How to Take Crisp, Clear Fingerprints for Fingerprint Jewelry
A Guide for Custom Fingerprint Necklaces, Memorial Jewelry & Gifts using Fingerprint images you send to us by email.
Creating personalized fingerprint jewelry is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate someone you love. Whether you’re designing a fingerprint memorial necklace, a men’s fingerprint pendant, or a special Mother’s Day fingerprint gift, the first step is always the same: you need a clear, detailed fingerprint.
Why Clear Fingerprints Matter for Beautiful Jewelry
Your fingerprint pendant is only as detailed as the image you send.
Great fingerprint jewelry needs:
- sharp, defined lines
- strong contrast (light background + dark lines)
- no smudging or blur
- even lighting (no shadows over part of the image)
- flat, not textured background
Feeling the Fingerprint Texture
Fingerprint images that are closer to the scale of the actual size of the fingerprint and finger, are very very fine and delicate. We cannot make these very deep and therefore the texture is very delicate. Enlarged fingerprints are much more tactile because the lines are wider and we can go deeper with the engravings. We often need to alter the size of the fingerprint depending on the final piece chosen and the quality of the fingerprint. For larger pieces with less high quality fingerprint image to work with, we have to make larger lines.
- The finer and more complete and detailed the print, the shallower the engraving needs to be.
- The thicker and wider and more blown up the fingerprint image is, the deeper the engraving can be.
FINGERPRINT QUALITY
When you don't have the option to take a new print.
We work with ANY fingerprint you send. We completely understand that in many cases, the fingerprint you have is the only one available and since your loved one has passed, and there is no possible way to get new fingerprints.
Fingerprints from Funeral Homes.
Many funeral homes provide fingerprints, and we work with many variations of those. Some are more enlarged than a regular fingerprint.
Fingerprints made with paint or ink pads.
Loved ones may have taken prints in hospice in paint or available materials. You may have a kid's fingerprint from an old craft or school project. These are generally not very clear and sharp but we work with those too.
We have worked with very smudged, blurry and dark fingerprints. We use all the tools of technology available to draw out the best contrast and most detailed area of the print, we can also isolate the best areas and change the sizing to create the most pleasing area to use on the pendant.
Our goal is to create a piece of jewellery from your loved one's touch, and to make it the nicest piece of jewellery we can, with what we have to work with. A beautiful piece of jewellery is sometimes equally important to the need to capture something of the touch of the loved one.
We will do our best to craft a balance between using the only print available and making a beautiful keepsake.
When you have the options to make a print.
Below, you’ll find the two best methods we recommend for taking perfect prints for sterling silver and solid gold fingerprint jewelry:
- The iFing App (best and easiest)
- The Pencil + Tape Method (DIY, no cost)
Here are the two best ways to take high-quality fingerprints at home.
Method 1: The iFing App (Best Quality + Easiest)
The iFing app is the easiest and most reliable way to take a perfect fingerprint for jewelry. We are not affiliated with this app in any way — we simply recommend it because the fingerprints are:
✔ High contrast
✔ Extremely detailed
✔ Perfect for engraving
✔ Fast and simple
The app is free to try, and there is a small fee (usually about $1) to download the final fingerprint. You can then email that file directly to us.
How to Use the iFing App
- Download iFing from the App Store or Google Play.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your fingerprint.
- Review the print to ensure the lines look sharp.
- Purchase/download the high-resolution file.
- Email the image to us at Luxe Design with your order number.
This method gives the best results for gold and silver fingerprint jewelry.
Method 2: The Pencil + Tape Method (DIY & Free)
(Works extremely well when done correctly)
This is a classic method that produces wonderfully clear fingerprints with materials you already have at home.
What You’ll Need
- HB pencil (or any soft graphite pencil)
- Clear Scotch tape
- White paper
- A clean, dry finger or thumb
How to Take a Clear Fingerprint (Step-by-Step)
-
Draw a dark square on white paper using your pencil.
(Go over it several times until it is very dense and dark.) - Clean and dry your finger.
- Rub your fingertip over the graphite square.
- Ensure the entire pad is covered in a thin, even layer of pencil lead.
- Place a piece of tape sticky-side up on your table.
- Press your finger firmly onto the tape.
- Stick the tape onto a clean section of white paper.
- Repeat a few times and choose the most detailed print.
How to Send Your Print
- Photograph the print in bright, even lighting
- Make sure the image is in focus and close-up
- Email your image to us with your order number
This method works perfectly for memorial fingerprint jewelry, baby fingerprint gifts, men’s fingerprint necklaces, and couples fingerprint pendants.
Digital Fingerprint Jewelry: How It Works
We create fingerprint jewelry in sterling silver or solid 14k gold (18k available by request). When you send us a clear fingerprint:
- We enhance contrast and detail digitally.
- The fingerprint is engraved deeply into your pendant.
- Your charm or necklace is polished and finished by hand.
The final result is a permanent, tactile impression you can feel with your fingertips.
Perfect for:
- memorial keepsakes
- anniversaries
- new baby gifts
- weddings
- fingerprint jewelry for men
- birthday gifts for parents
- remembrance jewelry
Examples of Fingerprint Jewelry We Can Create
- Solid gold fingerprint pendants
- Sterling silver fingerprint charms
- Oxidized fingerprint necklaces
- Double-print heart necklaces
- Memorial fingerprint urn jewelry
- Parent/child matching fingerprint sets
Every piece is handmade in our Vancouver, BC studio.
