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How do you fill cremation jewellery with the ashes?

Cremation jewellery is a beautiful, personal way to keep your loved one close to your heart. The process of filling the jewellery with ashes is simple and can be done at home.

Once the cremation process is complete, the ashes are placed into a temporary plastic bag and delivered inside a box. The ashes are then transferred into the final resting place, which is typically a cremation urn. You can also find instructions on how to fill a cremation urn.

Once this is complete, many people then wish to retain a portion of ashes in cremation jewellery as a keepsake. This also allows family to share the ashes of their loved one amongst many people, to help keep their memory alive.

These instructions will guide you on how to transfer a portion of the ashes to your keepsake jewellery. 

Here are the steps you need to take. Please read them in full before commencing.

What you will need

Cremation jewellery

A funnel, that may come with the jewellery

A teaspoon or the small scoop that may come with the jewellery

A toothpick

An under-sheet:

towel,

cloth,

wax paper,

aluminium foil, or

a piece of A4 paper

A small screwdriver (optional)

Superglue (optional)

How to prepare to transfer the ashes

It is important to handle the ashes with care, as they are fragile and can be easily scattered. We recommend closing all doors and windows, plus place a plastic sheet down.

Have everything you need in one spot before you start. It is also advisable to have a support person in place as it can be an emotional process.

Step One: Gather your materials.

Create a clean, dry work surface. Please all materials easily in arm’s reach on the under-sheet.

Make sure your primary cremation urn that holds the bulk of the ashes is away from any table edges and can’t be knocked over.

The jewellery will come with a screw-on cap or bail that will need to be removed. For some cremation jewellery, this can simply be unscrewed. In others, you may need to use a small screwdriver.

Place the funnel inside the opening of the jewellery.

Step Two: Fill the funnel with ashes.

TIP: Cremation ashes, or cremains, aren’t a consistent granularity. You will want to use only the finest ashes. These can be obtained by carefully segregating with the scoop. Or, you can filter an initial amount using the funnel onto your under-sheet.

Using the teaspoon, scoop up a small amount of ashes and carefully pour them into the funnel. Be sure not to overfill the jewellery; a little goes a long way.

You may need to tap the funnel or straw lightly to help loosen the flow of ashes. The toothpick can also be used to coax them through.

Don’t fill to the very top as you will need to leave space for the cap to screw back on.

Once you have added enough ashes, remove the funnel and set it aside.

Step Three: Replace the cap or bail and clean up.

TIP: for additional peace of mind, some people choose to apply a small amount of Superglue to the cap. This is done using the toothpick, prior to completing the next step.

Carefully screw on the cap or bail, making sure not to over tighten it.

Once you have screwed on the cap, carefully check for any stray ashes around the opening of the jewellery piece and on your work surface. Use a soft brush, such as a paintbrush, to gently remove any stray ashes.

Conclusion:

And that’s it! Your ashes cremation jewellery is now filled with your loved one’s ashes and can be worn close to your heart. If you have any questions about this process or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help in whatever way we can.

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Choosing a Cremation Urn for Ashes

Losing a loved one is never easy. The cremation process can be confusing and choosing the right urn for your loved one's ashes can seem like an insurmountable task.

But we're here to help.

Ashes are the cremated remains of a person or pet. They are typically scattered, buried, or placed in a columbarium. However, some people choose to keep the ashes in an urn.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cremation urn for ashes.

Size. 

If you are considering this option, it is important to choose an urn that is the right size. Ashes typically weigh between 3lbs/1.3kg and 7lbs/3.2kgs, so you will need an urn that can accommodate this amount of weight and volume. In addition, you will need to consider the dimensions of the urn. You can use this handy guide to choosing a cremation urn size.

Space. 

Ashes can take up a lot of space, so you will need to choose an urn that is large enough to hold them. For some, that might mean a smaller keepsake urn is a better option, where you keep some ashes as a memorial and scatter the rest.

