Author: Kenny Scott

Posted on

Can You Get Memorial Glass Jewellery Engraved?

Are you wondering if you can get your memorial glass jewellery engraved?

Cremation glass jewellery is such a personal, unique thing, and often the most precious piece of jewellery you’ll ever own. So, it makes sense that you’d want to engrave it with a special message to remember a loved one. It can also make a great, sentimental gift for a partner or family member.

The good news is that you can get some memorial glass jewellery engraved, but it will depend on a couple of factors.

Having worked in glass design for over 20 years now, I’m going to tell you what you need to know about cremation glass jewellery engraving.

How can you get cremation glass jewellery engraved?

Some cremation glass jewellery companies do offer engraving as part of their service. However, it can be quite specialised, and some may outsource it to other companies. This could affect the overall delivery time of your jewellery, which is usually 6 – 8 weeks to begin with in regards to larger online companies (smaller businesses may have a shorter turnaround time). At Ash Glass Design we take around 2-3 weeks from receiving order to completion.

If a company does offer an engraving service, this is usually something you would request upon making your order, or when sending your order pack and ashes to the company in question.

For companies that do engraving in-house, you may wish to check how they engrave their jewellery. Some may offer a hand-engraving service, whereas others may have a machine to help with accuracy. For instance, I’ve recently invested in a state-of-the-art engraving machine which uses a traditional diamond-drag technique.

Which pieces of cremation jewellery can be engraved?

It’s also worth noting that not all cremation jewellery pieces can be engraved – for instance, can you imagine the task of engraving on the back of an earring? It’d be extremely tricky! As a rule of thumb, the smaller the jewellery, the trickier it is to engrave.

The most common jewellery pieces to get engraved include:

  • Cremation glass rings
  • Cremation glass pendants
  • Cremation glass art sculptures (if they include a metal plaque for the engraving)

My favourite engravings to do are usually the ones that contain messages that are a bit quirky. I find an inscription of a common saying or in-joke tends to be so much more personal than a standard ‘RIP’.

Advice from an experienced glassmaker

Do you like the thought of having a personal engraving on your memorial jewellery? There are two main things to consider when getting cremation jewellery engraved:

  1. The quality of the metal
  2. The quality of the engraving

Your memorial glass jewellery should ideally be hallmarked and made from good quality materials. The font of the engraving should be clear and easy to read, and should ideally be either engraved with a quality gravel-graph engraving machine, or engraved carefully by hand.

Finally, if you’re unsure of what to get engraved on your piece of memorial jewellery, my advice is to wait until you know exactly what you want. You can always take your jewellery to an engraver or local jeweller later on, because once your message is on, it’s final.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading. By now, you should have a better idea of what to look for when getting your memorial glass jewellery engraved. It’s quite a specialist services, but some memorial glass jewellery companies will offer this. Just be sure the quality of the materials and the engraving is up-to-scratch!

Do you have any questions about cremation glass jewellery engraving? If so, please just call me on 01896 850447 or email me  kenny@ashglassdesign.co.uk – I’m always happy to answer.

 

Posted on

5 Ways to Avoid Stress When Buying Cremation Glass Jewellery

Are you thinking about purchasing memorial glass jewellery to remember a lost loved one?

Cremation glass jewellery can bring a great deal of comfort to people and brighten even their darkest of days. However, it can also be a very emotional process, and it can be especially stressful if you’re choosing to order your special piece of jewellery online.

As an experienced glassmaker, it’s my number one priority for people of all backgrounds and budgets to experience the comfort that comes from memorial glass jewellery and artwork. It should be something that brings a smile to your face, not cause you to lose sleep at night.

That’s why I’ve put together this blog post about how to avoid stress when ordering something so personal and unique online.

1. Ensure you’re ready to get memorial jewellery made

It’s true that while some people are emotionally ready to get jewellery made from their loved ones’ ashes right away, others may want to hold back a while. That’s perfectly normal, and you should only commit to buying cremation jewellery when you feel ready.

Here are some tips and guidance I’ve put together to make the process a little easier when deciding whether or not to purchase memorial glass jewellery.

2. Do your research when choosing a company

Now, this may be obvious, but it’s important to look at all the available products out there and settle on a jewellery or art design you’re completely happy with. You might come across a gorgeous style of ring or a specific colour that reminds you of your loved one.

