Christmas Gifts for Someone Who Has Lost Their Dog
I make handmade sterling silver necklaces, brooches, charms and cufflinks that look like one specific dog, from your photos, starting at £500.
To give one this Christmas, send me your dog's photos for a no-obligation quotation. I can also advise on gift orders and the person you’re buying for can send their dog’s photos on WhatsApp whenever they feel ready.
A gift for the dog they still talk about
When someone loses their dog, most people don’t know what to say. Cards get put away and flowers die.
This is something they can wear every day. It isn’t a generic paw print. It’s their dog: the ear that never stood up properly, the grey muzzle, the way he sat.
How gifting works
1. Contact me. WhatsApp me to purchase a gift voucher, or, if you already have good photos of their dog, message to order a finished piece.
2. Give the voucher card or finished piece of jewellery on Christmas Day. Vouchers come with details explaining what happens next.
3. They send their photos when ready. Some people message the next day. Others wait months. There’s no rush, and I guide them through choosing the photos.
Christmas dates
- Finished piece in time for Christmas: contact Avril by 4 December
- Posted gift voucher: order by 18 December
- Digital gift voucher: available up to Christmas Eve
Each piece takes Avril around 30 hours to make by hand, so finished pieces are limited. Get in touch as soon as possible to secure your slot.
Examples of my custom dog jewellery...
Some customers don't wear jewellery and so I work with them to create a piece that is just right.
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Little Barney had the most beautiful pink ears and I knew I had to include this detail in Sarah's necklace.
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Anne loves basset hounds and gave me free rein to create earrings to celebrate this breed.
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Wendy asked for a necklace of her Chocolate Dapple Dachshund for her daughter's 21st birthday
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Not all my pieces are Rainbow Bridge dogs. I loved making little 10 week old Cocker Spaniel Ciri
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Captain was the first Otterhound I've ever made and I just loved his shaggy coat and big nose!
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People often ask if I can make cat jewellery and of course the answer is yes!
Easy Design Process
Take the first step toward a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery you and your pets deserve. With my simple, personal design process, I’ll create a treasure that lasts a lifetime — and beyond.
Custom Dog Memorial Jewellery: Your Questions Answered.
I'm not in the UK, can I still order?
Of course. I've been sending my silver animal jewellery around the world for 25 years and all my work comes with insured worldwide delivery included in the price.
How much does the custom dog memorial jewellery cost?
Prices start at £500. The total cost depends on the dog breed, amount of silver and gold used, size of jewellery and time it will take to make. On average a necklace and 18" heavyweight belcher chain would be £839, a brooch £879 and £599 for a charm and bracelet.
You'll get a fixed quote before anything is made, and free insured delivery is included.
How do I order a custom piece of dog memorial jewellery?
Send me a few photos of your dog on WhatsApp. Within 48 hours I'll come back to you with design ideas and a no-obligation quote. We then chat through every detail until you're completely happy.
Can you work from old or blurry photos?
Yes. Several photos from different angles help me capture all the little details, but I've made pieces from very little. Henri's earrings were made from a single, slightly blurred photograph, and his owner recognised him instantly. Send me what you have and I'll tell you honestly what I can do.
How long does it take?
When you send me your photos I will let you know how soon I can get started. Once your design is agreed and your invoice is paid, I start making your piece by hand. Most commissions are finished within 2 weeks. If you need it for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas, let me know when you first get in touch. Christmas places are limited, so it's best to ask early.
What kinds of jewellery can you make?
I make necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelet charms, pins, and cufflinks. If the person doesn't wear jewellery, I can make something different, like the silver lurcher ornament I made for Annabel. I also make cats and other animals.
Can I buy your dog memorial jewellery as a gift for someone who has lost their dog?
Yes, and many of my commissions are gifts. Deborah had Henri's earrings made for a friend, and Sharon surprised her daughter with a necklace of Maggie for her birthday. If you want to keep it a surprise, ask a family member for photos or save a few from social media. Every piece arrives beautifully packaged and ready to give. I even include a small gift card.
Can you include more than one dog in a piece?
Yes. I've made lots of multi-dog jewellery including a brooch of Debra's four dogs walking together, and a piece with three little pugs side by side. Charm bracelets are another good way to remember more than one dog. We can talk through the best way to bring your dogs together in one design.
What materials do you use?
Every piece is made entirely by hand in my studio in Northern Ireland, using 100% recycled silver and gold. I often combine silver with 22ct and rose gold to bring out a dog's colouring and markings.
How do I pay?
Once you're happy with the design, I'll send you an invoice with secure and flexible payment options. I begin making your piece as soon as it's paid.
What if I'm not happy with my jewellery?
Capturing your dog, not just the breed, is what I care about most, and we agree the design together before I start. I have over 600 happy customers and my Happy Customer Guarantee means I'll make sure it's right, including making changes if needed. Delivery is free and insured worldwide.
"Time stopped. I didn't understand what was happening. He didn't make a sound and just slipped away."
Monty, my 2 year old hound - "He inspired me to create something permanent for people who've loved and lost an animal."
Monty came to live with us in September 2020. He was a 2 year old rescue dog who had started life as part of a Harrier Hound hunting pack. We don't know much about his history, but the scars on his face and his nervous disposition around men, led us to believe he didn't have the best of starts.
He instantly bonded with me and didn't leave my side. This photo shows him checking I was still there when working away at my jewellery bench.
Sadly, we only had 3 short months with him. On 22 December we had a family day out to a local beach and it seemed like he was having his best day ever. Racing in and out of the sand dunes with our children and playing on the beach. He came running over to see me walking by the sea, and just lay down.
Time stopped. I didn't understand what was happening. He didn't make a sound and just slipped away.
He inspired me to create jewellery for people to have a permanent tribute to their animal.
Recent Custom Dog Jewellery Stories
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