Material. 

You should also think about the material of the urn. Ashes can be damaging to certain materials, so you will need to choose an urn made from a durable material that can withstand the elements.

Consider what would be most appropriate for your loved one.

Were they traditional or more modern? Would they want their urn to be something that could be passed down through generations or would they prefer that it return to nature? The answer to these questions will help you narrow down your choices.

When most people think of cremation urns, they picture traditional brass urns. But there are actually a wide variety of materials available, including wood, ceramic, glass, and even biodegradable materials.

The material you choose should be based on your loved one's personality as well as your own personal preferences.

If you're looking for something traditional, brass urns are always a good choice. If you're looking for something more unique or modern, there are plenty of other options available, especially if you are considering a keepsake urn for ashes and scattering the rest.

By considering these factors, you can choose an urn that is right for your needs.

Design.

The design of the urn is also important.

You want to choose an urn that reflects your loved one's personality. If they were a fun-loving person, you might want an urn with a playful design.

If they were more serious, you might want an urn with a more traditional design.

Personalisation Options

Most cremation urns can be personalised with engravings or other forms of customization. This is a great way to make the urn more personal and unique.

When considering personalization options, think about what would be meaningful to you and your family. Perhaps there's a special quote or phrase that was meaningful to your loved one. Or maybe you want to include a photo or image that captures their essence.

You can also purchase urn accessories that allow you to personalise the urn.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to personalizing cremation urns, so take your time and choose something that is perfect for your loved one.

Price. 

Of course, price is also a factor when choosing an urn.

Urns can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the size, material, and design. It's important to find something within your budget but don't sacrifice quality just to save a few dollars.

This is something that will last forever so it's worth investing in something that you're happy with.

Conclusion:

Choosing an urn for your loved one's ashes may seem like a daunting task but if you keep a few key things in mind, it can be surprisingly easy.

First, consider what size urn you need based on the amount of ashes produced by cremation.

Next, decide what material you would like the urn to be made from keeping in mind your loved one's personality and interests.

Finally, choose a design and price point that fits within your budget. By following these simple guidelines, you're sure to find an urn that is perfect for your loved one.

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Sometimes when dealing with #grief, humour can let a little light in. https://www.instagram.com/p/ChUooK6LSSi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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10 unique ways to remember your loved one on their death anniversary

The anniversary of a loved one’s death doesn’t have to be a day of only sadness.

Despite the pain the anniversary of a death holds, it’s also an opportunity to think about the fond and funny moments they brought to your life and thank them for the good times.

There is no single way to mark an anniversary. We’ve put together 10 ways to honour a loved one on the anniversary of their death, to help you find the option that feels right to you.

1. Revisit a special place

When you commemorate the death anniversary of your loved one, take a moment to remember in a place that’s special.

This could be anywhere that had special significance for them and will also allow you an opportunity to create some new memories too!

Think about past holidays, times you had “firsts” or shared exciting news. If you don’t want to share the day with others, this is the perfect way to reconnect quietly with your memories.

2. Plan a “Day of Memories” with family and friends

It can be difficult to grapple with the loss of a loved one. However, anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect on happy memories and to celebrate the life of the person who is no longer with us.

Rather than dwell on our grief, we can use this day to focus on the good times we shared. We can look through old photos, tell stories about our loved one, and share fond memories with family and friends.

In this way, we can keep our loved one's memory alive while also honouring their life.

Summer is a great time for this. There's something about a warm summer evening that just cries out for a party. Maybe it's the long hours of daylight that make us feel like we have all the time in the world, or maybe it's the memories of endless summer days from our childhood.

Whatever the reason, summer is the perfect time to get together with friends and family and celebrate life.

3. Eat, drink and be merry

Why not get together with friends and family to celebrate their life?

Especially on the anniversary of their death. You could have certain special food involved in honour of them.