However, it’s not only products you should do your homework on – you need to choose the right company, too. Reviews and testimonials go a long way towards helping you feel confident in your decision, but you should also ensure the company will use good quality materials, and provide a certificate of authenticity. Which brings me onto my next point…

TIP: Here are some things in particular to avoid when purchasing cremation glass jewellery online.

3. Speak to our chosen company or artist on the phone

I find that it really helps many of my customers to be able to speak to me on the phone. Hearing the understanding in my voice, and being able to answer all of their questions really helps set their minds at ease. If possible, make a list of all the things you want to ask a company first, and then either telephone or email them.

I always say never to commit to a purchase before they’ve answered all of your questions, as this really does help eliminate stress. For guidance, here’s a list of some of the biggest questions I think are important to ask a cremation glass company.

TIP: Some companies may even be able to phone you to tell you that your loved one’s ashes have arrived safely. I love being able to do this for clients, as I know how important it is to know they’re safe.

4. Avoid pressure and sales tactics

If you have made contact with a company, but something doesn’t feel right, please don’t feel pressured into making a decision. No reputable cremation glass company should do this, and they should allow you to make your final decision in your own time – no set timescales or sales tactics.

Always trust your gut, and only send money when you feel comfortable and confident in a memorial glass company.

5. Ask if you can deliver the ashes in-person

Lastly, I find this one is the biggest help to make of my customers – although it’s not something that’s always going to be available. The answer you’ll get will really be dependent on the company, but some smaller, more personal businesses will understand the need to ensure your loved ones’ ashes are safely delivered by hand.

In the past, I’ve had customers travel up from places like Leeds, or down from Aberdeen and the Highlands to deliver their loved ones’ ashes. It really takes out the stress that comes with worrying about anything getting lost or damaged in the post.

Conclusion

I’m sorry for your loss, but I hope this blog post has gone some way to helping you avoid stress when purchasing memorial glass jewellery online. Some of the tips above should hopefully make ordering cremation glass a more enjoyable experience, and remember to never commit to buying until you’re 100% confident in a company.

Do you have any questions about this subject? You’re very welcome to get in touch with me directly, or alternatively leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help!

Posted on

How to Overcome Fear When Buying Memorial Glass Jewellery

Are you considering having memorial glass jewellery made to remember a lost loved one?

It’s safe to say that cremation glass jewellery isn’t for everyone. However, it can also bring a great deal of comfort to those who have lost someone special in their life, and I think it’s something everyone should have a chance to own.

When I speak to customers on the phone, they often have very real concerns, such as:

  • Will their loved ones’ ashes be safe?
  • Who will be handling the ashes?
  • What if something goes wrong?

Below are the three main fears people are concerned about buying cremation glass jewellery. The good news is, these fears can often be overcome by following my advice as an experienced glassmaker who regularly crafts memorial glass jewellery and art.

TIP: Here are 8 other things you should know about cremation glass jewellery.

1. Not knowing who you’re buying from

This is probably the no. 1 fear; in other words, fear of the unknown. People are often very worried about simply not knowing who is going to be handling their loved ones’ ashes, and whether they’re experienced or qualified enough for the job. This is particularly the case when ordering from a larger company which doesn’t necessarily specifiy who will be working on your jewellery.

The solution

Thoroughly research your chosen company, and if possible, call to speak to them on the phone. From personal experience, I find this is the main thing that really helps many of my customers feel at ease. A good company should be able to tell you who will be working on your memorial glass jewellery, along with their experience and background. If you can speak to the artist directly, even better.

2. Knowing the process is irreversible

What I mean by this is that once memorial jewellery is made, there’s no turning back; your loved one’s ashes will be forever immortalised in glass. This makes your decision a permanent one, and sometimes it may take people years to come to the decision to have something made (although the process only requires a teaspoonful of ashes).

The solution

Take your time deciding on the right memorial jewellery product for you; be it a ring, necklace, charm bead or cufflinks. Find a style and colour that you feel you’ll be able to treasure forever, and if you’re unsure of whether or not you want an engraving, leave it for now. You can always take it to an engraver later, once you’d finalised the message you want.

