How to Take Fingerprints, Dognose prints, Handprints & Footprints for Jewellery (UK Guide)

At Button & Bean, we specialise in creating personalised jewellery that carries the unique prints of the ones you love most. From delicate fingerprints and tiny baby handprints and footprints, to the one-of-a-kind pattern of a dog’s nose print, these natural details can be captured and transformed into timeless keepsakes. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to take clear prints at home—whether it’s a thumbprint for a necklace, a baby footprint for a charm, or your dog’s nose print for a pendant—so your jewellery is made with the sharpest detail and deepest meaning.

What you’ll need

• One of Button and Beans, impression kits which include an ink strip to take multiple fingerprints, or paper, ink strips or the pencil and selloptape to take a hand, foot or paw print.
• A clean, dry hand/foot (no lotions), clean and dry dog nose.
• A hard, flat surface and good lighting.
• Optional: smartphone or scanner (300–600 dpi) to send a clear image.

Part 1: How to Take a Fingerprint for Jewellery

Fingerprints are one of the most personal and unique ways to create keepsake jewellery. Whether you’re capturing your own print, your partner’s, or a loved one’s as a memorial, a clear fingerprint ensures that every swirl and ridge will be beautifully transferred to your Button & Bean piece.

Step-by-Step Guide

Clean and dry the finger

Wash the finger with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Oils and moisture can cause smudging.

Choose the best finger

The thumb or index finger usually has the clearest ridge patterns.

Use your ink strips or the pencil and selloptape & sensitised paper

Gently rub the wipe across the fingertip, then press the finger onto the special paper. Hold with even pressure for 1–2 seconds, then lift straight up—don’t roll. The print will appear as the paper reacts with the wipe.

Take multiple prints

Make 5–10 attempts, varying the pressure slightly. This gives us options to choose the sharpest, most detailed print.

Check for details

Look for sharp ridgelines with clear gaps between them. If it looks smudged or faint, try again with lighter or firmer pressure.

Tips for Best Results

• If skin is very dry, apply a little moisturiser, wait a few minutes, and then wash and dry before trying again.
• Avoid pressing too hard, as this can blur the ridges.
• If you don’t have an Ink strips, you can also try the pencil and sticky tape method: rub a pencil patch onto paper, press the finger onto it, then lift with clear tape and place on white paper.

Once you’re happy with your prints, simply scan or photograph them and upload to our website—we’ll take care of the rest. Every ridge and swirl will be captured in your jewellery, making it a piece that is truly one-of-a-kind. Make sure that the photo is clear, focused and not blurry.

How to Take a Dog Nose Print for Jewellery

Every dog has a nose print as unique as a human fingerprint. The tiny ridges and textures form a natural pattern that makes for a truly personal keepsake, whether you’re creating a charm, necklace, or keyring. With a little patience (and a treat or two), you can capture your dog’s nose print safely at home and have it transformed into a lasting piece of jewellery by Button & Bean.

Step-by-Step Guide

Get your materials ready

You’ll need our Nose Impressions kit that you can get here, which includes clear instructions, a returns envelope and the putty needed to take your print.

Prepare your dog

Choose a calm moment, ideally when your dog is relaxed. Have a helper hold them gently and keep some treats handy for reassurance.

Take the print

Press the nose gently but firmly onto the putty. Hold for 1–2 seconds, then lift straight off. Avoid touching it or sliding, as this can smudge the print.

Repeat a few times

If you are not happy with the imprint, you can always reshape the putty and try again. Dogs sometimes move, so extra attempts give the best chance of capturing a clean, detailed impression.

Send it back

Once you are happy with the imprint, you can send it back to us.

Tips for Best Results

• Pick a quiet time when your dog isn’t too excitable (after a walk works well).
• Use small, even pressure—enough to make contact across the whole nose, but not so hard it’s uncomfortable.
• If your dog is very fidgety, try focusing on top of the nose area —we can often combine sections into a full nose print.
• Always reward your dog afterwards so it’s a positive experience.