Enjoy choosing what dish would be most fitting? Mixing drinks while sharing stories about how much we've all grown since then can also feel very nice too and help bring closure!

4. Death anniversary memorial service

If you would rather arrange a more formal, private memorial service for your loved one’s anniversary. It could be an intimate memorial with immediate family, or a larger gathering of all the friends and family who were important in your loved one’s life.

This is an ideal time to place your loved one’s memorial urn somewhere prominent, so they are the centre of the groups thoughts and wishes.

Arlington Memorial Gardens had a great campaign about “grandpa coming out of the closet”!

5. Plant a memorial tree

The memorial tree is a time-honoured tradition of planting a living memorial to honour the life of a loved one. Trees are lasting symbols of growth, life, and love, making them the perfect tribute to commemorate a life well-lived.

Plus, what better way to honour someone who was passionate about the environment than by planting a tree in their memory?

There are many ways to plant a memorial tree, but the most important thing is to choose a species that is native to your area. This will help ensure that the tree thrives in its new home and can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Once you have selected your tree, be sure to plant it in a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. With a little care and attention, your memorial tree will serve as a beautiful reminder of your loved one for years to come.

You might also scatter some ashes at the base if you have kept them in a cremation urn or keepsake urn for ashes.

6. Create a photo memory book

A loved one’s death anniversary is a significant day. It can be difficult to know how to mark the occasion, but one simple and easy way is to create a photo memory book.

This can be used to reminisce on future anniversaries. This can be a special project for the whole family to work on together.

You can ask family and friends for their favourite photos of the deceased, and also include any tickets or other memorabilia that you have.

This will create a unique and personal tribute to your loved one that can be looked back on for years to come.

7. Move the day

Rather than remembering your loved one on the anniversary of their death, why not make their birthday the focus instead? 

This can remind you of many joyful, happy occasions and perhaps prompt a smile, rather than a tear.

You could even have their preferred cake – no reason to stop that yummy tradition.

8. Support a charity

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We forget about the things that are truly important.

One way to remind yourself of what's truly important is to commemorate the anniversary of a loved one who was involved in a not-for-profit organisation or received support from a charity.

This is a great way to honour their memory and contribute to a cause that was important to them.

There are many ways to do this, such as making a financial contribution to the organisation or volunteering your time.

If they served in the armed forces, it’s a great opportunity to support a veteran’s charity.

Whatever you do, it's sure to be appreciated by those who benefit from the organisation's work.

9. Use Social Media

In recent years, social media has become an increasingly popular way to commemorate the anniversary of a loved one's death.

A Facebook tribute post is a simple way to honour a deceased loved one and encourage friends and family to share their photos, memories, and messages of support and condolences.

While some may view this modern practice as impersonal or superficial, it can actually be quite meaningful and therapeutic for those who participate.

In a world where death is often seen as taboo, these online tribute posts can provide a much-needed space for grief and remembrance.

For many, they offer a chance to reflect on happy memories and celebrate the life of a beloved person. In short, social media tribute posts may not be traditional, but they can be significant, nonetheless.

10. Wear your memories every day!

Many people have special items, given to them by their loved ones to mark precious milestones. 

Often, these are kept in drawers and never seen, considered too precious for every day.  Why not start wearing them, especially on their anniversary? 

And if people comment, it can be an opportunity to share a little about how it came to be in your life.

Another option is memorial cremation jewellery. 

These specially designed items can hold a small amount of your loved one’s ashes, so that all who loved them can have a physical tie to their memory. 

Gifting memorial jewellery to close family on your loved one’s anniversary would also be a memorable and unique way of celebrating their life.

You can find lots of options online on sites offering cremation jewellery. If your loved one wasn’t cremated, this jewellery could contain small keepsakes, such as a piece of fabric or a lock of hair.

If you are still experiencing strong feelings of loss and grief, the anniversary may prompt more sadness. Erika Krull provides some great information on grief to understand your emotions better and perhaps, find ways to move forward.

