Preserving the shape of a hand or foot
These keepsakes use the outline and available detail of a hand or foot, rather than only a fingertip ridge pattern. The result may be a silhouette, an engraved image or another reproduction. Ask what the maker can faithfully retain from your particular source.
Choose the mark you want to keep
Choose the mark that matters most, not necessarily the one that looks most complete. A handprint may recall a familiar gesture; a footprint may be the record you have from a brief time together. Both deserve careful source assessment before you decide on a pendant shape or inscription.
Baby child and adult impressions
A baby’s print and an adult’s print raise different scale questions, but neither must be reproduced at life size. You can choose a reduced design while keeping a copy of the original dimensions. There is no requirement to include a name or dates if you would prefer the impression to stand alone.
Existing cards and photographs
Keep precious cards, photographs and physical impressions safely stored. Ask whether the maker can assess a clear copy first. Faint areas, missing edges and uneven ink should be discussed openly; a faithful imperfect print may mean more to you than a tidied version with details added.
Choose a manageable first step
Start by finding out whether the source is usable. You can choose the final jewellery later. If there is no suitable impression, a symbol, photograph or short inscription can preserve another part of the memory without presenting an invented hand or footprint as an original record.
Questions you might have
Can a baby keepsake card be used?
It may be suitable. A clear scan or photograph can often be assessed first, so you need not begin by posting the original keepsake.
Will an adult print be reduced in size?
Usually jewellery requires a smaller representation, but the exact approach depends on the design. Ask about scale and which details will remain visible.
What if the impression is incomplete?
Ask what can be reproduced as it stands. Any proposed reconstruction or clean-up should be explained and approved, rather than silently filling in missing areas.
Further reading and source guidance
- Hand on Heart: print and artwork preparation ↗
An example of a maker accepting digital source copies for assessment.
Source guidance reviewed 10 October 2026.
