Unique Cremation Keepsakes: What to Do With Ashes of Loved Ones

Losing a loved one is difficult, and keeping their memory with us throughout our lives is important. Cremation has steadily increased in popularity over the years, and with this rise in popularity has come a wide range of cremation keepsakes.

Commonly, people will choose to either store the ashes of a loved one in an urn or other vessel or spread the ashes in a favorite area, but here we will discuss a number of different and unique options that you can consider for remembering your loved one after cremation.

Cremation Jewelry

One popular cremation keepsake option is cremation jewelry. A wide range of cremation jewelry options is available on the market, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings. These pieces often include a small container that can hold a small quantity of ashes, making it a perfect way to keep your loved one close to your heart at all times. These are similar to picture lockets in that they provide a way to keep a physical representation of your loved one with you always.

Cremation Diamonds

Some people choose to have their loved one’s cremains pressed into diamonds. These diamonds are made by taking cremains and purifying the carbon before pressing the purified carbon with a high-pressure and high-temperature machine, much like any other manmade diamond is formed. Once the process is complete, these diamonds are identical to other diamonds, both chemically AND visually, and are certified as genuine diamonds — with the added sentiment that your loved one’s remains are locked into this stunning gemstone.

You can mount your diamond into any piece of jewelry or even keep it in a separate cremation urn box. The cost for this service starts at around $1000, but depending on factors such as size and cut, can cost in excess of $10,000. Remember that this is the cost to produce the diamond, and the setting you choose for this keepsake will add to the final cost.

Cremation Lockets

Another popular cremation jewelry choice is a locket. This is typically more affordable than having a loved one’s ashes pressed into a diamond and allows for a wide range of options in terms of style, size, and shape. You can find cremation lockets that range from very small and discreet to larger styles that can hold more ashes and even pictures.

Most cremation lockets come with a small chamber on the back that is designed to hold ashes, cremated remains, or a small snippet of hair. This option also allows you to keep your loved one close by, as many lockets have chains or cords that allow you to wear them around your neck or as a bracelet. Prices for cremation lockets start at around $30 and go up from there depending on features, materials, and more.

Cremation Bracelets

Bracelets are another popular cremation keepsake choice. Like cremation lockets, cremation bracelets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. You can find cremation bracelets that are made from a variety of materials such as metal, leather, or even wood.

As with lockets, cremation bracelets have a small container on the back that is specifically designed to hold ashes, hair, or other keepsakes. This allows you to hold your loved one close by at all times.

Cremation Urns

Keepsake urns are another popular cremation choice. These urns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect one for your needs. Most urns can hold more than just a portion of ashes, making them perfect for those that don’t want to part with their loved one’s remains. Urns can also be used as memorials or tributes in your home.

People may want cremation jewelry, urns, or scattering as cremation keepsakes for a variety of reasons. Some may feel that it is important to have a physical representation of their loved ones with them always. Others may enjoy having something that they can decorate their home with. Since there are so many different styles and options for urns, you are sure to find one that suits your needs.

Other cremation keepsake ideas include:

• Mixing a loved one’s ashes into glass to make a paperweight, looking glass, stained-glass window, or glass figurine
• Scattering cremains in a favorite spot — often, a plaque or statue is placed on the location to memorialize the deceased and their connection with the area.
• Mixing the ashes of a loved one with potting soil to grow a cherished plant or tree as a living, growing keepsake
• Incorporating a loved one’s ashes into ink or paint that is then used in a book, picture, or image

The options for cremation keepsakes are seemingly endless, and it can be hard to choose just one option. By choosing a cremation keepsake, you are ensuring that your loved one will always be with you in some way. These unique ideas provide a way to keep your loved one close by while also giving you a tangible reminder of them. When choosing a cremation keepsake, it is important to think about what type of item will best suit your needs and personality. With so many options available, it is sure to be easy to find the perfect one for you.

Please reach out to us at any time if you want to learn more about cremation options or to request a personal consultation about how we at The Gardens can help you handle your loved one’s remains with dignity and respect.