3. Sending ashes away in the post

Finally, ordering cremation glass jewellery often involves having to send your loved ones’ ashes away in the post. Especially if the company you choose is not local. This can be a very stressful, scary thing to do, and I hate the thought of people waiting for weeks on end until their special piece of jewellery is sent back to them.

The solution

If you do have to send ashes away, always use signed for post, or send via a courier that will track your ashes, so you know when they have arrived safely. Some smaller, more personal companies will even give you a phone call to say they’ve arrived – so check with them before you send.

If you’re local to the area, or don’t mind travelling, some reputable memorial glass companies may even allow you to deliver your loved one’s ashes in person. I’ve personally had people travel from places such as Leeds and Aberdeen to ensure their loved ones’ ashes arrived safely.

Finally, only make your order when you’re feeling emotionally ready to do so.  We all cope with grief differently, so if it’s too painful even to part with a small amount of ashes, give it some time.

Conclusion

I hope this blog post has been helpful when thinking about ordering cremation jewellery to celebrate the memory of a loved one. Memorial glass jewellery is something everyone should have the option to own, and can bring the wearer a great deal of comfort, even on the toughest of days. That’s why I wanted to address some of the biggest concerns above.

Do you have any questions I haven’t answered about memorial glass jewellery? Please leave me a comment, or get in touch with me directly. I’m always here to help – and listen.

Posted on

How Does it Feel to Hold Cremation Jewellery for the First Time?

Are you considering getting your loved ones’ ashes made into memorial glass jewellery?

If so, you’ve probably put a lot of thought into whether it’s something you really want to do. You may even have wondered if you’re ready to take that next step.

There’s a lot of fear that can come from sending your loved ones’ ashes away to be made into jewellery or art, which is why I always advise people to ensure they’re completely confident in the company they choose before buying cremation jewellery online.

However, often that fear is worth it when they come to hold their special piece of memorial glass for the first time. Below, I’m going to try and give you a better idea of how that feels, through the voice of some of my own customers.

How it feels to receive memorial jewellery for the first time

Cremation glass jewellery is such a personal, individual thing. I always feel a bit sad when I receiving ashes, but I also take a lot of pride in the fact that my work is going to bring someone a great deal of comfort, and make them smile again.

Like Tori Tong, who ordered a piece of jewellery to remember her grandmother. She said: “The pink is beautiful and the pattern in the glass is stunning. I’m honestly over the moon! Now I can always have a little piece of her forever and I will treasure it for the rest of my life.” 

And it’s comments like Sarah Goldie’s that make what I do completely worthwhile. She said (via Facebook): “I ordered an orange charm and I couldn’t be any happier with it, the colour is stunning and beautiful just like my Gran was, I would highly recommend this service to anyone who wants to keep their loved ones close.”

Memorial glass jewellery can also make an extremely thoughtful and personal gift for a partner or family member. Like the art sculpture Billy Barabich recently ordered: “I ordered the ‘Lest We Forget’ glass sculpture for my partner and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s beautiful, and it means so much to us that we have Willie’s ashes in such a beautiful, and meaningful piece.”

Zoë Harding also ordered a piece of jewellery for her mother. She commented: “We ordered a pair earrings for our Mum and they are absolutely gorgeous. Our mum was overwhelmed by them and now has our grandparents with her all the time.”

Advice from an experienced glassmaker

Do you like the idea of having your own special piece of memorial glass jewellery to remember a loved one?

The best advice I can give you is to never send ashes away in the post until you’re ready, and really take your time choosing a company you can feel happy and confident in. Call up and ask to speak to them over the phone, as I find just doing this really helps to ease the minds of my customers.

Here are some helpful questions you can ask when choosing a company to create memorial jewellery with your loved one’s ashes. Asking questions like these can help make the process feel less daunting.

You may also wish to read online reviews or testimonials like the ones above!

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful when considering whether to invest in a piece of cremation glass jewellery or art. It’s such a personal decision, and you should definitely take the time to research all your options before deciding if it’s right for you.

Don’t forget to call up a company before committing to buy. They should be happy to answer any questions you have, to ensure you have a pleasant experience and are satisfied with the final product. You can even look up some reviews and testimonials online!

