Perfect
Izzy and I lost Monte almost 6 months ago. The grief has been something like I've never experienced before, and it's ongoing. I can sometimes go hours, or days, or even weeks without crying. And then suddenly something will trigger me, and it's just like it happened yesterday. I'm hit by a wave of grief that topples me over, so strong that all I can do is let it happen and accept it. Right after we lost Monte I knew I wanted something to keep him close. I knew it would help with my grief and I wanted it right away, but I also knew that I wanted to take my time and make sure I found a piece that I would love forever. I did a lot of research and decided on Close by me jewelry for a few reasons. I liked that the business is small and run by women. The owner and founder, Gina, shared her own story on the website, and I loved that she'd been through her own experiences and that this business is personal for her. And I loved that the jewelry Gina makes is different from other cremation jewelry. I wanted to be able to see Monte's ashes and other cremation jewelry is often colored, looking almost like a druzy stone instead of what it actually is. The process from placing the order.to receiving my ring took about 6 weeks and Gina was in constant contact with me, helping to lift my anxiety over having some of Monte's ashes gone. She wanted to hear Monte's story and see pictures of him, which let me know that each piece she makes is personal to her. And then I received the ring, and although looking at it makes me miss Monte, it also does exactly what I need, it helps me to feel close to him. Today is so bittersweet, but I am so thankful to Gina and her team. I will cherish this piece of jewelry forever.
A healing experience
This process of working with Gina has been a light through the difficulty of my loved ones death. The ring is beautiful and lifted my spirits when I saw it. Gina wrote a personalized note that was so special to read. She incorporates care and love into her work and interactions with her clients. This has been a supportive and compassionately held experience for me thanks to the way of being she holds.
Beautiful
I’m not a necklace person, and almost all cremation jewelry are necklaces/pendants, but I wear rings regularly. So when I found this website and all the ring options it was the perfect option for me. Working with the artist was great, she was very respectful and communicative. It took a little longer than I had expected (about 8 weeks) but it was worth it. The artist even included a free sterling silver charm made with my dads ashes, which was really kind and generous of her. I was able to give it to my mom to have something to remember my dad with, and she really appreciated it.
Makes me smile every time I look at it
After a lot of research on cremation jewelry it was obvious to me as soon as I came across Close By Me that the quality and design was exactly what I desired. I was right. The ring is exquisite. I can take Sammy with me on many more adventures now. Gina's customer service was impeccable.
Absolutely Beautiful
Words cannot describe how great my experience was with Gina. She was quick to respond and communicated with me during the whole process. She wanted to know about my baby girl and she was so compassionate throughout. The ring was breathtaking, I could not have asked for a more stunning ring. To be able to carry my baby girl with me everywhere means the world to me and I cannot thank Gina enough. She really puts her heart into every piece and it shows. I would recommend her to anyone suffering through a loss. Thank you so much, Gina. Words cannot express my gratitude.