Forgot to Remove Jewelry Before Cremation—What Happens to It?

Prior to cremation, the body has to be properly prepared and cared for. Part of this process is the removal of any foreign object, such as bodily implants, or important objects that the family of the deceased wishes to keep.

Jewelry is one of the primary things removed from the body before cremation, allowing the family to keep it as a way of remembering the deceased along with their ashes—but what happens if jewelry isn't removed before cremation?

What Happens to Jewelry During Cremation?

If any jewelry is left on the body when it enters the crematorium, it will be melted down under the intense heat, and any leftover pieces will either be separated from the cremated remains and disposed of, or crushed along with the remaining bone and teeth fragments. Any jewelry that has passed through the crematorium will not be in the same state that they were in initially, and it is, therefore, advisable that important or valuable jewelry be removed beforehand.

What Happens With Gold Teeth Before Cremation?

Real teeth will be broken down during the cremation process, and the remains are pulverized along with bone fragments. There is a similar outcome for gold or fake teeth as well as other precious metals in the body.

If a deceased family member has gold teeth, the family may wish for these to be removed before the body is cremated. These gold teeth will need to be removed by a certified dentist as funeral directors typically will not do this themselves. This should be planned in advance as not all dentists offer this service.