Breastfeeding is rarely a straightforward experience but for a lot of us, it's a really special journey and bonding time that we want to remember. One way to do this is by buying a piece of breast milk jewellery which put simply, is jewellery made using your breast milk.
Many pieces of jewellery we wear every day – from lockets, to charm bracelets, to wedding rings – are imbued with special meaning, and what could be more meaningful than one of your earliest connections with your child. If you’re curious about how breastmilk jewellery is made, or looking for the best ring, earrings or necklace to celebrate your breastfeeding journey, here’s everything you need to know.
When did breastmilk jewellery become popular?
“It’s definitely an up-and-coming area,” says Lucy Marshall, owner of company Mothers Love Jewellery. “I started my business in 2020 and there were about three people doing the same thing, but now there are multiple and it’s great to see us all offering different things, and letting more mums have the ability to create keepsakes.”
Former nurse Lucy’s business began during lockdown, when she initially struggled to access support to breastfeed newborn son Asher. He later self-weaned at nine months – a process she found difficult, and, wanting to commemorate their journey she looked online for a way to do so. The rest is history: “I launched, hoped for the best, and in two weeks I handed in my notice!”
Breastmilk might sound like an unusual material to work with, but, as Lucy (also mum to second son Jett) points out, most people have heard of jewellery that incorporates a loved one’s ashes. “In the modern age breastfeeding is becoming more acceptable, and people feel more confident to feed in public and talk about their journey,” says Lucy. “There’s more of an inner voice saying, ‘I’m proud of myself and I want something to remind me of that journey’. In my mum’s day it was never discussed.”
How is jewellery made from breast milk?
There are various methods for making jewellery out of breastmilk, and it isn’t easy. "Most commonly it is encased inside resin which is incredibly durable and will last a very long time," says Erin. "I personally use eco-friendly resin, which is jewellery grade so quite expensive but very high quality. The resin is set in moulds that form the desired shape, then polished and set into the jewellery item."
How to preserve breastmilk jewellery
We'd recommend using a specialised company to preserve your breast milk.
"There are quite a few different ways to preserve breastmilk from using citric acid to extract the milk protein, to drying the milk in other ways, however, the milk is almost always in a powder form. I treat the milk for up to a week before using it in jewellery removing all bacteria to ensure it doesn’t discolour over time," says Erin.
How long does breast milk jewellery last?
Breastmilk jewellery lasts forever if taken care of. "I always advise treating it like fine jewellery, removing it for bathing and handwashing. I’ve had my own personal pieces for almost 4 years now and they are the same as the day they were made," Erin says. "I can’t wait until my daughter is older so I can share them with her, they really are so special."
What breast milk jewellery can I buy?
The type of jewellery you might usually wear such as earrings, a necklace, ring and bracelet can all be made into breast milk jewellery.
Take a look below for some options available to buy...
motherslovejewellery.com
This delicate eternity band can hold your breastmilk as well as your baby's birthstone (or multiple birthstones if you have siblings). You receive a ring sizer in your collection kit for the breastmilk so you can ensure it's the correct fit. All orders are sent by Royal Mail 24 hour tracked.
www.olivialaurajewellery.co.uk
This jewellery piece can be personalised with your choice of inclusions, including breast milk, hair, and sparkles. Upon receiving your order, you'll be sent a DNA collection kit via Royal Mail 1st Class. You can also request to have the breastmilk preservation videoed.
icklepickleprints.co.uk
Based on the shape of the strongest shape that exists, the Strength Triangle Breastmilk Ring symbolises the strength of a mother. Your milk stone can be made in a variety of different finishes. Choose to keep your stone pure (no extras added), include opal shimmer to add a little sparkle, or gold dust for a subtle pearlescent shine. You can request a ring sizer to be sent with your milk kit, and you can use frozen milk as well.
milkdiamonds.co.uk
These sterling silver backed stud earrings are approximately 6mm in diameter and come with sterling silver butterfly backs. Included in the price is your breastmilk inclusion and a choice of coloured lustres. Once you've placed your order, you'll receive a confirmation email which has full instructions on how to send your inclusions. Orders over £60 are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, overseas orders are also possible.
Skilled artisans handle and transform your milk into this durable and beautiful piece. Once ordered you'll be sent a convenient postal kit with detailed instructions on securely packaging and sending your breast milk. Delivery typically takes 7-10 working days from the time your milk is received.
blossomkeepsake.co.uk
A beautiful heart shaped stone on a Sterling Silver bangle, featuring your own unique inclusion stone such as Breastmilk. You can also personalise it further with the addition of glitters, colours or opal flakes.
What else can you add to breastmilk jewellery?
As well as the milk itself, there are all sorts of options for items to include as part of your ‘stone’. Many jewellers work with finishes including gemstone dust (perhaps from a birthstone or other significant gem), glitters, flowers (including birth flowers) and even hair, ashes or umbilical cords. You can also use different milk for different stones, so if you have some frozen milk from an earlier child you can use that alongside your new baby’s milk. When it comes to getting creative, the sky is the limit. “I’d say 99 per cent of the time we can do any colour, any birthstones, flowers, hair, ashes, cords,” says Lucy. “I had one lady who wanted to use a piece of one of her dad’s blue shirts in with the milk, to wear on her wedding so he could be with her walking down the aisle. It’s a creative and personal choice.”
Who is breastmilk jewellery for?
The really lovely thing about ‘breastmilk’ jewellery, is that actually you can commemorate any type of feeding journey – not just babies who have been exclusively breastfed. Lucy has worked with formula milk and colostrum, as well as making jewellery from items such as feeding tubes. “I’ve done all aspects of feeding with my children, and I don’t want formula parents to feel they can’t commemorate their journeys. It’s all hard – the sterilising routine can be brutal!”
People have lots of reasons for wanting breastmilk jewellery. “Around 60 per cent of my customers are just reaching the end of their journey, or are going back to work and want something to make it a bit of an easier transition,” says Lucy. “Just under half are from men asking for items for their partners – I’ve even had people use them for engagement or wedding rings.” There are also customers who, tragically, have lost babies, and want a symbolic item to keep close to them. Lucy herself has made items to mark her own difficulties, with four pieces representing the miscarriages she suffered before her two sons were born. “There are times when I make an order and I’ve read their story and I’m sobbing,” she says. “It’s not a shop, it’s a community. I’m on a journey with them, and I feel really privileged.”
A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.