Dealing with the loss of a loved one never gets easy, but it’s possible that some prepared memorials and mementos may make the grieving process slightly more bearable. Finding a way to remember your loved one is also more manageable when debt from the memorial service is not more overwhelming than your grief.
Unfortunately, traditional funeral costs average $10,000. Green burials, however, are approximately $2,500. Many families who select a memorial process that is more environmentally friendly choose cremation. History tells us that cremation is not a new process. By the time of the Roman Empire, the time period between 27 B.C. and 395 A.D., cremation was widely practiced, and cremated remains were typically stored in elaborate urns, sometimes in niches within columbarium-like buildings.
Today, cremation is a choice many families are making. According to Cremation Association of North America (CANA), in 2009 there were 2,100 crematories in the U.S. Those crematories performed over 9,000 cremations (37% of all deaths in the U.S. that year), and the numbers of people choosing cremation are only expected to grow. National cremation rates have increased 20% over the past decade, according to the most recent statistics from the CANA.
Cremation memorials also allow family members the option of keeping a small reminder of a loved one. Selecting an ash pendant as a keepsake can give the owner the opportunity to have a physical reminder of their loved one. Mourning jewelry has been around since the 16th century, but it is widely associated with the Victorian Era, a time when mass production made these keepsakes affordable. Today, ash pendant keepsakes and other memorial tokens are available from a number of resources.
Ash cremation jewelry, whether selected for yourself, a family member, or as unique sympathy gifts for friends who are grieving, can provide a subtle comfort on a daily basis. Ash pendant choices are available in a variety of styles, including both a cremation bracelet and cremation necklaces.
If you, or someone you know, is in the process of grieving a family member or friend, an ash keepsake might be a thoughtful option. While many families know that they would like to use cremation as an end of life decision, not all of these family members have come to terms with how they want to treat the ashes. Many may have thought of ornamental urns, but fewer may have thought of memorial keepsake jewelry options.
