Did You Know Breastmilk Jewelry Exists? Neither Did We

If you thought lockets with baby pictures were sentimental, just wait until you hear about breastmilk jewelry. Yes, you read that right—jewelry made from actual breast milk. Some moms are preserving their breastfeeding journey by turning their “liquid gold” into rings, necklaces, and even earrings. And while this trend might sound new, breastmilk jewelry has been around for over a decade, offering mothers a unique way to commemorate their breastfeeding experience.

How Breastmilk Jewelry Became a Thing

The idea of preserving a physical piece of motherhood isn’t new—Victorian-era moms kept locks of baby hair in jewelry, and baby teeth have been turned into charms. But breastmilk jewelry takes things a step further. According to NBC New York, the concept emerged around 2007 when artists on Etsy started experimenting with ways to solidify breast milk and encapsulate it in resin. By 2013, the trend had taken off, with more jewelers offering custom pieces that turn a few drops of milk into keepsakes that can last a lifetime.

The Process: From Liquid Gold to Wearable Art

Making breastmilk jewelry is a meticulous process. According to What to Expect, it typically involves:

• Sending in the milk: Customers ship about a teaspoon to half an ounce of breast milk to the jeweler.
• Preservation: The milk is sterilized, often boiled, and treated with a preservative to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transformation: The preserved milk is then dehydrated, turned into powder, and mixed with resin to create a solid “stone.” Some jewelers offer customization options, like adding shimmer, metallic flakes, or even locks of baby hair.
• Setting the stone: The final product is molded into a ring, pendant, bracelet, or earrings, depending on the customer’s choice.

While this process varies by jeweler, the end result is a one-of-a-kind memento of the breastfeeding journey.

Why Moms Are Loving It (and Why Some Are Skeptical)

For many, breastmilk jewelry is a deeply personal keepsake that celebrates the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding. Today interviewed moms who see these pieces as “badges of honor,” symbolizing the dedication and intimacy of nourishing their babies. Some jewelers, like Brittani Beals of Made With Love Keepsakes, note that these pieces help mothers commemorate a hard-earned achievement—whether they breastfed for days, months, or years.

But not everyone is on board. Some people find the idea unsettling, with skeptics calling it “weird” or even “gross.” Others worry about the logistics—how long does preserved breast milk really last? And will it yellow or change over time? According to The Associated Press, some customers have complained about long wait times and even missing orders, raising concerns about the reliability of some jewelers in the industry.

The Business of Breastmilk Jewelry

Despite the skepticism, breastmilk jewelry has become a booming business. Custom pieces range from $50 to $500, depending on the complexity of the design. Etsy remains a popular marketplace for these keepsakes, with independent jewelers offering everything from simple resin pendants to intricate gold-and-diamond settings.

However, not all businesses have been able to keep up with demand. In 2015, The Associated Press reported that some customers waited nearly two years for their orders from one Rhode Island-based jeweler. This has led some buyers to be extra cautious, researching companies and reading reviews before sending off their milk.

More Than a Trend: A Celebration of Motherhood

Love it or not, breastmilk jewelry is here to stay. For the moms who choose to wear it, it’s more than just an accessory—it’s a tangible reminder of a unique chapter in their lives. As Keepsake Mom puts it, “Breastfeeding is an extremely personal process… every experience deserves to be remembered, honored, and celebrated.”

And if nothing else, it’s a guaranteed conversation starter.