Everything you should know about breastmilk jewelry
As a new mother who’s also breastfeeding, you may want to save your beautiful breastfeeding journey’s memory in some special way. You may have had a very difficult or emotional journey, or you just had a wonderful journey and built a great bond with your child.
Whatever the reason, there are some wonderful ways for you to preserve those memories in some way. Some popular options include a breastfeeding tattoo, a breastfeeding photoshoot and breastmilk jewelry. Breastmilk jewelry has become a very popular way to do this in recent years.
The good news is that you don’t need much breast milk to make breastmilk jewelry, you really only need a very small amount of breast milk to create these special pieces. Only a few milliliters will do. You can use your own milk or even donor milk and you can do it yourself or you can have it done for you at a jeweler, which is probably the best option.
What is breastmilk jewelry and why do people get them
Breastmilk jewelry emerged as a unique and special way to preserve the beautiful moments of breastfeeding, a keepsake of a mother’s breastmilk.
Creating these unique jewelry pieces, moms preserve their breastfeeding memories in such a special way that they can keep forever. It wasn’t long before the popularity of breastmilk jewelry grew tremendously, transforming them into more than just a memory keepsake. It became a huge trend and a way to show your pride about your journey.
These special keepsakes are a sign of the most amazing bond shared between a mother and her child. It symbolizes the nurturing warmth, the sleepless nights, the hard days, the good days and the unconditional love that defines breastfeeding and motherhood.
How to collect and store breastmilk
You will only need a very small amount of breastmilk to create a piece of jewelry. The recommendations states that 5-10ml should suffice, so you really only need a few drops.
Ensuring proper hygiene throughout the jewelry making process is very important to keep the bacterial growth and spoilage at bay.
You can either express your breastmilk by hand or by breast pump and then store the milk in a clean container such as breast milk storage bags. Alternatively, you may still have some spare breastmilk leftover in the freezer, which will do the job perfectly as well.
If you’re expressing fresh breastmilk, using or freezing the milk immediately after pumping will avoid any potential spoilage. Keep it in a breastmilk storage bag or other container and keep it firmly sealed.
Place it far back in your freezer, where the temperature remains constant. You can use breastmilk of any age, there’s no time limit on its use for breastmilk jewelry.
For the creation of your jewelry, thaw the breastmilk in a refrigerator overnight. This step will ensure that your breastmilk is ready for preservation in the best condition. Careful handling and storage ensure that your precious liquid gold retains its quality for a long time, which is exactly what you want for a lifelong keepsake.
Methods to preserve breastmilk for jewelry
Preservation powder
Milk turns into a fine powder after undergoing a drying process. This method protects its natural beauty. Technicians carefully mix this powder with a high-quality jewelry resin. That blend solidifies, embodying your breastfeeding journey in a wearable form.
Freeze-drying
Some jewelers option for freeze-drying, a technique that eliminates moisture gently, this process is called sublimation. This step preserves the milk’s original color and texture. Freeze-dried breast milk mixes very well with resin. This combination forms a durable and long-lasting stone.
Resin embedding
Resin embedding is a popular method to create breastmilk jewelry, it involves encapsulating breastmilk in a clear resin material container. This technique not only preserves the breastmilk, but it also creates a beautiful visual effect of a milky gem while keeping its natural color.
How to preserve breastmilk with preservation powder
If you decide to hold onto those beautiful and special moments of motherhood and the shared memories with your little one, breastmilk jewelry is the perfect way to do so.
The first step will involve gathering a small amount of your breastmilk. People usually only need a few milliliters. They then mix their precious liquid gold with a special preservation powder. This mixture transforms the breastmilk into a long-lasting form.
After mixing the breastmilk with the preservation powder, you must then wait for the mixture to solidify. This turns the milk into a fine powder. This powder will easily blend into resin, forming the heart of your unique piece of jewelry. The resin protects and showcases the beauty of your breastmilk, turning it into an everlasting keepsake.
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. It offers a durable way to preserve something so incredibly personal and special. The end result will be a beautiful breastmilk jewelry piece.
One of the best ways to create your own breastmilk jewelry is to purchase a DIY kit from a reputable source and follow the instructions accordingly. But I will mention it again, having a jeweler do it for you, will ensure a good quality jewelry piece.
Types of breastmilk jewelry
Photo credit: Nicole Francine Cassarotti Berleze from Breastmilk and Cremations Jewellery NZ
There are many different options to choose from when it comes to creating breastmilk jewelry.
Breastmilk rings
Breast milk rings, which is a very popular option of breast milk jewelry, really captures the essence of your breastfeeding journey in a small, wearable form with a beautifully crafted breast milk stone.
