babies Under 12 Months Choose the Right Area: Rather than using the fingerprint pad, take an impression from the creases between their fingers or the palm of their hand. These lines will create a more visible and defined imprint. Use a Soft Wax Kit: At Meraki Studio, we provide a wax impression kit designed to capture fine details without discomfort. The wax softens in your hands, making it easy to press your baby’s hand or finger into. Press Gently: Lightly press the chosen area into the softened wax. Avoid too much pressure, as this can distort the impression. Check the Detail: If needed, you can try again until you achieve an imprint with visible lines. Send It Back for Casting: Once you're happy with the impression, send it back to us, and we’ll transform it into a solid sterling silver or 9ct gold keepsake. Why These Impressions Make Beautiful Jewellery While you may expect a traditional fingerprint, the creases and folds of a baby’s skin create an organic, natural impression that is just as unique. These impressions are a true reflection of your baby at this precious stage—something you can hold onto forever. Order Your Baby’s Fingerprint Jewellery Today At Meraki Studio, we handcraft each piece with love, using the lost wax casting method to preserve your baby’s impression in solid sterling silver or 9ct gold. Whether it's a pendant, charm, or custom piece, we’re here to create a meaningful keepsake you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Ready to capture your little one’s impression? Browse our fingerprint jewellery collection or contact us for more details.
Article author: Lucy Johnston
Keeping Your Pet Close: A Lasting Tribute to Your Furry Companion
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Keeping Your Pet Close: A Lasting Tribute to Your Furry Companion
Our pets are more than just animals—they’re family. Whether it’s a loyal dog who greets you with endless excitement or a cat who curls up beside you after a long day, these cherished companions leave a lasting mark on our hearts. For those who want to carry a reminder of their beloved pet wherever they go, paw print and nose print jewellery offers a unique way to preserve their touch forever. Crafted in solid sterling silver or 9ct gold, each piece is designed to hold deep sentimental value, turning a simple imprint into a treasured keepsake. Why Pet Keepsake Jewellery? 🐾 A Personalised Tribute – Every pet is unique, and so are their prints. Just like human fingerprints, no two paw prints or nose prints are the same. Impression jewellery captures their distinct features in stunning detail, allowing you to keep a part of them close. 🐾 A Keepsake That Lasts Forever – Unlike photos that fade or fur clippings that are fragile, solid sterling silver and 9ct gold jewellery is made to stand the test of time. Each impression is permanently preserved using the traditional lost wax casting technique, ensuring every ridge and marking is beautifully retained. 🐾 For Pets Still With Us & Those We’ve Lost – Whether your furry companion is still by your side or has crossed the rainbow bridge, a personalised pet keepsake is a comforting way to honour their memory. Many pet owners find that wearing their pet’s impression provides a sense of closeness and comfort long after they’re gone. A Thoughtful Gift for Pet Lovers Looking for a heartfelt gift for a fellow dog lover or cat owner? Pet keepsake jewellery is a deeply personal and meaningful present, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a way to celebrate the unbreakable bond between a pet and their human. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, this is a gift that will be cherished forever. Celebrate Your Pet Every Day A custom paw print or nose print keepsake is more than just jewellery—it’s a symbol of the unconditional love and companionship our pets bring into our lives. Explore our collection today and create a lasting tribute to your pet.
Article author: Lucy Johnston
Close up of elderly person's hands
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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.
Article author: Lucy Johnston
Gold dog's nose print pendant on green leafy background
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Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day with a Lasting Keepsake
Our pets are more than just animals—they’re family. They fill our lives with unconditional love, comfort, and companionship, making every day brighter. National Love Your Pet Day (February 20th) is the perfect time to celebrate the special bond you share, and what better way to do that than with a keepsake you can treasure forever? Honouring Your Pet with Impression Print Jewellery Whether it’s a wagging tail that greets you at the door or the soft nuzzle of a beloved companion, every pet leaves a mark on our hearts. With paw print and nose print jewellery, you can capture that connection in a piece handcrafted to last a lifetime. Why Pet Keepsake Jewellery? 🐾 A Unique, Personalised Memory – Just like human fingerprints, every paw print and nose print is one of a kind. Impression jewellery preserves the fine details, ensuring your pet’s touch is always close.🐾 Crafted to Last – Made from solid sterling silver or 9ct gold, each piece is durable and timeless, just like the love you share with your pet.🐾 A Tribute to a Cherished Companion – Whether your pet is still by your side or you want to honour their memory, a personalised print keepsake is a meaningful way to celebrate their impact on your life. How to Capture Your Pet’s Print Taking an impression of your pet’s paw or nose is simple. If time allows, we’ll send you a wax impression kit to create a clear, detailed mould, which is then used in the lost wax casting process. In case of emergencies where we are unable to get a wax kit to you in time, a silicone moulding putty or polymer clay can also be used to take an imprint that we can transfer into a piece of jewellery. More Than Just a Keepsake—A Lasting Connection Each piece is handcrafted using the traditional lost wax casting technique, preserving every ridge and detail in precious metal. Whether you choose sterling silver or 9ct gold, your pet’s unique impression will be transformed into a timeless piece of jewellery. Celebrate Your Pet This National Love Your Pet Day National Love Your Pet Day is about cherishing the joy and companionship our pets bring. This year, celebrate your furry friend with a keepsake as special as they are. Explore our pet keepsake jewellery collection today.
Article author: Lucy Johnston