Do you have a specific question about ordering cremation glass jewellery or art? Feel free to leave a comment below – I promise to respond!

 

Posted on

What’s the Most Comforting Thing About Owning Cremation Glass Jewellery?

Are you considering buying cremation jewellery to remember someone special?

Memorial glass jewellery can be a beautiful way to celebrate the memory of a loved one, and keep them close to you. As an experienced glassmaker, I see these special pieces of jewellery bringing happiness and comfort to people on a regular basis – it’s part of what makes my job so worthwhile.

But what’s so comforting about cremation glass jewellery? Well, the best people to really tell you that, are the ones who have already experienced it for themselves.

Below are some of the comments from my own customers who have had memorial jewellery made either for themselves or a family member.

The most comforting thing about cremation jewellery

Creating memorial glass jewellery really makes me feel like I’ve made a difference, and it’s a lovely thing knowing you’re bringing that comfort to someone. It gives people something they can keep hold of forever, bringing them comfort on even the darkest of days. And there’s definitely something to be said for the fact that no matter where they go, they can take their loved ones with them.

One example of this comes from Lesley Anne Driscoll, who said: “I went with my Step-mum today to collect the most beautiful ring made with my Father’s ashes. We have chosen a ring to be made for me too. We are devastated by the loss of my Dad, but this jewellery is so special and it somehow will feel as though we have a part of him next to us forever.”

Gillian Fulton will always have a way to keep her daughter close. She said: “The end results are beautiful, I love my ring and it is the perfect way to have my daughter (who was stillborn last year) with me at all times. We couldn’t have asked for more.” 

Sometimes people even choose to have ashes combined into one extra special piece of jewellery. Like Pam Hennigan, who stated: “[I got a] beautiful ring and charm beads made from my mum and dads ashes. I am simply over the moon with them and it is such a comfort knowing that they are with me all the time.” 

Memorial jewellery can also be a great comfort for those who haven’t necessarily chosen a traditional route when saying goodbye to a loved one. One example of this is Rosemary McCallum, who said: “We lost my Dad just over 3 years ago now, he had donated his body to science and we recently received his ashes back. Without having had a ‘normal’ farewell process my mum took some time to decide what she wanted to do. She felt absolutely that it was the right thing.

“I have a charm which is just lovely, I picked the colour and am now wearing on my necklace that has my children’s finger prints on it. My middle boy is convinced it has grandpa’s eye in it and he kissed and cuddled it before bed.”

In my experience as glassmaker, and the nature of the work involved when making cremation glass, you have to take so much care in what you’re doing – knowing that one piece of jewellery will mean so much to its recipient. Saying that, the processes between different companies will vary, and experience is so important.

That’s why reading positive reviews and testimonials from a company can be incredibly reassuring when choosing a cremation glass company.  But that’s not the only advice I’d offer…

Advice from an experienced glassmaker

If you’re looking for a reputable memorial glass company you can trust, the best advice I can give you is to thoroughly research different products and companies online. When you find a product you really like the look of, write down any questions that stick out to you, or use this blog post as a guide.

The best way to feel confident you’re making the right decision is to call up and speak to someone over the phone. A good cremation glass jewellery company should hopefully be happy to answer your questions, and ease your mind, BEFORE you commit to buy.

Finally, buying cremation jewellery can be a stressful experience, so check out my blog post entitled ‘5 Ways to Avoid Stress When Buying Cremation Glass Jewellery’.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading. If you think you or a family member could benefit from the comfort cremation glass jewellery can bring, I’d urge you to take a good look at the different types of memorial jewellery available. And always ask to speak to a company before committing to buy – they should be happy to answer your questions.

Do you want to know more about memorial glass jewellery? Feel free to leave a question in the comments, or alternatively get in touch with me directly. I’d love to hear from you.

Posted on

An Interview With Kenny Scott – the Artist Behind Ash Glass Design

Are you considering getting memorial jewellery or art made from your loved one’s ashes?

If so, you may even have wondered about the artists behind cremation or memorial glass.

After all, sending away your loved ones’ ashes in the post involves a lot of trust. It’s people like Kenny Scott of Ash Glass Design who have the task of receiving them at the other end, before carefully crafting them into beautiful pieces of jewellery or art. It’s a intricate process that involves a lot of skill and experience.

