Buy a Small Urn for Ashes? Finding the Perfect Memorial Keepsake

In times of loss, finding a meaningful way to honor a loved one's memory is incredibly important. Small urns for ashes, often called keepsake urns, provide a beautiful and lasting way to hold a portion of your loved one's ashes. These smaller urns are ideal for family members who want to keep a personal memorial while sharing ashes among relatives. If you’re considering buying a small urn, this guide will help you find the perfect keepsake to honor and cherish the memory of your loved one.

Keepsake urns are smaller than traditional full-sized urns, typically holding a small portion of ashes. This makes them ideal for sharing among family members or friends who each want a physical reminder of their loved ones. They are also often chosen for temporary keepsakes, like when ashes will later be scattered or buried, but family members wish to retain a small portion. These urns can also offer comfort for those who want a more personal connection to their loved one in a way that’s easy to keep close to home. Small urns for ashes come in a variety of types, allowing you to select something that matches your loved one's personality and the way you want to remember them. Some popular types include:

• Traditional Keepsake Urns: These are miniature versions of classic urns, typically crafted from metal, wood, ceramic, or glass. Their elegant designs offer a timeless way to honor your loved one.

• Jewelry Urns: For those looking for a way to keep their loved ones close every day, jewelry urns can be worn as necklaces, bracelets, or rings. They contain a small compartment for ashes and come in styles like lockets, pendants, or beads.

• Biodegradable Mini Urns: If you’re planning a temporary memorial before scattering or burying ashes, biodegradable urns offer an eco-friendly option. They are crafted from sustainable materials that break down naturally over time, making them ideal for water or earth burials.

• Personalized Keepsake Urns: For a truly unique memorial, consider a customized urn. Many companies offer engraving services, allowing you to add names, dates, or even a short message to the urn. Some families opt for urns shaped like a favorite hobby item or in colors that reflect their loved one’s personality.

Unlike standard urns, keepsake urns are designed to hold only a small portion of ashes. The amount they can hold typically ranges from 3 to 20 cubic inches, depending on the style and size. For reference, one cubic inch of ash is roughly equivalent to one pound of the person’s weight before cremation, so a 20-cubic-inch urn would hold about 20 pounds worth of ashes. If you’re looking to split ashes among several people, you may need several keepsake urns.

When selecting a small urn, it’s important to think about how you want to reflect your loved one’s personality and your memories of them. Here are a few popular design considerations:

• Symbolic Motifs: Many urns feature symbols like doves, trees, hearts, or stars, which can represent peace, eternal life, love, and remembrance.

• Color Choices: Color plays an important role in memorial items. You might choose a color that was significant to your loved one, or colors traditionally associated with tranquility and peace, like blue or white.

• Artistic Designs: Some urns are crafted with intricate patterns, such as Celtic knots, florals, or abstract designs. These can add a personalized touch and make the urn a work of art.

Keepsake urns are available from various retailers, including online shops specializing in memorial products, funeral homes, and local artisans. Many online stores offer a wide selection of small urns and allow for easy comparison of styles, prices, and personalization options. When choosing an urn, look for retailers with positive reviews and a reputation for quality craftsmanship. The price of a small urn can vary widely based on materials, craftsmanship, and customization options. Metal and wood urns are generally more affordable, while custom-designed or artisan-made urns can be more expensive. Jewelry urns also vary, with simpler designs starting at lower prices and intricate designs costing more. Setting a budget beforehand can help you make an informed decision.

Choosing a small urn is a deeply personal decision. It should feel like a fitting tribute to your loved one and provide comfort in a difficult time. Take the time to explore different designs, materials, and sizes until you find one that resonates with you. Remember, this keepsake will hold your memories and your love, offering you a tangible connection to your loved one that you can keep close. The journey to finding the perfect keepsake urn is one of honoring a cherished life. By taking the time to choose a memorial that truly reflects your loved one’s spirit, you create a small but powerful reminder of the joy they brought into the world.