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What happens during cremation?

How ashes are produced

When a person dies, the body must be prepared for burial or cremation.

During a cremation, the deceased is placed inside of a large furnace and subjected to high temperatures. The intense heat causes the body to combust, incinerating it until there is nothing left but ashes. The ashes are actually the remains of the skeleton, as other body tissue is fully combusted.

A good video describing the full process can be found here.

What to do with cremation ashes

Ashes from the cremated body are collected in and may be placed in an urn, which remains as a sacred reminder for loved ones left behind.

Others choose to scatter the ashes, and further advice on how that can be done is here.

Others may be mixed with cement or soil to create "living headstones," which serve as memorials for loved ones long after their physical bodies have gone.

Final thoughts on cremation

Though the thought of burning someone's remains may seem harsh or unappealing, we know that this process holds great spiritual significance. When we think about those who have passed on, we remember them not only as physical bodies but also as eternal spirits that are now free to travel through time and space.

Although it might seem different  from traditional burial methods, cremation offers a meaningful way for us to pay our final respects and keep our loved ones close in spirit.

Regardless of how the Ashes are ultimately distributed or disposed of, the act of cremation serves as a powerful symbol of both life and death. It enables us to reflect upon our own mortality while also giving us the opportunity to celebrate and honor those who have passed before us.

At its core, then, the act of cremation reminds us that while we will one day meet our end, we must always strive to live our lives fully and make the most out of every moment we are given.

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How do you fill a cremation urn with the ashes?

Once the cremation process is complete, the ashes are placed into a temporary plastic bag. The ashes are then transferred into the final resting place, which is typically a cremation urn.

How do I transfer the ashes?

Once you have selected an urn, it is time to transfer the ashes. This can be done by using a funnel or by gently pouring the ashes into the urn. When using a funnel, only transfer small portions at a time and tap gently, raising the funnel as the urn fills. For many cremation urns, the opening is large enough to place the entire plastic bag inside. This can be a useful option if you are considering relocating the ashes at some time in the future.

It is important to handle the ashes with care, as they are fragile and can be easily scattered. We recommend closing all doors and windows, plus place a plastic sheet down.

Have everything you need in one spot before you start. It is also advisable to have a support person in place as it can be an emotional process.

Should I seal the urn?

Once the ashes have been placed in the urn, it can be sealed with a lid or closure of your choice. You can elect to place some fixative or glue on the seal to ensure the ashes remain safe. If you think you may scatter or relocate the ashes at some point, skip this step.

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What is a keepsake ashes urn?

A keepsake urn is a special type of cremation urn that is designed to hold a small amount of ashes.

Unlike traditional cremation urns, which are often quite large and can hold the remains of an entire person, keepakes typically include only a few tablespoons of ashes. They can be smaller versions of a larger urn, or often piece of jewelery is poplular. 

They are often chosen when people want to:

Keep a portion of the ashes with them at all times.

Share the ashes amongst family members.

Keep some ashes but scatter the bulk of the remains somewhere special.

Don't have a lot of space for a larger urn.

These smaller-sized vessels are often crafted from precious materials such as wood or porcelain, and they serve as lasting symbols of remembrance for loved ones who have passed away.

In addition to being used for holding ashes, keepsake urns can also be filled with other sacred objects, such as flowers or tiny memorial mementos. Whether kept on display or hidden in a private place, a family heirloom such as a keepsake urn provides comfort and solace during times of grief.

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History of Cremation Urns for Ashes

Early cremation urn use

It is very human to want something tangible to hold on to those who we have lost.

Unsurprisingly, the use of cremation urns to hold the ashes of our friends, family and fur-babies is a centuries old tradition.

The first known use of cremation urns was in China, about 7000BC.  Pottery urns, still a preferred choice today, were used and, just like now, over 50 different styles were used. 