Breastmilk pendants
Breast milk pendants on the other hand, can come in many different sizes and shapes, it also hangs close to your heart, reminding you of the bond that you and your child have built and shared through breastfeeding.
Breastmilk earrings
Breastmilk earrings are another option, it can add a subtle touch of maternal pride, with each piece dangling delicately.
Breastmilk beads
Breast milk beads are probably one of the most known forms of breastmilk jewelry. You can keep it as it is, or you can use it as part of a wrist piece or a breast milk pendant.
A resin shaped ornament
Resin shapes ornaments are becoming very popular, you can choose one of many different shapes, including bears and hearts. These little ornaments filled with memories of your breastfeeding journey can be stored in a safe place at all times, not risking damaging or losing it as you do with the wearable breastmilk jewelry.
Sentimental things to include in your jewelry
You may wonder what could make your breastmilk jewelry even more special than adding just your breastmilk. The good news is that you certainly can add more to it.
Photo credit: Nicole Francine Cassarotti Berleze from Breastmilk and Cremations Jewellery NZ
Things you can include in your breastmilk jewelry:
- Colostrum
- Breastmilk
- Locks of hair
- Umbilical cord
- Birth stones
- Engravement of their initials and/or birth date
Can breastmilk jewelry go bad?
You may be wondering whether your precious breastmilk jewelry can degrade over the years. The truth is, with time, most things will show signs of wear, especially when it gets worn frequently.
When breast milk jewelry is made properly, you should expect it to last a lifetime, and if it’s well cared for, it should remain in good condition indefinitely.
They stand at the risk of losing their shine, they may become discolored, and it may even degrade if left uncared for.
With proper care, you can ensure the longevity of your breastmilk jewelry. This begins by adhering strictly to the care instructions provided. Keeping the jewelry away from direct sunlight acts as a critical preventative measure against deterioration. Sunlight can both discolor and weaken the resin, leading to premature aging. A cool, dry place will serve as an ideal storage spot.
Maintenance goes a long way. Avoid exposing the pieces to harsh chemicals, found in cleaning products or certain cosmetics. These substances can react with the resin, causing damage over time. By following these simple yet effective care tips, the legacy of your breastfeeding journey, encapsulated within the jewelry, will thrive for years to come.
How to take care of breastmilk jewelry
To keep your breastmilk jewelry in the best condition, a light hand is required. You have put in the effort or money to create this one-of-a-kind treasure. Storing it in a cool place away from direct sunlight will prevent the colors from fading over time.
Dusting it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth will maintain its shine. Water and chemicals pose a threat to the delicate composition of your jewelry. Thus, it is wise to remove it before showers, swimming, or applying lotions and perfumes. Moisture and harsh substances could provoke unforeseen reactions with the resin, potentially tarnishing its beauty.
Careful storage matters as well. Keeping it in a cool, dry place shields it from humidity that could compromise it. An ideal location guarantees a longer lasting preservation.
Important Notes
Creating or purchasing breastmilk jewelry involves a journey filled with emotion and significance. You will find the process not only rewarding but also a testament to a period of life that shapes both mother and child. It sure is a beautiful way to capture your breastfeeding journey.
Handling breastmilk with care is important for the success of this process. The first step always involves expressing and storing the breastmilk properly.
Turning your breastmilk into a stable form for jewelry demands attention to detail. The breastmilk will first go through a drying process that transforms it into a fine powder before getting it into its final shape form.
If you decide to make your own breast milk jewelry, be sure to look into reputable sources for DIY breast milk jewelry kits, which often provides detailed step-by-step instructions. They come equipped with all necessary materials, eliminating any guesswork. Make sure you buy it from a reputable source.
Quality matters when preserving breastmilk for jewelry making. The difference between a keepsake that lasts and one that fails often lies in the method and materials used. Make sure it’s made with quality products.
Once created or received, the jewelry requires proper care. Direct sunlight (UV light) and harsh chemicals can damage the breastmilk stone. Storing the jewelry piece in a cool, dry place will ensure its longevity.
Remember, the jewelry encapsulates more than just breastmilk; it holds memories of a special time. Sharing or passing down this keepsake becomes a celebration of the breastfeeding journey.
Crafting or purchasing breastmilk jewelry serves as a tribute to the hard work and deep connection experienced during breastfeeding. It stands as a tangible reminder of the nurturing bond between mother and child. Thus, selecting a reputable source for your DIY kit or finished jewelry is as significant as the keepsake itself. It represents a chapter of life worth cherishing, portrayed through a piece of jewelry that holds immense emotional value.
My recommendation will always be that it’s best to have your breastmilk jewelry piece made by a well experienced jeweler to avoid any disappointments.