That’s why we’ve published this special interview with Kenny Scott, so you can learn more about his background as an experienced glassmaker and artist.

An interview with Kenny Scott of Ash Glass Design

Q. Hi Kenny, thanks for agreeing to the interview today. How are you? 

A. I’m very well, thank you.

Q. Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about your background as a glassmaker? When did you first start out making handcrafted glass?

A. I’ve always wanted to make glass. I left school at 16 to become a glassmaker, and that’s when I took on a five-year apprenticeship. After that I became a designer and production manager at a place called Selkirk glass. I was there for around 10 years, and used a lot of traditional methods to create glass that people collected all around the world.

After that, I started making some stuff for museums and various different places, as well as taking commissions from clients.

Q. And what first got you started making cremation glass? 

A. Well, I actually only started making cremation glass around three years ago. However, I had the idea about 22 years before; it’s just the opportunity never really came along for me to do anything about it. So, I was really excited when a local funeral director first approached me about it, and I began making memorial glass pieces.

Q. Is the process quite similar, or did it take a while to get used to at first?

A. It’s been a big learning curve, to be honest. I’m a professionally trained glassmaker, having been making glass designs for 24 years now, so suffice to say you really need that knowledge first. There’s so many aspects to consider, such as different temperatures, how the glass reacts to certain materials, how to cool it down, heat it up, keep it stable. It’s like a chemistry all of its own.

When it came to making cremation glass, the experience I’d gained over those 24 years really helped me to master this new, different style. That base knowledge definitely helped me adapt a lot faster.

Q. Did it feel odd at first, working with people’s ashes?

A. You know, it might for some people, but to be honest it’s something I’ve never really thought about that way. I take a lot of care in them for what they are, and I have so much pride in my work when delivering the finished result. It’s such an important, personal thing to so many people and that’s really the way you have to look at it.

Q. What’s the best thing about making ashes into cremation jewellery?

A. I’d say definitely for me at least, the best part of making cremation jewellery is what you get out of doing it. It’s the reaction you get from the end customer; the people you get to know along the way, and how happy you make them. If you can do that for someone, it makes you feel really good. Reading the hundreds of positive reviews from customers gives me a really warm feeling.

Q. Have you ever had any struggles along the way?

A. You live and learn, really. I make a point of never really putting anything out if I can put my name to it, but at times it can still take a bit of trial and error. For instance, when trying to get a very specific colour that I’m not used to making, I might have to experiment a few times before I’m confident enough to add in the ashes.

Q. What’s the main ethos behind Ash Glass Design?

A. I really wanted to make memorial glass jewellery affordable for anyone who’s ever lost a loved one. Creating an everlasting memory for people to hold onto, something that brings them comfort – whether that be jewellery or a piece of art – it’s something that’s so personal. It should be an option for anyone who wants it.

And because all of our jewellery is handcrafted, I wanted to ensure all of my customers are treated with the utmost consideration and care. They’re not just a number to me, I want them to feel like they can pick up the phone at any time, and never be too scared to get in touch or ask a question.

Q. Are there any more products you’ll be looking to introduce in future?

A. Yes! I’m planning to introduce some more sculptures, along with possibly some more contemporary jewellery as well. I’m going to try and do a sculpture featuring hearts, and introduce some different colours for my sculpture ‘Circles of Life’. Let’s just say I’ve got a few more ideas in the pipeline, so stay tuned!

Q. That’s amazing news! Well, thanks for taking the time to talk to us today, Kenny. 

A. You’re very welcome!

Conclusion

Well, there we have it! The personal side of memorial glass jewellery making is so often hidden, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re considering ordering cremation glass jewellery, it’s always a good idea to phone up and see if you can speak to the person who’ll be making your special piece of jewellery or art. It could really help set your mind at ease!

Have you got a question to ask Kenny about his memorial glass designs? Just leave a comment below!

Posted on

Memorial Glass Art Canvas vs Memorial Art Sculpture: Which is Best?

Are you looking for the perfect piece of memorial glass art to remember a lost loved you’ve lost?

There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate the memory of a loved one who has passed away.

