Pet portrait necklace : a perfect gift

All of us pet owners would love carrying our beloved furry friends wherever we go. A pet portrait necklace is the perfect gift for any animal lover : it’s custom made to order, it’s small and precious, and it’s both very cute and dainty. I’m a ceramic artist creating pet portrait necklaces for you and your beloved cat, dog, ferret or bunny. And if you’re more into exotic birds, fish or scaly friends, I might just have the perfect porcelain pendant for you. Any animal is welcome, even the most unusual.

custom pet portrait necklace : a grey fluffy cat with green eyes made by kness
A lovely pet portrait necklace for a cute fluffy kitty

A pet portrait necklace is a beautiful and personalized way to celebrate your animal friend, or to get a very beautiful and personalized gift for your loved one’s special occasion. Not only does a pet portrait necklace serve as a constant reminder of the love and bond you share with your furry friend, it also makes for a thoughtful and heartfelt gift for any pet owner. From birthdays to holidays or simply to show someone you care, a pet portrait necklace is a truly meaningful present that will be treasured for years to come.

Pet portrait necklaces : a few examples

I create pet portrait pendants as commissioned works. They’re unique, handmade and as such, they take a long time to create. I don’t just paint a random 3d printed, molded piece with your dog colors. I recreate your pup or kitty from your pictures in a cute and minimalist style. Let’s review a few samples of the past custom made pet portrait necklaces to give you a more precise idea.

commission pet portrait necklace for a tuxedo cat
A tuxedo cat pendant with gold highlights and details, green eyes.

Why pet portrait necklaces are special

Pet portrait necklaces are not just ordinary pieces of jewelry; they hold a special place in the hearts of pet owners. Our pets are more than just animals; they often are cherished members of our families. They provide us with unconditional love, companionship, and countless precious memories. A pet portrait necklace allows us to honor and remember them in a unique and beautiful way.

cute custom pet portrait necklace detail : the beans
Very important detail : the beans !

What sets Kness’ pet portrait necklaces apart is the personalization they offer. Each necklace is custom-made, featuring a true miniature sculpted porcelain portrait of the pet that is near and dear to your heart.

With its cute and arty style, the necklace captures the essence of your pet’s personality and brings it to life in a stunning piece of wearable art. It’s a way to carry a piece of your pet’s spirit with you wherever you go.

Furthermore, pet portrait necklaces serve as a conversation starter and a way to share your love for your pet with others. People often ask about the necklace, providing an opportunity to talk about your furry friend and share heartwarming stories. It’s a beautiful way to connect with others who understand the special bond between humans and animals.

pet portrait necklace from photo to pendant toready to gift customized  box
The photo, the pet portrait pendant and the little box I customize for each one

What’s special about porcelain pet portrait necklaces

Kness’ porcelain pet portrait necklaces are all handmade and one of a kind. I will study the pictures and talk to you directly about your order. You will be able to ask for a position, mention the tiny little detail that is dear to you and let me know everything about your bond with your animal.

Pick your pet portrait necklace options

You will be able to pick options like gold, mother of pearl, or white gold depending on your pet’s colors and your preferences regarding jewelry. When a pet portrait is ordered in a sitting position, I usually paint the little paws on the underside but I can also add a date, a name or any inscription you would like.

Betta Splendens custom pet portrait Pendant
Cats and dogs are common picks but I also sculpt fish for pet portraits pendants

Choice of chains or no chain for your pet portrait pendant

You will be able to pick a chain, either Vermeil or Sterling silver, directly from the shop. This is optional in order to keep the price as reasonable as possible : you can use your own chain if you like !

Wrapped in a one of a kind ready to gift box

Lastly, when you buy a pet portrait necklace from me, it will ship in it’s own ready-to-gift custom box. The box is made out of cardboard, so if it is to be discarded, it’s entirely compostable. You or your loved one can also keep it and store the pet portrait pendant in it or just unfold it and keep the little drawing in a photo album or in a picture frame.

pet portrait necklace : a texas blue heeler dog portrait

How to choose the perfect photo for your pet portrait necklace

Choosing the perfect photo for your pet portrait necklace is an important step in creating a truly personalized piece of jewelry. Here are some tips to help you select the ideal image:

Clear and high-resolution

For the best results, choose a clear and relatively high resolution photo of your pet. I wrote a whole article about Commissioning Art and references. you might want to read it when your decision is made.

Close-up and focused

Opt for a close-up photo that focuses on your pet’s face. This way, the portrait will capture their unique features, such as their eyes, nose, and mouth. A close-up photo also helps to create a more intimate and personal connection with your pet’s image.

Natural lighting

Natural lighting is key to capturing the true colors and details of your pet’s fur. Avoid using flash or artificial lighting, as they can distort the colors and create unwanted shadows. Take the photo outdoors or near a window where there is ample natural light.

Candid or posed

Consider whether you want a candid or posed photo of your pet. Candid shots often capture the true essence of your pet’s personality and can be full of life and energy. On the other hand, a posed photo allows you to capture a specific expression or moment that you particularly love. Choose a photo that best represents your pet and the memories you shared.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the photo you choose for your pet portrait necklace is a true reflection of your furry friend’s unique character and beauty.

a pet iguana portrait as a porcelain pendant
A lovely pet iguana portrait for a necklace

The process of creating a pet portrait necklace

Creating a pet portrait necklace involves several steps from reserving your piece to selecting the photo and receiving the finished piece. Here is a general overview of the process:

Custom Pendant Reservation

The first step is reserving your piece. Commissions are not always available so if there aren’t any pieces left, feel free to join the mailing list or a product’s waitlist.

