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Frequently asked Questions
If you don't see your question in the list below, please contact us.
Where can I have my pet cremated?
The website, http://www.pet-loss.net , has a list of pet crematoria and cemeteries in the U.S. and Canada listed by state or province. It also offers helpful information for dealing with the death of a pet.
How much ash do the urns hold? What if there is some left over?
The quantity of ash that each urn holds is listed on the product pages in cubic inches (ci). One quantity is given for urns and a separate quantity for Ashes In Stone, our process for blending a small quantity of ashes into the cast stone. A rule of thumb often used says 1 pound of body weight equals 1 cubic inch of cremains. Please use this as a guideline only.
Our urns and memorials were designed to hold a portion of the ashes of a loved one. None of our urns will hold all of the ashes of a person. All of the ashes of larger dogs or pets will also probably not fit into the urns. There are many options for the extra ash. Some people scatter or bury them in a place that was special to the deceased, perhaps in the mountains or in a garden or at sea. Our urns are ideal for families who would like each member of the family to have a keepsake memorial urn of the departed loved one.
How do I get the ashes in the urn?
If you order our traditional urn you will find an opening in the bottom of the urn where the ashes are added. Your urn will come with a threaded cap to seal the urn shut. Instructions for filling the urn will come with shipment and are also available on the About Our Process page.
It may be too painful or uncomfortable for you to handle the ashes yourself. This is a very common and understandable feeling. We encourage you to ask someone for help. You could ask a friend, someone from the funeral home that handled your loved ones cremation, or, in the case of a pet, your veterinarian, to take care of this task for you. We can fill the urn for you if you want to send them to us when you order an urn.
Can I have the memorial urn engraved?
Many of our pieces have a base or other area that can be engraved or have an engraved brass plate added. We custom engrave the cast stone using a technique called sand carving. For our Memorial Markers and Garden Rock Urns, engraving is included in the price. For some samples of engraved cremation memorials or urns, please visit our Custom Engraving page.
Do I need to ship you the cremains? How would I do this?
We need the cremains only if you choose the Ashes In Stone method of blending the ashes into the cast stone mix before it is poured. The traditional urn option has a chamber to add the ashes after purchase. If you choose the Ashes In Stone option cremains should be sent by U.S. Postal Service. We recommend packing the container that holds the cremains in a larger box with at least 2 inches of packing material all around it. For maximum security you can send the cremains by Registered Mail. The package is kept in a secure area the entire time, and we then pick up the cremains at the Post Office.
We will return to you any ashes that are left over when we ship your sculpture. Another option is to send us only a portion of the ashes.
Can you make a custom sculpture?
We have several sculptors who do custom work from photographs. The cost for a custom piece in the 20 to 50 pound range of most of our works starts at about $1000. Please call or email us with details of the type and size of sculpture you are interested in so we can give you a more accurate estimate.
How long will it take from the time of ordering until I receive my memorial?
Expect a two week wait from time of ordering to shipment. Our pieces are hand-made to order. After a piece has been cast it is left in the mold until it has hardened. After removal from the mold it continues to harden. The piece is then etched and inspected for flaws. The last step in the process is applying a sealer, which protects the cast stone from damage from freezing temperatures.
If you require your memorial urn sooner, please contact us to make arrangements.
Can I put my memorial outdoors?
Cast stone is extremely durable and can be placed outdoors. We finish the pieces with a clear sealer that keeps moisture out of the stone and prevents damage caused by freezing temperatures.
Sculptures that live outdoors may eventually develop a patina of lichen or other algae. Some people like this look of age, but for those who don't, cast stone stands up to washing and vigorous scrubbing to keep it looking new.
Some of our customers prefer to bring their memorials indoors in the winter or cover them securely with plastic to completely protect their artwork.
What is cast stone?
Cast stone is a refined form of concrete, a mix of sand, gravel and cement. Our cast stone is made from a high strength cement mix that gives optimum detail in casting.
The Ashes In Stone option of blending human or pet ashes into the cast stone is a process we developed from the practice of adding fly ash to commercial concrete in order to make it stronger. The Romans added ash from Mount Vesuvius to the concrete they used to build roads, aqueducts and buildings. Today engineers marvel at the strength of structures such as the Coliseum that are still standing after thousands of years.
What are the advantages of cremation?
Cremation is an increasingly popular choice in the US. It is more affordable than burial, it saves land from being taken up by cemeteries, religious restrictions have eased in recent years, and with people living far apart from family these days and moving more frequently than in the past, it makes sense to have a loved ones remains in a form that can be moved easily and more present in their lives. See Grieving for more discussion of this subject.
My dog is buried in my backyard. Can I purchase one of your sculptures as a memorial to him?
Yes, all of our sculptures can be made without a chamber and used as a grave marker, a memorial without ashes within it, or just as a beautiful piece of garden art. Contact us for prices for a specific piece. In general, the cost is a little less that the Urn price.
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