WHEN Sasha Bullock’s beloved dad passed away, a year ago today, she wanted to treasure his memory in a special way - so she decided to have his ashes made into a ring.

“I looked into it and discovered that memorial jewellery is expensive; up to £700 for a small piece. So I decided to make some myself,” says Sasha.

A former nurse, Sasha had no experience of craft-making. Now she runs a bespoke jewellery-making business, Eternal Ashes, placing cremated ashes of people’s loved ones into rings, pendants and bracelet charms.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sasha's jewellery comes in a range of designs Sasha's jewellery comes in a range of designs

“I watched a couple of online videos and gave it a go. I started with key-rings and then moved on to jewellery,” says Sasha. “It was trial and error at first. Initially I made pieces of jewellery for my mum, my sisters, auntie and grandma, then friends started asking me to make some for them too, and it just went from there.”

Sasha blends the ashes with resin and powder, and liquid colours. She has an opal collection of 32 different colours.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: 'It brings people comfort to have their loved ones so close,' says Sasha'It brings people comfort to have their loved ones so close,' says Sasha

“The ashes are placed in at the bottom, and the resin is cast on top,” says Sasha. “The ashes are then visible in the colour. I ask clients whether they want to see the ashes in the stone, or if they want them hidden. It’s a personal choice. “Some prefer to see the ashes in the jewellery, others just like to know that they are there. The ashes are decanted - I only use a small amount - and I offer to do the decanting if clients wish me to do so.”

Adds Sasha: “I get the jewellery from a supplier, I use sterling silver. Rings are particularly popular, and I also make pendants and charms for bracelets. It brings people a lot of comfort to know that their loved ones are so close to them.”

Sasha works from her conservatory at home, where her fiance has built her a work stand.

“It’s a very intricate process. The measurements and mixes have to be exact, and the room temperature has to be exactly right too,” she says. “I have lilies and candles in the room when I’m working, it’s a very peaceful space.

“It’s very important to me that everything is handled with dignity and care. These pieces of jewellery mean so much to people.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sasha works closely with clients on colours and designs Sasha works closely with clients on colours and designs

“I lost my dad in July last year. Having his ashes in a ring that I made myself has brought me great comfort. I got engaged at Christmas and, wearing my ring, it felt like Dad was with me.

“My ring is a jade green colour - people often notice it and tell me how much they like it. When it catches the light, I think of him.”

Adds Sasha: “My partner had asked my mum last August, prior to me starting Eternal Ashes, if he could use some of dad’s ashes to put in an engagement ring. I didn’t know this. Then I started making the jewellery, and I set up Eternal Ashes and made my ring, so his plan changed. It was like fate.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: One of the beautiful rings Sasha has created One of the beautiful rings Sasha has created

It is becoming increasingly popular to have ashes of a loved one embedded into jewellery, and even tattoos.

“People also like to have locks of hair in jewellery,” says Sasha, who is a reviewing officer with Bradford Council’s adult services department.

“I do the jewellery-making from home, it’s a hobby really, but I put a lot of love and care into it,” she says. “I have a two-year-old son, Oliver, so I’m pretty busy. When I’m making my jewellery it’s my wind-down time in the evening. It’s something I love to do, and it feels like being part of something special.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sasha at work: "It's a very intricate process," she says Sasha at work: "It's a very intricate process," she says

“It’s a very personal, bespoke service. I visit the client and pick up the ashes from them. They choose the colour they want for the jewellery and I deliver the pieces to them. I wouldn’t want anything sent in the post, it’s far too precious.

“My aim is to keep it as affordable as possible. I would never have been able to to have my dad’s ashes made into a ring, if I hadn’t done it myself.With the cost of living rising, people can’t afford to pay high prices for things like this.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sasha works on the jewellery "with dignity and care"Sasha works on the jewellery "with dignity and care"

“Having my ring has helped me with the grieving process. I know what people are going through, when they are bereaved, and they really appreciate the personal touch. It’s not like buying something online. I meet them and we discuss designs and colours, and what their loved one meant to them.

“I used to work as a healthcare assistant at St Luke’s Hospital, and that involved end of life care.”

Sasha also makes jewellery for pet owners: “I put animals’ cremation ashes or pieces of hair in jewellery for their owners to cherish. I have done this with dogs, horses and cats so far.”

Adds Sasha: “Jewellery gets passed down in families. It is treasured, and a special reminder of those we have lost. I consider it a great privilege to be part of that process.”

* For more about Sasha’s memorial jewellery go to her Eternal Ashes Facebook and Instagram pages.