What is Breast Milk Jewelry? Preserve Precious Memories with Stunning Custom Jewelry
A part of our “Uncommon Keepsakes” series, the budding trend of creating breast milk jewelry is the latest keepsake for new mothers.
Breastfeeding is a special time in a mother’s life, and many mothers want to remember that time in a unique and meaningful way. One creative way mothers are celebrating their breastfeeding journey is with the latest trend: Breast milk jewelry.
Breast milk jewelry is a type of jewelry made using a mother’s own breast milk. The process involves taking a small amount of breast milk and mixing it with a special preservative to ensure it does not spoil or degrade over time. The preserved breast milk is then used to create a unique and personalized piece of jewelry, such as a pendant, earrings, bracelet, or ring. Some pieces of breast milk jewelry are simple and understated, while others are more elaborate and ornate. Regardless of the style, breast milk jewelry is always a unique and personalized keepsake.
One of the reasons that jewelry made from breast milk has become so popular is that it allows mothers to keep a part of their breastfeeding journey with them always. Breastfeeding can be an incredibly intimate and emotional experience, and jewelry made from precious breast milk provides a tangible reminder of those feelings. This keepsake jewelry can also be a great conversation starter, allowing mothers to share their breastfeeding journey with others.
While breast milk jewelry has become increasingly popular in recent years, it is important to note that it is not a new concept. Mothers have been using breast milk to create jewelry and other keepsakes for centuries. Breast milk has long been considered a symbol of fertility, nourishment, and maternal love, and this jewelry is simply a modern way to celebrate these timeless qualities.
It is important to remember that crafting jewelry from breast milk is a personal choice, and not everyone will understand or appreciate it. However, for mothers who have a deep connection to their breastfeeding journey, having a physical and tangible reminder of that time of bonding through a beautiful piece of jewelry can be an absolutely amazing keepsake for some mothers.
The Benefits of Breast Milk Jewelry
In addition to this jewelry serving as meaningful DNA keepsakes, breast milk jewelry is also a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Breast milk is a renewable resource, and using it to create jewelry is a way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. In a world where so much of what we consume is disposable, making jewelry from breast milk offers a way to create something lasting and meaningful from a renewable resource.
Another benefit is that it is often handmade by small businesses or individual artists. This means that each piece of jewelry is unique and made with care and attention to detail. Supporting small businesses and artists is important, and purchasing breast milk jewelry is a way to do so while also celebrating the bond between a mother and her child.
How is Breast Milk Jewelry Created?
Breast milk jewelry is made using a process called breast milk preservation. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Collect breast milk.
The first step in making breast milk jewelry is to collect a small amount of breast milk from the mother. This can be done by hand expression or using a breast pump. The amount of milk needed depends on the type of jewelry being made, but it is usually only a few milliliters.
- Add a preservative.
Once the breast milk is collected, it is mixed with a special preservative. The preservative typically consists of a combination of chemicals that prevent the milk from spoiling or degrading over time. The exact formula of the preservative can vary depending on the artist or company making the jewelry.
- Dry the milk.
After the preservative is added, the breast milk mixture is usually spread out on a flat surface to dry. This can take several days or more depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment. Some artists may use a special drying method or equipment to speed up the drying process.
- Create the jewelry.
Once the breast milk is fully dried, it can be used to create a piece of jewelry. The dried milk may be ground into a fine powder and mixed with resin, or it may be set into a mold or bezel. The exact method of creating the jewelry can vary depending on the artist or company making it.
- Add the finishing touches.
Once the jewelry is created, it may be polished, buffed, or coated with a protective sealant to ensure it lasts for years to come.
DIY Breast Milk Jewelry Kits
Breast milk jewelry DIY kits are a popular option for mothers who want to create their own breast milk jewelry or DNA keepsakes at home. These kits typically include all of the materials and instructions needed to preserve and transform a small amount of breast milk into a piece of jewelry, such as a pendant or bracelet.
DIY kits vary in terms of complexity and price, but they generally include a preservative solution, a mold or bezel, and any necessary tools or accessories. Some kits may also include optional add-ons such as glitter, liquid gold, or pigment to customize the final product.
While DIY breast milk jewelry kits can be a fun and cost-effective option for some mothers, it is important to note that they require careful attention to detail and a good understanding of the preservation process in order to create a safe and high-quality piece of jewelry.
Breast Milk Jewelry Online Stores
Breast milk jewelry online stores are a convenient option for mothers who want to purchase a carefully crafted piece of breast milk jewelry without the need for DIY. These stores typically offer a wide variety of styles, colors, and designs to choose from, including pendants, bracelets, and earrings.
Some stores may also offer customization options such as birthstones or engraving. When shopping for breast milk jewelry online, it is important to do thorough research and choose a reputable store with positive reviews and a clear process for preserving and creating the jewelry. It is also important to carefully read the store’s policies regarding shipping, returns, and warranties to ensure that the purchase is protected and the customer is satisfied with the final product. Below are some of our recommended online stores.
Milk + Honey Jewelry
Shop Online StoreBased in Virginia, Milk + Honey is a keepsake jewelry brand founded by two mothers with a mission to bring beautiful pieces of jewelry to other mothers that will commemorate their special bond with their babies. From rings to necklaces and earrings, create a special piece that celebrates both mom and baby.
Mamma’s Liquid Love
Shop Online StoreMamma’s Liquid Love is a woman-owned small business that all started when the founder utilized a breast milk donor during her second pregnancy. To show her gratitude to the donor, she put her six years of chemistry education to work and gifted her a beautiful breast milk necklace. The rest is history. All jewelry is made to order and is handcrafted with care in New Jersey.
Gems and Juniper
Shop Online StoreFounded in 2015, Gems and Juniper is a woman-owned business focused on creating beautiful, dainty pieces that are handcrafted with high-quality materials that won’t tarnish. This keepsake jewelry is on-trend, features quality stones, and makes the perfect gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of breast milk needed to create breast milk jewelry depends on the specific piece being made. Generally, only a small amount of breast milk is required, usually a few milliliters or half an ounce. Some artists may require slightly more, up to 10 milliliters, for more elaborate or larger pieces of jewelry.
It is worth noting that breast milk can vary in consistency and color, depending on a number of factors such as the mother’s diet and hydration levels. This can affect the amount of milk needed to create a specific piece of jewelry. Some artists may request that mothers provide extra breast milk in case the initial batch does not meet their quality standards.
In any case, it is important for mothers to work with a reputable artist who can provide clear instructions on how much breast milk is needed and how to properly collect and preserve it. Additionally, mothers should be aware that breast milk jewelry is a personalized and unique piece of art, and that variations in color and consistency are to be expected.
Breast milk jewelry is designed to last for a long time, even decades. The preservative used in the process is meant to prevent the milk from spoiling or degrading over time, so the jewelry should remain in good condition for many years. However, the exact lifespan of breast milk jewelry can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the preservative used, the storage conditions of the jewelry, and the level of wear and tear it experiences over time.
To ensure the longevity of breast milk jewelry, it is important to take proper care of it. This includes avoiding exposure to extreme heat, humidity, or sunlight, as well as avoiding contact with chemicals or harsh cleaning agents. Many breast milk jewelry artists recommend gently wiping the jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris, and storing it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
