There are many personal options available when choosing how to store the deceased’s ashes.
The long term storage of ashes can be provided for in a variety of personalised forms, (Urns, Jewellery, Memorial Frames, Teddy Bears, etc.).
These items are basically sealed ‘containers’ that are meant to hold the cremated remains of the deceased.
Purchasing a cremation urn, however, is not mandatory, as the ashes can also be collected in a temporary container provided by the crematorium.
Urns – There are many options available when choosing an urn including solid marble, wood, ceramic, brass and bronze, glass, and artist sculptured cremation urns. They are available in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, from the traditional urn shape or beautiful ornamental statues and boxes through to unique themes like a Harley Davidson motorcycle cylinder, butterflys, lighthouses and golf clubs. Many of the designs are not recognisable as containers for the storage of ashes.
If you are planning on having the urn located outside, it is important to choose an urn designed for this purpose, which is very strong and watertight to prevent any water getting inside the urn. Marble cremation urns for ashes are popular with families who wish to memorialise the deceased in the garden. Marble urns are weatherproof and sturdy and will protect the ashes from the weather.
There are also biodegradable urns which are suitable for burial on land or at sea, and are environmentally friendly and quickly breakdown in soil or water. Water burial cremation urns are designed to sink slowly into deep water over several minutes.
Scattering Tubes – Scattering tubes are designed to simplify the scattering process with a removable lid and a perforated ‘push in’ tab that opens easily prior to scattering. They are available in a plain finish where you are provided with a set of marker pens so your family and friends can add messages or drawings to personalise the tube. You can also print a photo and glue it to the top lid. Alternatively, they are available in a range of decorative images.
They are suitable for ‘carry on’ luggage for airline transportation. If family members and friends want to participate individually in scattering, even in multiple locations, mini-size scattering tubes allow for that option.
Jewellery – This type of jewellery is called by various names, Memorial, Keepsake and Cremation Jewellery. They are available in varied designs and sizes in precious metals, and include ranges for men and women. They have a fillable interior for a tiny amount of ashes, hair, pet fur or soil/sand from a burial or scattering location. The jewellery opening can be closed with a screw so that no ashes can come out of the pendant, or alternatively it can be sealed permanently using a quality glue or metal epoxy depending on the design. The jewellery usually comes with a filling kit, funnel and full detailed instructions to assist with filling the pendant. If you prefer the crematorium can fill the jewellery for you. This type of jewellery can help to keep the memories of the deceased close to you at all times, and you do not need to tell anyone that it holds ashes inside of it.
Photo Frames – These frames are a dual purpose photo frame and cremation urn, suitable for people or pets. They are available in traditional natural wood finishes or unique cultured materials. The urn sections come in varying designs with some inserted behind the photo and can be permanently sealed with a snap-lock lid, whilst others are sealed through the bottom with a removable base and screws. Some frames have the option of adding engraving to personalise the memorial, and this had the added advantage of permanently identifying it, so should it be misplaced or lost it can be returned to its proper location.
Teddy Bears – Teddy Bear Cremation Urns are the perfect urn for those people looking for a huggable memorial. They usually have a zipped compartment to insert a small amount of the cremation ashes that have been stored in either a small metal container or a fabric/plastic bag. Some Teddy Bear Cremation Urns offer the option of a personalised embroidered inscription to be added.
This urn design is often chosen by parents who have suffered the loss of a baby, and are struggling with the challenge of lessening the pain and loss experienced by themselves and possibility the small children and young adults in the family.
Accessories – Cremation Ashes Velvet Bags have a drawstring closure and can be placed inside a cremation urn. Also included with this bag is a plastic bag to be placed inside the velvet bag to hold the ashes. Some velvet bags are designed to be the primary storage device.
Name tag medallions for placement on cremation urns are designed to be taken to your local engraver to be engraved. Urn charm necklaces are available in a range of materials and designs to personalise the cremation urn.
Burial vaults are designed to store either one or two cremation urns and are made from durable materials that will not deteriorate over time. They are water-tight when sealed, and can withstand high degrees of pressure.
If you require a Cremation Urn or Memorial Item, please use our Business Directory Search facility.