Request submission

Once your piece is paid for and your order is pending, you can send me your full request by filling in the form.

Photo submission

Once you have chosen the perfect photo of your pet, you will need to submit it in the form, for that you can add it to your dropbox, google drive or any other link as long as it’s set to public and I can see it 🙂 You can also link an instagram post or something on another social media.

commission cat portrait pendant
A cat in a sweater as a pet portrait pendant

Reply and confirmation

After the submission, I will review your request and pictures and get back to you to confirm your order is in progress. I will ask questions or for more pictures if needed. Once your order is confirmed, production starts.

Production

I will then meticulously create the pet portrait necklace according to your specifications. This involves sculpting, drying, painting and firing your piece several times in order to bring your pet’s image to life. A full production cycle takes 6 to 12 weeks depending on my firing schedules.

Quality check and finishing touches

Before the necklace is shipped to you, I will take several pictures and send them by e-mail. The pendant will undergo a thorough quality check to ensure that it meets the highest standards. Any necessary finishing touches will be made to guarantee that you receive a flawless and beautiful piece of jewelry.

I will then decorate a box for your pendant with a small doodle of your pet as an extra attention for you. Your order is ready to gift.

pet portrait necklace for a lovely cute corgi
A lovely corgi as a pet portrait necklace

Delivery

Finally, the completed pet portrait necklace will be carefully packaged and shipped to your doorstep. Depending on your location and the shipping method, it may take a few days or weeks for the necklace to arrive. Once you receive it, you can marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and the adorable representation of your pet.

The process of creating a pet portrait necklace is a collaborative effort between you and Kness. It ensures that you receive a personalized and high-quality piece of jewelry that captures the essence of your furry friend.

Tips for caring for your pet portrait necklace

To keep your pet portrait necklace looking beautiful and in pristine condition, it’s important to follow some simple care tips:

Avoid shocks

Your porcelain pendant is very sturdy and will withstand almost everything, except for a fall onto a hard surface. You can use it in the shower, sleep with it, use perfume or products but you should avoid letting it fall.

Store it properly

When you’re not wearing your pet portrait necklace, store its custom box to protect it from dust, scratches, and tarnish. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.

Clean regularly

Gently clean your pet portrait necklace using a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. Regular cleaning will help to maintain the necklace’s shine and keep it looking its best.

If you picked a sterling silver chain, it may darken with time and oxidize. You can brush it with regular toothpaste and rinse, it will be as good as new. Vermeil chains do not oxidize.

Handle with care

Pet portrait necklaces are delicate pieces of jewelry, so it’s important to handle them with care. Avoid pulling or tugging on the chain, as this can weaken or break it. When taking off or putting on the necklace, hold it by the chain rather than the pendant or charm to prevent any accidental damage.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your pet portrait necklace remains a cherished and beautiful keepsake for years to come.

handmade porcelain Rat pendant portrait neklace
Two pet rats as a portrait for a porcelain pendant

Personal stories and testimonials from pet owners

Pet portrait necklaces have touched the hearts of many families worldwide. Here are a few personal stories and testimonials from individuals who have experienced the magic of a pet portrait necklace:

Joachim’s story

“I wasn’t aware of the possibility to comission but took my chance once it was offered prior to christmas. The small sculpture of «Frieder», a severed veteran cat my wife cares greatly about turned out just that tad more beautiful and charming she wanted to keep him in memories. Thank you, dear Kness. You are unique✨”

Beau’s testimonial

“I got a commission of my cat that recently passed and she couldn’t have done a better job capturing his image. She really took into account the little details of him, and really made him feel like we could always keep a bit of him with us. I gifted the piece to my mother and she loved the art on the box and everything! He sitting by an old photo of him now in his little shrine and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to commission.”

Fearn’s experience

“I commissioned a ceramic bunny for a friend who’s childhood bunny (Tarquin) lives in another country with her mother. She’s very attached to him and hasn’t been able to visit much so this commission was really important, as the idea was to help her feel more connected to him. When she opened the box and saw Tarquin she was enamoured. She instantly recognised the bunny as Tarquin and noted all the little features in his colouring that Karine had so painstakingly replicated from the photos I’d sent. It’s hard to put into words how lovely the whole process was. It was exciting to talk about the project, and Kness sent reference photos of a previous work to check the pose before she started. Tarquin’s colouring is dappled and a bit wild and she did such a good job of capturing it. There was great communication throughout, and the shipping was trackable which was good peace of mind. Basically what I’m saying is if you’ve ever been tempted to buy a piece, and particularly if you have ever considered commissioning one: do it!”

These personal stories and testimonials highlight the emotional significance of pet portraits. Whether it’s finding solace after the loss of a pet or celebrating the bond with a living furry friend, these necklaces have the power to touch our hearts and keep our pets’ memories alive.

Conclusion: Celebrating the bond with your furry friend

A pet portrait necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of the love and bond we share with our furry friends. It allows us to honor and remember them in a meaningful and beautiful way. Whether you choose a pendant, a charm necklace, or a figurine, customization options abound to create a unique piece that captures your pet’s essence.