Some prefer to scatter their ashes, whilst others hold onto them in the form of a decorative urn – and some even consider memorial glass jewellery so they have something to hold in their hands.

However, if your loved one was an art lover, or you’re more partial to decorative art than jewellery you can wear (and potentially lose), you might be considering a memorial glass canvas or art sculpture.

Both can be a beautiful addition to your home; something to remind you of that someone special every day. But how do you choose?

Having worked in glass design for over 20 years, I’m going to tell you the main reasons my customers choose one or the other, so you can decide for yourself.

Why choose a memorial glass art canvas?

Memorial art canvases are ideal if you have space on your wall, and love the idea of a loved one protectively watching over you. They can also be a good choice if you don’t have the space for a large sculpture in your home.

These canvases make great gifts, but if you’re buying for yourself, they also make a lovely piece of art. You don’t even necessarily have to explain to visitors what’s inside them – it’s completely up to you.

Because memorial art canvases typically use less glass than a sculpture, they can also be an affordable option if you don’t have the budget for a larger piece. Plus, they only need a small amount of ashes, so you can always get something else made later.

TIP: Check my blog to learn more about the creation process that goes into my unique memorial art canvases.

Why choose a memorial glass art sculpture?

A memorial glass art sculpture is a great idea if you want to invest in a gorgeous and striking feature piece for your home. Some can be dramatic, whilst others can be made with your choice of design.

Memorial glass art sculptures come in all shapes and sizes, and most of them sparkle beautifully in the light – making them perfect for placing on your windowsill.

Another nice feature of memorial glass art sculptures is that they often come with wooden bases (depending on the type you get). This allows to you add a silver plate with an engraving of your own personal message.

Plus, just like memorial art canvases, it only takes a very small amount of your loved ones’ ashes to create a sculpture you’ll admire for years to come.

TIP: Read my blog ‘Ashes to Art: Fantastic Glass Sculptures’ to find out more about the steps I use to create my own memorial glass art sculptures.

Advice before buying your memorial glass art piece

The first thing I say to anyone who is considering purchasing memorial glass art is to always call up and speak to your chosen company or artist first. Never send ashes away in the post until you are happy and confident that they’ll be in safe hands.

To help, here are 8 questions to ask a cremation glass company BEFORE you buy, as I can’t bear to think of anyone being left disappointed.

Conclusion

I’m sorry for your loss, but I hope this article has gone some way to helping you decide whether you’d prefer a memorial glass art canvas, or a sculpture to remember your loved one.

Perhaps neither! There are so many options out there, and the choice is an entirely personal one.

If there’s anything you’re feeling unsure about, please don’t hesitate to pop a comment below, or get in touch with me directly. I’ll do my best to help!

Posted on

How Much Does a Memorial Glass Sculpture Cost, and What Can Affect Price?

Are you wondering exactly how much a memorial glass sculpture costs?

While some people prefer to scatter the ashes of a loved one in a special place, or keep them safe in a decorative urn, others draw comfort from the idea of having those ashes encapsulated forever in memorial glass.

If your loved one was an art lover, there’s even the possibility of transforming their ashes into beautiful glass art sculptures that brighten up any room. In fact, they’re often perfect for displaying on a window, so you can admire the way they sparkle in the light.

But how much does something like that actually cost?

Well, having worked in glass design for over 20 years, this is a subject close to my own heart.

Below, I’m going to tell you how much you should expect to pay for a memorial glass sculpture, and what can affect the final price you pay.

Memorial glass sculpture costs explained

This is a bit of a trickier one, as I’m not really aware of many companies who offer the same type or scale of glass sculpture as I do. The ones that do seem to be a bit more expensive, but they really do come in all shapes and sizes. The creation process will vary greatly, too.

I’d say the average amount you can expect to spend on a memorial glass art sculpture is £175 – £500. However, this will depend on the company/artist, and the type of sculpture you’re looking for.

Although the cost may be an important part of your decision, there really is a lot of unique art glass out there – from larger sculptures to smaller paperweight styles. That’s why I’d recommend having a good look around to find something you absolutely love.

And if you can get it from an experienced company that makes you feel confident and reassured that your loved ones’ ashes are in good hands, you’re definitely onto a winner.

What other factors can affect price?

