What To Do With Cremated Remains – Part Three

If you joined us for parts one and two of this series, you will know that there are many options for burying, scattering, and transforming cremated remains. In this article, the final in a three-part series, we are going to talk about options for turning cremated remains into keepsakes and other types of memorialization.

What To Do With Cremated Remains – Part Three

Cremation Jewelry by Close by Me

Cremated Remains into Jewelry

Mourning jewelry is back, and many people are incorporating cremated remains into stunning pieces. Although creating jewelry with cremated remains only uses a small portion of them, it is a great way to keep your loved one “with you” in a physical way.

Shrine Jewelry mixes the cremated remains with molten metal as it is poured into a cast, which is called the “memory seed,” to create pendants or pendulums. Inspire Memorials is another group that creates handmade, personalized cremation jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants, and ash beads. Jewelry pieces will vary in price widely depending on the size of the piece and its’ materials, so be sure to look for what resonates with you.

There are plenty of lovely cremation jewelry makers for all styles and tastes, including Close by me Jewelry, Beyond the Willow Tree, and North Star Supplies

Cremated Remains into Diamonds

Did you know that cremated remains can be turned into diamonds? The process begins by purifying cremated remains into a fine carbon powder, which is then subjected to high heat and pressure to “grow” the diamond.

LifeGem diamonds can be made from the cremated remains or from the carbon in a lock of hair. This process can be quite pricey, with the lowest carat range priced at $2,490 per yellow diamond and the highest at $19,999 for a LifeGem or clear diamond. Several other companies are in a similar price range: Lonite, Eterneva (of Shark Tank fame), and the Swiss-based Algordanza. For lower pricing options, you can check out the United Kingdom-based Heart in Diamond, which starts at $750 for a mini size.

Cremated Remains into Artworks

Image via Justin Crowe, CEO of Parting Stone

If you enjoy art and pottery, incorporating cremated remains into a more subtle display than an urn might appeal to you. Artists like Bea Haines incorporate cremated remains into their art pieces. In New Mexico, USA, artist Justin Crowe, CEO of Parting Stone transforms cremated remains into art by mixing them into the glaze for his bowls, vases, coffee cups, and other ceramics. Once they’ve been fired, they are safe to use for food and drink.

Cremated Remains to Make Music

Jason Leach, founder of And Vinyly, began pressing records from cremated remains in the 1990s. Raw vinyl (also the “biscuit” or “puck”) is pressed by plates that create the grooves we know on records. Before this pressing happens, a small amount of cremated remains are sprinkled on the biscuit. This only uses a small amount of remains, since too much will degrade the quality of the sound.

The basic package from And Vinyly can start at around £1000 (GBP). There is little difference in cost between creating one record and 10 because most of the work is in preparation and fabrication of the components. So, everyone in the family can have a record!

Cremated Remains into Tattoos

As tattoos have become more mainstream, the desire to memorialize a loved one in permanent ink seems like a natural outcome. However, there are definitely some important things to keep in mind if you are considering this, as recently discussed by The Modern Mortician on Instagram.

Cremated remains are not finely ground particles, so they don’t fully mix with tattoo ink. This means that ultimately the remains may not be “embedded” in the tattoo or the tattoo will have visible flaws where those particles are interfering. Other options include Everence for Tattoos, which is a tattoo ink additive made from cremated remains that will easily incorporate into tattoo ink. You might also consider getting a tattoo in memory of a loved one.

Cremated Remains in Teddy Bears

Image via Cami Bear

A great option for children, you can also incorporate cremated remains into stuffed animals. For $220 and up, Cami Bear creates ‘memory bears’ that act as cremation urns and come in three sizes. In the Light Urns offers more affordable options starting at $50. Teddy bear urns are a great way to introduce children to conversations about death and for them to comfortably remember their loved ones.

Conclusion

From land to sea, from air to high pressure, there are many options for what to do with cremated remains. These are only a small sample of things you can do and companies that are working to provide ways to remember and honor your loved one. Many of the transformations only require a small amount of remains, so you may be able to honor them in more than one way.