Once you have a clear nose imprint, simply send it back to us in the return envolope. Our team will refine the details and engrave them into your chosen piece, so you can carry your dog’s unique nose print with you forever.

Please note – We can also work from a good photo (close-up, taking in focus and in good daylight)

Our Fingerprint, Handprint, Footprint & Dog Nose Print Jewellery

At Button & Bean, we turn your unique prints into keepsakes you’ll treasure forever. Once you’ve captured your fingerprint, handprint, footprint, or dog nose print, you can choose from our carefully crafted collection of personalised jewellery:

Silver Circle Fold Fingerprint Necklace

A timeless simple design that folds slightly around the edges. Discreet, elegant, and perfect for carrying a loved one’s touch close to your heart. Each piece is handmade in our UK studio using your actual fingerprint, lasered with care and cast to last a lifetime, you can also add text on the reverse for more customisation. Get yours here. 

Men’s Personalised Leather Hidden Fingerprint Bracelet

Crafted from premium leather, this bracelet hides a secret fingerprint inside the clasp. A subtle and masculine way to keep a personal connection with you every day. This bracelet can hold up to three fingerprints, each delicately engraved within a heart-shaped motif. It’s a versatile design that works beautifully as a family keepsake—your children’s prints on the larger clasp with their names on the smaller one—or as a touching memorial, featuring a single fingerprint on the small clasp paired with a heartfelt message on the larger clasp. Get yours here.

Personalised Two Heart Charm Necklace With Hand And Foot Prints

Celebrate family love with two delicate heart charms, each engraved with a tiny handprint or footprint. Ideal for parents or grandparents who want to carry little ones’ prints wherever they go. You can also add text on the reverse, its also available in Yellow Gold Plated, and Sterling Silver. Get yours here.

Gold Vermeil Organic Dog Nose Print Necklace

Made in luxurious gold vermeil, this organic-shaped pendant captures every ridge of your dog’s unique nose print. A stunning way to celebrate the bond between you and your pet.

Each piece is lovingly handcrafted in the UK and finished with attention to detail, ensuring your jewellery is not just a keepsake, but a lasting heirloom. Get yours here. 

Frequently asked questions

Is the kit safe for babies?

Yes. Ink strips or the pencil and selloptape with sensitised paper are non-toxic and widely used for baby hand/footprints.

Can you use existing prints or photos?

Absolutely—good photos or scans of existing prints work well.

Do I need deep fingerprint ridges?

Most adult fingerprints are fine. Hydrate dry skin, then try again with even pressure.

How many attempts should I do?

Take several and send your top 3–5; we’ll choose the most detailed.

Finally, Create a Lasting Keepsake with Button & Bean

Capturing a fingerprint, handprint, footprint, or dog nose print is a simple but meaningful way to create jewellery that tells your personal story. With the right tools—whether it’s ink strips or the pencil and selloptape kit for baby prints, a steady hand for fingerprints, or a calm moment with your dog—you can take clear, detailed impressions that our team at Button & Bean carefully transform into timeless pieces.

From the Silver Circle Fold Fingerprint Necklace and Men’s Personalised Leather Hidden Fingerprint Bracelet, to the Two Heart Charm Necklace with Hand and Foot Prints and the Gold Vermeil Dog Nose Print Necklace, each piece is designed to carry a unique connection forever.

Whether you’re celebrating new life, remembering a loved one, or honouring the bond with your pet, personalised jewellery is more than an accessory—it’s a keepsake that lasts a lifetime.

• Ready to create yours?
• Order your Free Print Kit today
• Explore our full range of Fingerprint, Handprint, Footprint & Dog Nose Print Jewellery
• Or simply upload your prints online and let us take care of the rest

At Button & Bean, we make it easy to capture life’s most precious details and turn them into jewellery you’ll cherish forever.