Wirral man creates memorial jewellery people 'cherish forever'

Craig Hardman lovingly creates bespoke rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and earrings for people — encapsulating the ashes of loved ones into coloured glass so that they’re with them at all times.

Sample of jewellery created by Hoylake-based Craig Hardman, encapsulating the ashes of loved ones into coloured glass so that they’re with them at all times (Image: courtesy of Justin Hopper and Craig Hardman)

Through his company, Design With Clarity, Craig provides people with beautiful jewellery containing a small amount of the ashes of their loved ones in bespoke handcrafted glass — from people to pets. With 14 different colours of glass and using precious metals such as sterling silver and gold, whilst also offering synthetic birthstones, cubic zirconia and diamonds, the range of his very personal service is endless.

Based at his workshop in Hoylake, the 39-year-old is said to be the only jeweller of this kind in the North West — as well as offering his standard jewellery and repair services that he’s been doing for 23 years.

Craig Hardman at work on a piece of jewellery that will encapsulate ashes of loved ones into coloured glass so that they’re with them at all times (Image: courtesy of Justin Hopper and Craig Hardman)Described as a master craftsman, Craig puts lots of love and care into each individual piece — knowing how much they mean to people.

Craig’s jewellery isn’t as expensive as you’d think either — with pieces from just £185 and memories that last forever. Since offering the wonderful service, Craig has had many clients taken aback with emotion in some particularly touching customer cases.

Sample of work created by Craig Hardman encapsulating the ashes of loved ones into coloured glass so that they’re with them at all times (Image: courtesy of Justin Hopper and Craig Hardman)

Craig explained: "The decision to commission a piece of jewellery containing ashes is a deeply personal one, and I approach every project with empathy and sensitivity.

"My goal is to create a very special piece for someone that not only honours their loved one but also brings them comfort and peace."

He continued: "I’ve had some really powerful cases with customers. One client had her grandfather’s ashes encapsulated into a pendant and wore it when she got married — she told me it was like he was walking down the aisle with her.

"They really are far more than just pieces of jewellery — it’s like people’s loved ones are with them at all times."

Sample of jewellery created by Hoylake-based Craig Hardman, encapsulating the ashes of loved ones into coloured glass so that they’re with them at all times (Image: courtesy of Justin Hopper and Craig Hardman)

Design With Clarity works by requesting your free order pack online — where you choose the glass, colour, metal and design and send it back along with a small amount of the ashes of your loved one via the measurement spoon provided.

Once Craig has created your special piece, it is sent to you with free special delivery signed for and a guarantee.

Craig summarised: “It’s a privilege to be providing people with this beautiful service.

"It's a lovely gift to offer someone too and even if people don’t have ashes, I can still create a bespoke piece for them.

"It also means a lot to me to repair people’s precious jewellery that’s been damaged — something I’ve been doing for 20 years now. I really do love my job!"

Design With Clarity is based at Unit 6 Links Business Park, Carr Lane, Hoylake. For more details and to browse designs visit the Design With Clarity website