Cremation memorials now include a wide range of things to put ashes in beyond traditional urns. These options are designed to reflect personality, preserve meaning, and fit naturally into the home. This guide outlines practical memorial choices and how each option serves families looking for lasting, respectful ways to remember someone close.
Moving Beyond Traditional Urns
We do offer urns. However, most families come to us looking for alternatives that feel more personal.
Why Families Choose Non-Urn Memorials
- They integrate remembrance into daily routines
- They reflect hobbies, symbols, or shared experiences
- They feel less formal and more approachable
How Our Approach Developed
Over time, families requested pieces that reminded them of something specific. A squirrel on a porch. A favorite bird. A love of the ocean. These requests shaped a large, permanent catalog of memorial designs that people can see and connect with immediately.
Things to Put Ashes In That Feel Personal
Cremation Jewelry
Cremation necklaces and bracelets remain one of the most requested options. These pieces hold a small amount of ashes and are designed for daily wear.
Common styles include:
- Micro pendants for subtle remembrance
- Bracelets with integrated glass elements
- Minimal designs for those who prefer simplicity
Sculptures and Artistic Memorials
Some families prefer display pieces that act as visual anchors in the home.
Options include:
- Glass hummingbirds, sharks, and other figures
- Flame-style sculptures designed for windows
- Paperweights that combine beauty and purpose
Key Takeaway: The most meaningful memorials often connect to a specific memory, not a general symbol.
Need expert help with memorial selection? Contact Sands of Time for a free consultation.
Custom Requests and Artist Collaboration
A Large Catalog With Room for Personalization
We do not offer a fixed custom package. Instead, we maintain a broad catalog of designs that our artists have refined over time. Each piece includes dedicated color options and consistent craftsmanship.
When Something Truly Unique Is Needed
Families occasionally ask for something they do not see online. When that happens, we match the request with the right artist. Our team works with twenty-one artists, each specializing in different forms, from micro jewelry to complex sculptures.
This flexibility allows us to explore new things to put ashes in without compromising quality or meaning.
Display Considerations and Placement
We do not create outdoor memorials. All of our pieces are intended for indoor display.
Suitable placements include:
- Windows with natural light for suncatchers
- Shelves or mantels for sculptures
- Personal spaces for jewelry storage
Pro Tip: Choose a memorial that fits naturally into an existing space. If it feels forced, it may not bring comfort over time.
Choosing the Right Memorial With Confidence
Selecting among different things to put ashes in comes down to how you want remembrance to show up in your life. Some families want something private. Others want a piece that invites conversation and connection.
If you are unsure where to start, our team can help guide the decision based on lifestyle, display preferences, and symbolism.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Every memorial we create is shaped by experience, artistry, and respect for the family behind it. Whether you choose jewelry, a sculpture, or another artistic form, the goal remains the same. To honor a life in a way that feels true.
If you are ready to explore meaningful options or discuss a special request, reach out to Sands of Time today. We are here to help you create something that lasts.








