How to Get a Keepsake with the Fingerprints of a Deceased Loved One
Loss can feel like a hole, an absence. Grief follows that loss like a shadow, ever-present, clinging to your soles. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t go away with time, nor does it get smaller. Such thinking can trivialize your experience in bereavement. Rather, it’s something you hold within you forever, like fingerprints on the heart. Sometimes, it’s like you can feel the fingers still there. Other times you feel nothing at all - we can’t always be aware of something touching us, after all, especially once we’re used to it. And that’s okay.
As those left behind on this plane of existence, it becomes each of our responsibilities to hold space for and honor - not the loss but - the special bond we had with that someone in our own, individual ways. Perhaps you create an altar for them in your home; maybe you listen to their favorite song; you may leave flowers on their grave. There isn’t a right or wrong answer because the way you grieve can be equally as unique as that bond you shared. As unique as a fingerprint.
No two fingerprints are alike. A fingerprint keepsake is a great way to honor your loved one because it speaks to the singular nature of that person, as well as the bond you shared. In this post, we’ll go over how to create your own fingerprint keepsake, including how to get fingerprints of a deceased loved one. If you already have your loved one’s fingerprints, please feel free to skip down to the ‘Decide Which Keepsake to Choose’ section.
How to Get the Deceased’s Fingerprint
If you don’t already have the fingerprint of your loved one, procuring it can seem like a daunting task. We’re here to tell you not to worry. There are several easy ways to get a fingerprint of someone deceased.
Steps to Get Fingerprints of a Deceased Person
Step 1 - Contact the Funeral Home
Many funeral homes often take either ink or digital fingerprints of the loved ones they help prepare in an effort to help you honor and create rememberance keepsakes when you’re ready for them. The folks are always helpful and incredibly kind. If you used a funeral home to send off your loved one, reach out and they should be able to help you in getting a copy of your loved one’s fingerprints.
Step 2 - Check Military Records
If your late family member was a veteran or served in the military, they will have had their fingerprints taken. Check their paperwork or contact the military office where they were registered to request the fingerprints of a serviceperson. Though it may be intimidating to reach out to a military office, you are sure to receive a warm response, even if they’re unable to help you out.
Step 3 - Consult the DMV or Other Government Records
Many official government agencies take fingerprints for identification purposes. If you can’t find your loved one’s fingerprints in the official documents you received upon their death, there are a few other options. Some states take prints for driver’s license applications, so you can reach out to the DMV to request fingerprints of the deceased. Other options include notaries, such as those found at banks, or arrest records.
Once you have your loved one’s fingerprint, it’s time to…
Decide Which Keepsake to Choose
At ArtPix 3D, it’s our mission to capture and honor you, your memories, and the bonds you share through a wide range of custom keepsakes. A few of the keepsakes that achieve that mission the most are our series of 3D fingerprint crystals.
Custom Fingerprint Keepsakes
Carefully capturing and etching the intricate patterns and ridges of a fingerprint in crystal, our personalized fingerprint keepsakes offer a loving reminder of the indelible mark left on your heart by your loved one in stunning detail - that they’re always with you in spirit. We offer two types of custom fingerprint gifts:
LED Fingerprint Keychains
Coming in square, rectangle, or heart shapes, each of our LED keychains captures your loved one’s fingerprint in a crystal that attaches to any set of keys with its zinc alloy keyring and chain. At the push of a button, you can see all the intricate details of the fingerprint lit up by a brilliant LED that doubles as a flashlight should you ever find yourself in a pinch.
Crystal Fingerprint Necklaces
If you’re looking for a fingerprint keepsake you can hold a little closer to your heart, look no further than our crystal fingerprint pendants. Secured by a 20” stainless steel chain and available in rectangle and heart shapes, they offer the same care and attention to detail as our fingerprint keyrings while offering something that’s more than just an accessory. It’s a symbol of your memories, a swirl of emotions, and a dance of light that honors your special bond.
Visit ArtPix 3D to get a fingerprint necklace of the deceased created just for you or a fingerprint keychain you can always keep close. Because every line, every groove tells a story.