Capturing Fingerprints and Paw Prints: Preserving Memories in Jewelry

When we lose someone we love, memories are all we have left. For many families, a piece of memorial jewelry becomes more than just metal and stone—it becomes a physical connection to that person or pet. The most powerful of these pieces often feature fingerprints, paw prints, or even nose prints captured during life or immediately after passing. This guide will walk you through how to capture these prints correctly, what to ask from your funeral home, and why these tiny details matter so much.

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Why Fingerprints Matter

Every fingerprint is completely unique—no two are alike. When engraved onto a necklace, ring, or bracelet, it becomes a one-of-a-kind tribute. A fingerprint isn't just a design; it's their touch, forever frozen in time.

Many families say they reach up and trace the ridges of the print on their pendant during tough days, like holding the hand of their loved one again.

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If Your Loved One Has Passed: Your Funeral Home Holds the Key

If you’ve lost someone and didn’t capture their fingerprint beforehand, don’t panic.
Most funeral homes already take fingerprint scans of every decedent they handle, even if you weren’t aware of it. These prints are kept on file as part of their standard procedures.

Here’s what to do:

1. Call the funeral home that handled your loved one’s arrangements.

2. Tell them you’d like a copy of the fingerprint file or physical ink card.

3. Most funeral homes are happy to provide these prints for free or a small fee.

4. Ask for the highest resolution version available so your jeweler can engrave it clearly.

Pro tip:
Even if it has been months or years since the passing, funeral homes often archive these files. It’s never too late to ask.

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Capturing Fingerprints Yourself

If you’re collecting a print from someone living—maybe a spouse, child, or grandparent—you can easily do it at home with the right supplies.

Option 1: Ink & Paper (Traditional Method)

• Wash and dry the finger thoroughly.

• Use a non-toxic black ink pad.

• Roll the finger side to side, not just straight down, to capture the full pattern.

• Make several prints on clean white paper.

• Circle or label the best one.

Option 2: Pencil & Tape (Quick DIY)

• Rub a soft pencil across a piece of paper until there’s a thick layer of graphite.

• Press the finger firmly into the graphite.

• Lift the print with clear tape and stick it to white paper.

• Scan or photograph at high resolution.

Tip:
Avoid lotions or oils right before capturing the print—they blur the ridges.

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Capturing Dog Prints

Pets are family, too. Many people choose to memorialize a beloved dog or cat by capturing a paw print or nose print for their jewelry.

For Paw Prints

• Use non-toxic washable ink or paint.

• Place the paw gently on a flat surface covered with paper.

• Press down evenly without rocking.

• Wash your pet’s paw immediately afterward.

Hack:
If your pet won’t sit still, try gently pressing their paw into a soft ball of clay or salt dough instead.

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For Nose Prints

A dog’s nose print is just as unique as a human fingerprint!

Here’s how to capture it safely:

1. Use non-toxic ink or a baby-safe stamp pad.

2. Hold your dog gently and dab their nose lightly with the pad.

3. Press their nose to paper straight on, without sliding.

4. Repeat a few times to get the clearest impression.

If your dog has passed, many veterinarians and pet cremation services will automatically capture paw or nose prints. Always ask if they have these files stored.

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Why Capturing Prints Correctly Matters

A blurry or incomplete print will lose detail during engraving. Clear ridges create jewelry with depth and dimension. When done right, you’ll be able to run your finger over the pendant and feel every swirl and whorl—like you’re touching them again.

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Preserving & Storing Your Prints

Once you’ve captured the perfect print:

• Scan it at 300–600 dpi or higher.

• Save in PNG or TIFF format for best clarity.

• Back it up on your computer and cloud storage.

• Share a copy with your jeweler to avoid wear or loss of the original.

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The Final Step: Turning Memories into Masterpieces

When you hand these prints over to your jeweler, you’re not just providing a design—you’re sharing a story. Whether it’s a parent’s fingerprint, a child’s tiny handprint, or your dog’s paw, these symbols deserve to be crafted with care.

At Reliquiae Studios, we treat every fingerprint as sacred, ensuring each pendant is as unique as the life it represents. From memorial pieces to living keepsakes, we transform moments into heirlooms you can wear close to your heart.

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Summary

• Human fingerprints: Capture using ink, tape, or request them from a funeral home.

• Pet prints: Use safe ink or clay to preserve paw and nose prints.

• Funeral home records: Most keep copies even years later—just ask!

• Details matter: Clear prints create breathtaking jewelry.

By taking the time to capture these tiny, intricate patterns, you’re preserving a legacy. Years from now, when the memory fades, you’ll still have something tangible to hold—proof that their story, and their touch, live on.