Today, we’re chatting with Donna Lightburn, our ashes jewellery creator.
Donna is our go-to for all things ashes. She is responsible for all of our resin ashes jewellery, from start to finish. This involves checking the silver before setting, creating the jewellery, organising orders ready for packing, completing the authentication certificates, packing and dispatching the orders, and keeping all records up to date. She also helps with jewellery design and product development, including researching how we can expand ashes into other pieces, which is very exciting!
Donna initially trained as a hairdresser and was in this industry from age sixteen until her new role at Hand on Heart. As well as hairdressing, she is a level three trained beautician and body massage. Donna has also worked at Center Parcs, where she completed a business and admin course.
Donna, what’s your favourite part of your role at Hand on Heart?
I love all of my role. I feel the memorial range has a special place in my heart as I sadly lost my mum, and there wasn’t anything like the pieces we create available back then. The pieces we make will give someone comfort and closure, and make a difficult and painful moment into a happy memory. I would love to make the range into more pieces outside of jewellery as a keepsake.
Do you have a favourite task as part of your job?
I enjoy the whole process of the role. I also enjoy organising all the orders into date order, batches for people to set etc, to keep everything flowing.
Has any customer feedback or reviews of Hand on Heart really stuck out as being memorable for you?
This review by Fern G: “The ring contains the ashes of my baby son. It took seven years for me to finally feel able to open the ashes, I was nervous about having others handle his ashes, but from start to finish, HoH put me at immediate ease. Everything was done so swiftly and with such care, keeping me informed throughout the process, everything tracked and recorded, and any questions answered extremely swiftly. I can’t recommend these guys enough. Thanks so much for a stunning piece of jewellery that I can wear each day and have my little man close to me.”
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love to socialise with friends. I also enjoy working out and spending time with my little girls and Sully. Or a good series on Netflix.
What’s your favourite thing about living and working in the Lake District?
I feel there is a lot steadier pace in the Lakes, and also, the views we have daily are incredible.
Do you have a favourite Hand on Heart piece of jewellery? If so, what is it and why?
My favourite piece is the fingerprint heart ring (I’m currently having one made). I think it’s a lovely different piece as a mum of two to have and look at every day.
If you had to sum up your job at Hand on Heart in three words, what would you say?
Creative. Rewarding. Exciting
What’s an interesting or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?
I LOVE Interior design, I even have my own house page!
Thanks for chatting with us, Donna! Our ashes jewellery collection is such an important part of our offering at Hand on Heart, and Donna is vital to that. Learning more about her day-to-day role and how she creates those stunning ashes pieces has been wonderful.
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