There are a few factors that may result in you paying a bit more or a bit less for your memorial art sculpture. Cost usually depends on:

  • The artist or company you choose to buy from
  • The quality of the glass and the creation process used
  • The overall size of the sculpture you need

You may also choose to have your memorial glass sculpture engraved with your own message. For example, if it comes with a wooden base, you could get a silver plate added with an engraving of your choice.

Some companies or artists will happily add an engraving to your sculpture for a small extra charge (ours is £15). Alternatively, you could take it to an engraver.

And finally, you may also want to consider packaging and shipping. Because glass art sculptures can be quite heavy, shipping may cost you more for larger pieces. You’ll also want to know it will be sent tracked via courier or Royal Mail Signed For post.

The above factors will no doubt affect the final price you pay, so bear that in mind – especially if you are paying for long distance postage.

Things to consider before buying your memorial glass sculpture

Although it only takes a small amount of ashes to make a beautiful memorial glass art sculpture, you’ll still be concerned about sending them away in the post. That’s why I always recommend calling up and speaking to a company first.

Here are 8 questions to ask a cremation glass company BEFORE you buy, so you’re not left disappointed. And remember, just because a company charges more than another, does NOT necessarily mean you’re going to get a better quality product at the end of the day.

If you can, try to find a company or artist that will speak to you on the phone, and reassure you that your loved ones’ ashes will be in good hands.

Conclusion

I’m sorry for the reason that has brought you to this blog post, but I hope I’ve managed to help shed some light on how much a memorial glass art sculpture costs. Remember, it will vary from company to company – or artist to artist.

If there’s anything you’d like to ask me about, feel free to leave a comment below. I promise reply as soon as I can!

Posted on

Why a Memorial Glass Barrel Necklace is the Perfect Contemporary Choice

Are you looking for a contemporary style memorial glass necklace to remember a loved one?

There are so many wonderful options out there when it comes to the difficult decision of what to do with your loved ones’ ashes. Some choose earrings, some choose memorial glass rings, and some prefer to keep their loved one close to their heart on a necklace.

The good thing about memorial glass necklaces is that they come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve recently introduced a memorial glass barrel necklace as a more contemporary choice, just to give another unisex option for my customers.

Below, I’m going to talk you through my unique creation process for crafting a unisex barrel-style necklace, and why it might be a good option for you.

Why choose a memorial glass barrel necklace?

A barrel-style memorial glass design is quite a unique and contemporary jewellery piece, and I’m not even sure other online shops are selling one exactly the same as my own. I wanted to give people more choice of how to wear their memorial glass around their neck.

The barrel necklace design is quite versatile; you can either wear it around your neck on a lovely section of urban leather, or you can choose to wear it on a Pandora chain, so it’s more like a pendant.

In fact, one of my customers was looking for a piece of memorial jewellery recently, but almost didn’t buy anything as it all looked too feminine. However, he loved the design of the barrel necklace, and thought it would really suit him. Black tends to our most popular option.

The creation process

I’m sure every company that creates memorial glass pendants uses slightly different techniques. Despite that, I thought it would be helpful to talk you through my own creation process. Just to give you a better idea of what’s involved:

Step 1:

Firstly, you decide on the colour of barrel necklace you would prefer. Options can be found either online or in your order pack – however some companies (including myself) will be able to offer a custom colour of your choosing.

Step 2:

Next, I heat up the coloured glass to around 1500 – 1400 degrees, so it becomes almost like a sort of honey texture.

Step 3:

Then it’s time to capture the ashes within the glass, using heat and a combination of coloured and clear glass to seal it all in nicely.

I wish I could take some credit for what happens next, but if I’m honest, the ashes from their own unique pattern in the glass. This is caused by a mixture of gases and air. Because of the different patterns formed, each piece is completely unique!

Step 4:

Once I’m happy with the way the ashes have taken to the glass, I use a slab of carbon to start rolling it out into the shape I want. This all takes experienced hands, as you have to really do it by eye.

Afterwards, the barrel necklace sits in a kiln for around 24 hours, until it cools right back to room temperature. Then it’s ready for the next step!

Step 5:

Almost there. Next, I use diamond wheels to grind and polish the sides, so they can be set in silver 925. This is it can be worn nicely with a leather strap or Pandora chain.

