Losing a loved one or a pet is an indescribably painful and profound experience, and finding ways to honor their memory can be a deeply personal journey. Cremation offers another unique challenge: figuring out what to do with your loved one’s remains.
Cremation keepsakes offer a unique opportunity for grieving families to keep a part of their loved one or pet near and have a tangible reminder of the love and moments shared.
You may have heard of common options like keepsake urns, but you can create many other unique cremation keepsakes from ashes to memorialize your loved ones and pets. Let’s look at eight keepsakes and factors to consider when selecting the best option for you.
8 Types of Cremation Keepsakes to Honor Your Loved One
Cremation keepsakes are a heartfelt way to preserve and honor your loved one’s memories. Each of the following eight keepsakes embodies the deceased’s spirit and personality while allowing you, your family, and your friends to keep a part of your cherished one close in daily life.
1. Keepsake Urns
Cremation keepsake urns are a classic and dignified way to house your loved one’s ashes. They come in a variety of materials, including:
- Wood
- Metal
- Biodegradable materials
Each material can be crafted into unique shapes and finishes to reflect the deceased’s taste or the lifestyle they lived, making a personalized tribute that honors their memory.
Larger keepsake urns can act as a focal point for a memorial service and later a centerpiece in your home. On the other hand, smaller keepsake urns allow multiple family members to keep a part of their loved one.
2. Urn Necklaces
Often referred to as cremation necklaces or ash pendants, urn necklaces allow you to keep a small portion of your loved one’s cremated remains close to your heart. A small sealed compartment inside the pendant holds the ashes securely to protect them.
They come in various designs, ranging from simple and discreet to ornate and personalized. With an urn necklace, you can enjoy a physical and emotional connection with your loved one every day.
3. Cremation Bracelets and Rings
Cremation bracelets and rings hold a small amount of ashes within a piece of jewelry for a subtle and stylish way to keep a loved one’s memory alive. Much like urn necklaces, they often have a tiny compartment that gets sealed after filling.
You can customize remembrance jewelry keepsakes with engravings, birthstones, and other design elements that signify your loved one’s essence. They’re particularly comforting because you can wear them every day for a constant reminder of the bond shared.
4. Memorial Glass
Memorial glass incorporates cremated remains into glass art, creating stunning pieces such as:
- Orbs
- Vases
- Paperweights
This process involves infusing a small amount of ash into molten glass and then shaping it into the desired farm. You can even make glass cremation jewelry. Each piece is beautiful and unique, often sparking with colors and intricate patterns that can symbolize your loved one’s spirit.
Choosing cremation glass is a beautiful way to celebrate your loved one’s life, offering a decorative and meaningful keepsake you can display and cherish.
5. Memorial Diamonds
Memorial diamonds transform cremated remains into real diamonds through a process that mimics natural diamond formation but is much faster. A specialist extracts carbon from the ashes and subjects it to high pressure and high temperature to create the diamond.
You can create a highly personalized remembrance by having your diamonds custom-made in various cuts, sizes, and colors. You can also set them in jewelry like rings, pendants, or earrings for an elegant and enduring tribute to your loved one.
6. Keepsake Teddy Bears
If you want something a little softer, keepsake teddy bears are an excellent choice. These soft, huggable toys have a small internal compartment designed to hold ashes, making them perfect for grieving children or those looking for a comforting, tactile reminder of their loved one.
You can customize the teddy with clothing or accessories that recall the deceased for a gentle and approachable way to cope with grief and keep precious memories close.
7. Garden Stones
Garden stones are highly durable markers that can incorporate cremated remains. They’re designed to be placed in your garden, yard, or other special outdoor area.
You can engrave them with names, dates, or messages to create a lasting memorial in a peaceful, natural setting. These keepsakes are an excellent option if you find solace in nature or want to create a dedicated space to reflect and remember your loved one.
8. Sculptures
Last but not least, you can make sculptures with cremation ashes for a three-dimensional tribute. The process involves mixing the cremated remains with materials like resin or clay before sculpting them into the desired form, including a(n):
- Angel
- Animal
- Modern art piece
You can make your sculpture as abstract or realistic as you like to capture the interests or essence of your loved one. You can also display it in your home, garden, or other special area, making it a significant and artistic way to memorialize your loved one.
How to Choose the Right Keepsake for You
Trying to select a cremation keepsake can be challenging. There are so many factors to consider, not to mention the emotional toll of dealing with the loss of a loved one. Consider some ways you can choose a keepsake that’s a fitting and lasting tribute to your loved one.
Reflect on the Deceased’s Personality and Interests
First, consider what types of unique cremation keepsakes would best reflect your loved one’s personality and passions. For example, did they love gardening? Then a garden stone might be fitting.
Maybe they appreciated fine jewelry. In that case, a memorial diamond or piece of cremation jewelry would be a good choice.
Think About Your Relationship With the Deceased
You also want to choose a keepsake that represents your relationship with your loved one. If you both loved nature, a piece of memorial glass that reflects the sky or the ocean might be meaningful.
Consider Family Needs
Many times, multiple family members want to share in the memory. In these cases, keepsakes that can be distributed—such as mini keepsake cremation urns or individual pieces of jewelry—might be a good choice. This way, each person can have their own personal memorial.
Consider the Durability
Keep the keepsake’s durability and maintenance in mind, especially when considering where you plan to keep it. Some materials might require more care than others or may not be suitable for certain environments.
Keep it in Budget
You can find reasonably priced personalized keepsakes like memorial glass and jewelry on marketplaces like Etsy. Other more reputable companies might be much for expensive, especially for custom pieces like memorial diamonds.
Therefore, you should determine your budget early in the process to help narrow down your options.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space
Think about where you’ll place the keepsake. If you don’t have a lot of space, smaller items like jewelry or small urns might be best. On the other hand, larger pieces like garden stones or sculptures may need larger spaces to be displayed.
Don’t Forget Your Emotional Needs
Ultimately, your keepsake should provide you with comfort and solace as you memorialize your loved one. So choose something that feels right for you and helps you feel connected to your loved one.
Preserve Your Loved One’s Memory with Alabama Funeral Homes
Selecting the perfect cremation keepsake is a deeply personal act of remembrance and a special way to pay homage to a cherished life. These keepsakes preserve precious memories and symbolize ongoing love and connection. By incorporating a part of your loved one into a tangible form, you can carry forward their legacy and take comfort in knowing that they continue to influence and inspire your everyday life even though they’re gone.
Arranging your loved one’s end-of-life services can be challenging, especially while you’re dealing with grief following their passing. Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers is here for you. We offer a comprehensive range of compassionate, respectful, dignified services to help you honor your loved one at an affordable price.
If you’re looking for a partner for a funeral, cremation, or memorial, contact us today to learn how we can assist you during this difficult period.
Key Takeaways on Cremation Keepsakes
- Cremation keepsakes are a unique and heartfelt way to remember your deceased loved one.
- The eight cremation keepsakes are cremation keepsake urns, urn necklaces, cremation bracelets and rings, memorial glass, memorial diamonds, keepsake teddy bears, garden stores, and sculptures
- Some things to consider when choosing a cremation keepsake include your loved one’s personality and interests, durability, budget, space, family needs, and your emotional comfort.
