The bead necklaces feature the cremated ashes of deceased loved ones
Photo: Merry Coor via Ash Beads

Artist Merry Coor has made countless glass beads since she started her practice in 2000. But when she was approached by a grieving couple asking her to incorporate the cremated ashes of a deceased friend into one of her jewels, she realized that her craft could take on a very different, deeply meaningful form, the Creators Project reports.

On her website, the California-based artist writes “I felt it was one of the most important beads I had ever made in my life.” The experience changed Coor’s perception of her craft and she resolved to re-structure her artistic practice to launch a business specializing in ash beads that can be worn as necklaces.

“I make each of these beautiful keepsake beads by hand, one at a time,” she says. Each bead is created using rods of silver-colored glass which is melted to form a sphere. The ashes are scattered in a spiral pattern, and the bead is sealed by an external glass layer.

Coor claims “I only put my best energy into each bead,” adding that “I take making beads with ashes very seriously and begin each bead with the utmost respect.”

Her message to potential future clients is clear, “It gives me great purpose and pleasure to make these beads for you. I hope that the beads give you comfort, and help with your grief.”