Perhaps the different styles chosen reflected the life of the loved one and represented a way of remembering them.

The oldest evidence of cremations can be found in Europe in the Stone Age, around 3000BC.  Again, pottery urns were used to hold the ashes and this process was seen as a sign of respect towards the deceased.

Over time, during the Bronze Age, urns became more decorative, as the tools and materials available began to evolve.

In the Greek Mycenaean Age (1000 to 800BC), cremation and increasingly elaborate burial customs become a more integral and accepted practise.  The Greeks understood that cremation was a safer burial practice, during a time where plagues took the lives of many.

The Roman’s adopted this custom too and, by the time of the Roman Empire (27BC to 395AD), it was widely practiced across the empire, particularly for more honoured citizens.

During this time, the cremation urns were very elaborate and typically, Grecian in style.  The most common was the lekythos style:

Cremations, and therefore the use of cremation urns to store ashes, fell out of favour when Christianity became on stronger force across Europe. 

Early Christians considered the practice pagan and cremations become rare. 

Over the next few thousand years, few urns were used and burial became the preferred pathway.

Recent History of Urns

Modern cremation and the re-introduction of cremation urns for ashes really only happened just over 150 years ago.

An Italian professor, Brunetti, perfected and displayed cremation urns at the 1873 Vienna Exposition. 

Around the same time, Queen Victoria’s surgeon, Sir Henry Thomson, fostered the use of cremation and urns in the British Isles and Germany built the first European crematories in Europe.

In the “New World”, the first crematory was built in 1876 and grew to 20 by 1900, reflecting the increased acceptance amongst the Protestant clergy.

Popularised by King Otto of Bavaria, who died in 1916, the dispersal of ashes to various locations of significance to the deceased become a more desired way of honouring a life.

Along with the rise in cremations, there was also a parallel surge in demand for memorial urns. 

Today, the cremation rate in the UK outnumbers burials and continues to grow across the world.

Many of the religions that were previously against cremation and the use of urns to store ashes have now embraced this tradition.

If this is the path you choose to honour a life, there will be a cremation urn design available that will resonate with you as a reminder of the essence of your loved one. Whatever style, shape or design you choose, you are part of a long honoured, global tradition, of people seeking to show reverence to the ones we have lost.

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DIY Cremation Ashes Urn

Just because you can buy a cremation urns for ashes, doesn't mean you should

Cremation urns can be expensive, and many people choose to create their own urns. This guide will some ideas on how to make a simple, inexpensive cremation urn using materials that are readily available online or in craft stores. With a little creative thinking, you can create a cremation urn for ashes that is both unique and personal to your loved one.

Ice Urn

The urn will melt as it floats away. With no money or skill required, this is a low-cost way to have your loved one preserve their dignity in water for years after they've gone! Here's one idea for how to do it, but you can also customise the ice cremation urn by mixing other bidegardable material such as flowers witht he cremation ashes.

Papier-mâché

Papier-mâché cremation urns are a great way to celebrate your loved one's unique personality with a memorial that will last for years. The process is simple and inexpensive, making this type of tribute affordable even in the most stringent economy! They are particularly suited to a water burial for scattering the ashes.

Repurpose

To make your own personal cremation urn, you could repurpose something in your loved one's house. A jar or piece of pottery will do! If it's garden-related then consider planting a living memorial or use a plant pot - maybe even some decorative stones around its base? Find inspiration from where ever looks good on this one: tradition isn't always necessary when there are so many different ways we can pay our respects (and show them off) without following any rules at all. As long as it has a lid you can seal using adhesive, so you can protect the cremation ashes, it can be used.

As you can see, there are many ways to honor your loved one after they have passed away. While are urns for cremation ashes are more traditional, others ideas allow for a bit more creativity and flexibility.

No matter which option you choose, it is important to remember that the most important thing is to celebrate the life of your loved one and keep their memory alive.

What unique way have you found to commemorate the life of a departed loved one?