Step 6:

The finishing touch! I add a good quality section of urban leather, and then it’s ready to be sent out to you. This is the part where I get in touch to let you know it’s ready, along with your final invoice. Your special barrel necklace is then sent out via recorded post.

How long does it take?

Memorial glass necklaces can typically take some of the larger companies up to 6 – 8 weeks to produce. This is most likely due to how many orders they have to process.

Despite this, there are some smaller cremation glass companies out there who can produce memorial glass quicker. It can also add an extra personal touch to the process.

Having been in this business for over 20 years, I know how important it is to have peace of mind. That’s why I like to get ashes back to my customers as soon as possible. My turnaround time at the moment is under two weeks, and I keep them updated throughout.

How much does it cost?

A contemporary-style memorial glass necklace like my barrel design should cost you around £100, but the price will vary from company to company.

The best advice I can give you is to shop around carefully and find an experienced company that suits you budget but also reassures you that your loved ones’ ashes will be in safe hands.

TIP: To help you out, here are 8 questions to ask a cremation glass company BEFORE ordering. It’s always better to be on the safe side with such a sensitive purchase.

Conclusion

I’m sorry for your loss, but I hope this blog has helped give you a better idea of the creation process for contemporary style memorial glass necklaces, like my new barrel necklace. It’s a great unisex design that is certainly a bit different from the norm!

If you have any questions, or need advice on finding the right style for you, please leave a comment below. I promise to answer!

Posted on

How Much Does a Memorial Glass Pendant Cost, and What Can Affect Price?

Are you wondering exactly how much a memorial glass pendant costs?

I’m sorry for the reason that has brought you to this page; I know how difficult it can be to lose a loved one. However, they do live on in our memories and in our hearts.

Having worked in glass design for over 20 years, I’ve found memorial glass pendants are an increasingly popular way to keep your loved ones closest to your heart.

These beautiful pieces of jewellery sparkle when they catch the light and bring comfort on even the darkest days.

But how much can you expect to pay for a cremation glass pendant? Good question.

By the end of this blog post, you should have a better idea of exactly how much a memorial glass pendant costs, and the factors that can affect price.

Memorial glass pendant costs explained

On average, handcrafted memorial glass pendants can set you back anything between £100 – £450 – or maybe more, depending on the type of materials used (gold, white gold or silver)

I personally offer two types of memorial glass pendant:

However, a quick search of the internet will come up with many different styles, shapes and sizes. I’d say it’s definitely worth taking a look around to ensure you find something to suit your taste and budget.

TIP: You can read more about the creation process that goes into my memorial glass pendants elsewhere on my blog – other companies may differ, though.

What other factors can affect price?

There are many other factors that can affect the overall price you pay for your memorial glass pendant. This includes the company you choose, and the type and quality of the metal they use.

TIP: Always check your cremation jewellery will be hallmarked before purchasing – and if you’re buying gold, check the carat. Here is a list of some of the other questions you should be asking.

There’s also the quality of the glass, and the process and materials used to produce it.

Another factor that can affect price is whether or not you’d like to have your special memorial glass pendant engraved with your own message. Companies may include a small charge for this (ours is £15), or you may have to take it to an engraver.

Finally, you’ve also got to think about packaging and shipping. Will your memorial pendant be shipped in a special presentation box, complete with certificate of authenticity? And will it be sent via courier or Royal Mail Special Delivery or Signed For post?

All of the above can significantly affect the end price you pay online, which is why you’ve probably noticed how variable prices can be.

Things to consider before buying your memorial glass pendant

Apart from all of the advice above, I always recommend not sending away your loved ones’ ashes in the post until you are 100% confident and happy with the company you’ve chosen. If you don’t have that confidence, you will worry – especially as some companies can take weeks!

I’d also advise you that just because one company is very pricey, does NOT necessarily mean you’re going to get a higher quality pendant at the end of the day. If possible, aim to hit the right balance between cost, quality and professionalism.

TIP: Some companies will ask you to pay for your memorial glass pendant up front, rather than just asking for a deposit.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful when trying to work out how much a memorial glass pendant costs. It can be a bit confusing with so many different prices out there!

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I promise to get back to you with an answer!