How to tell if a keepsake is genuine
- mikaylacyph
- Jul 22
- 5 min read
Finding a keepsake artist and a company you truly trust to create what may be the most meaningful piece of jewellery you’ll ever own, can feel incredibly daunting and overwhelming. Whether it’s crafted from your breastmilk, a loved one’s ashes, or a cherished piece of fabric; the weight of choosing the right artist is heavy. How do you know who to trust? How can you be sure the keepsake is genuine? How do you know your inclusions are the ones being used?
These are questions that matter. Choosing the right keepsake artist isn’t just about the finished piece - it’s about trust, integrity, and craftsmanship. While there are countless talented artists in this field, not all keepsakes are created with the same care or honesty. Here’s how to spot the difference between a genuine, thoughtfully crafted keepsake… and one that could break your heart all over again.
Signs of a Genuine Keepsake Artist
A true keepsake artist understands the weight of the responsibility placed in their hands when you trust them with your most precious inclusions. It’s never just about creating something beautiful; it’s about having the knowledge and expertise to craft keepsakes that stand the test of time. These are pieces that honour memories, milestones, and moments that deserve to be preserved, cherished, and protected for years to come.
Here’s what you should expect from a genuine artist:
✔ Transparent processes
✔ A clear explanation of how your inclusions are handled
✔ Proof of proper preservation methods
✔ Certificates of authenticity or clear records of inclusion use and storage
✔ Real testimonials from real clients
✔ A strong, visible reputation within the community
✔ Aftercare advice provided with your finished piece
If you’re met with vague answers, no clear proof of previous work, suspiciously fast turnarounds, or bargain-basement prices, consider them the red flags they are. Keepsake jewellery isn’t something to gamble on. The artist you trust with your most precious inclusions should be chosen with care, because this isn’t just jewellery. It’s your story, your memories, and they deserve nothing less than respect and expertise.
How to Spot Improperly Preserved Breastmilk Keepsakes
The art of preserving breastmilk is a skilled and delicate process, requiring a deep understanding of the preservation methods, the materials used, and the chemistry behind it all. From the preservation agents through to the resin itself, every step matters. When this process isn’t done correctly, it leaves visible; and often irreversible, signs. Here’s what to look out for, and why these issues happen.
Discolouration: Yellowing, Browning, or Grey Tones
Breastmilk naturally contains fats, sugars, and proteins. Without proper stabilisation using the correct preservation compounds, these elements will break down over time; leading to yellowing, browning, or grey discolouration within the resin. Poor-quality resins, especially those lacking UV protection, can accelerate and amplify these issues.
Properly preserved breastmilk should remain creamy, pale, or softly toned. If it shifts dramatically in colour, it’s a clear sign that something went wrong during the preservation process.
Dark Spots or Mould Growth
Black, brown, or green specks that appear within the stone or resin after preservation are often signs of fungal growth. Breastmilk is naturally nutrient-rich, and without the correct preservation compounds - with precise ratios, weights, and ingredients, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, even once encased in resin.
These marks indicate the milk wasn’t fully dried, stabilised, or treated properly before being sealed. Unfortunately, spoilage inside a keepsake cannot be undone. The only solution is to remake the piece using properly preserved breastmilk.
It’s also possible to see black flecks appear within your breastmilk stone over time that aren’t caused by spoilage, but by ingrained dirt. Resin naturally contains incredibly small micro-pores, and over time, dirt and debris can become embedded within these. In some cases, a deep clean can resolve this. If not, you can ask your artist whether they retain a supply of your preserved breastmilk to create a replacement stone if needed - this is something I personally offer for this very reason.
Period, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap can help prevent dirt becoming ingrained.
Cloudiness or Haze
While some pieces are designed to have a soft, opalescent look, unexpected clouding or fogging; especially if it worsens over time - often points to trapped moisture or improper resin curing.
Moisture interferes with resin, leaving foggy, dull patches. Poor environmental conditions during curing or resin that hasn’t fully bonded can cause this too.
Cracking, Crumbling or Breakage
If you notice significant cracks, fractures, or signs that your stone or setting is beginning to crumble; this typically points to weakness within either the inclusion itself or the materials used to create it. Improperly preserved breastmilk won’t bond correctly with resin, leading to weak points that can cause structural failure over time. Without proper stabilisation, the milk can remain unstable within the piece, contributing to brittleness, cracking, or even disintegration as the resin struggles to hold its integrity.
Cheap resins or fast-cure methods can leave pieces brittle and far more prone to cracking over time. Fluctuations in temperature during the curing process can also worsen this. An experienced artist will understand how to maintain a consistent curing environment, even when working through extreme seasonal temperatures.
Heat softens resin; cold causes it to contract. Without proper preservation of the inclusions, and with poor-quality materials, these environmental stresses will eventually cause the piece to break down.
What About Bubbles?
Air bubbles are common in handmade resin jewellery. They’re not usually a sign of poor preservation unless you’re also seeing discolouration, breakdown, or spoilage alongside them. Tiny bubbles are normal and don’t indicate structural failure on their own.
Why These Things Happen — The Science Behind It:
Fats & Sugars Breakdown: Without proper stabilisation, breastmilk’s natural fats and sugars oxidise and break down, causing discolouration and spoilage.
Bacteria & Fungi: If moisture remains, bacteria thrive. Without stabilisers, decay is inevitable.
Poor Resin Quality: Resin that isn’t UV-resistant or properly mixed will yellow, haze, and crack.
Environmental Stress: UV light, heat, and cold can all speed up resin degradation or cause inclusions to spoil from within.
Why DIY Kits Often Fail, and Why I Chose Not to Offer Them
The image above shows a set of breastmilk pearls created using a DIY preservation kit. Unfortunately, this outcome is all too common with DIY methods. While this doesn’t happen in every case, the risks are significantly higher - and the results can be unpredictable and often disappointing.
The Risks with DIY:
❌ Cheap resin that’s not UV stable
❌ Incomplete or inadequate preservation powders
❌ Poor instructions, leading to moisture being trapped
❌ Wasted inclusions, wasted money, and heartbreak when things go wrong
What might seem like a cheaper option often leads to disappointment; and ultimately costs more when you need to have the piece remade properly (if you even can).
Why Choosing the Right Artist Matters
Professional preservation isn’t just about resin skills - it’s about chemistry, experience, and respect for the precious materials you’ve entrusted to someone.
Choosing a keepsake artist isn’t simply about the finished piece; it’s about trusting them with your memories. Choose someone who understands why this work matters, someone with the knowledge and expertise to use only the highest quality materials, following a steadfast, proven process that leaves no room for error or doubt.
Final Thought
If it matters enough to preserve, it matters enough to have it done right. Your story deserves more than shortcuts. Paying a higher price for your keepsakes often reflects the quality of materials used and the expertise of the artist behind them; someone who knows exactly how to protect what matters most to you.
Learn more about how I work, and see examples of properly preserved, long-lasting keepsakes here -
Comments