Ready to Create Your Fingerprint Necklace?
Choose your favourite design, place your order, then email your fingerprint image to us. We’ll create your jewellery
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to take a fingerprint for jewelry?
The two best methods are: 1) use the iFing app (fast, high-contrast digital prints), or 2) the pencil + tape method (DIY, free). Both produce crisp images ideal for engraving in sterling silver or solid gold.
2. What makes a fingerprint good enough for fingerprint jewelry?
A usable fingerprint has sharp, defined ridge lines, strong contrast (dark lines on a light background), no smudges, even lighting, and a flat, non-textured background.
3. Why do some fingerprints look blurred on jewelry?
Blurry prints usually come from smudging, poor lighting, textured paper, low-resolution photos, or prints taken too small. Clear, high-contrast images create the best engraving detail.
4. How does the size of the fingerprint affect texture and engraving?
Smaller, life-size prints are very fine and result in a delicate, shallow engraving. Enlarged prints have wider ridge lines, allowing deeper, more tactile engraving. We may resize prints depending on your chosen piece and the quality of the image.
5. Can you work with old, smudged, or low-quality fingerprints?
Yes. We work with any fingerprint you send — funeral home prints, ink or paint prints from hospice, school crafts, or scanned documents. We use digital tools to enhance contrast, isolate the best areas, and create the most pleasing result possible.
6. My loved one has passed — can you still make fingerprint jewelry if I can’t take a new print?
Absolutely. We frequently work from existing prints provided by families or funeral homes. If the print is the only one available, we will do our best to balance faithfulness to the touch with creating a beautiful keepsake.
7. What is the iFing app and why do you recommend it?
iFing is a smartphone app that creates clear, high-resolution fingerprint images suitable for engraving. We are not affiliated with the app — we recommend it because its prints are high contrast, extremely detailed, and easy to email. There’s usually a small fee to download the final file.
8. How do I use the iFing app for fingerprint jewelry?
Download iFing from the App Store or Google Play, follow the scanning instructions, review the print for sharp lines, purchase/download the high-resolution file, then email that image to us with your order number.
9. How do I do the pencil + tape method for fingerprints?
-
Fill a square on white paper with soft graphite (HB pencil) until very dark.
-
Clean and dry the finger.
-
Rub the fingertip over the graphite square to cover evenly.
-
Place clear tape sticky-side up, press the finger onto the tape, then stick the tape to clean white paper.
-
Repeat and pick the most detailed print. Photograph in bright, even light and email it to us.
10. How should I photograph or scan my fingerprints to send them?
Use bright, even lighting (no shadows), keep the camera in focus and close-up, photograph against a plain white background, and send the highest-resolution file you can.
11. Which fingerprint types work best: thumb, finger, or toe?
Any clear print can work. Thumb and finger prints are most commonly used and usually produce the best ridge detail for engraving. Toes can work if detailed and clear.
12. Can you use baby fingerprints for jewelry?
Yes. Baby prints can be used, but they are often very faint. We recommend using the iFing app or an ink pad and the pencil + tape method to get the clearest result. Footprints are sometimes easier for very young infants.
13. Will the finished jewelry feel textured like the original fingerprint?
Yes. When the fingerprint image allows, we engrave texture so you can feel the ridges. Deeper tactile texture is possible when the image is enlarged or has bold ridge lines.
14. Can you combine two fingerprints (for example, Mom + Dad)?
Yes — we can combine prints into shapes (hearts, initials, or custom layouts) to create double-print keepsakes like a combined-heart pendant.
15. Do you offer advice on how to take prints if I'm unsure?
Yes — we provide guidance and will review prints you send. Email multiple images if you can; we’ll advise which is best for your chosen design.
16. What if I only have a print from a funeral home or an old document?
We frequently work with funeral home prints. Many of these are usable and sometimes pre-enlarged. Send a photo or scan and we’ll evaluate and recommend sizing or edits to make the best pendant possible.
17. Can you edit or enhance my fingerprint image?
Yes. We use digital tools to enhance contrast, remove distracting marks, and isolate the best section of a print. Our goal is to retain authenticity while creating a beautiful finished piece.
18. Does the fingerprint need to be a perfect circle or full print?
No. We often isolate the most detailed area of a print and adjust sizing for the pendant. A partial print with strong ridge detail can be sufficient.
19. What file types should I send and how do I send them?
High-resolution JPEGs, PNGs, or scanned PDFs are best. Email your image to us and include your order number in the subject line so we can match it to your order.
20. Will engraving depth vary by metal?
Yes. Solid 14k/18k gold and sterling silver accept different engraving depths. We’ll advise the ideal depth and size for the metal you choose to achieve the best texture and longevity.
21. Do you offer memorial fingerprint necklaces and fingerprint jewelry for men and women?
Yes — we design styles for men, women, and unisex pieces, plus memorial fingerprint necklaces, father/mother pendants, and subtle keepsake charms.
22. How long does it take to make fingerprint jewelry after I send the image?
Typical production times are 2–4 weeks depending on complexity and current order volume. We’ll confirm timing when your order and images are received.
23. Can I request a mockup before you make the piece?
Yes. For many custom orders we can provide a design mockup (image) for approval before production — especially for complex layouts or combined prints.
24. What if I’m unhappy with the final piece because the print wasn’t clear enough?
We’ll work with you before production to select the best image and recommend sizing or alternative designs. If a print truly won’t produce a pleasing result, we’ll discuss other options (different layout, enlargement, or supplemental engraving).