When a pet dies, grief can feel oddly physical. You reach for the leash out of habit. You pause before filling a bowl that no longer needs filling. And then—quietly, sometimes weeks later—you realize you’re also grieving the small rituals that made your days feel anchored. That’s why memorial choices matter. They aren’t just “what to do next.” They’re a way to give love somewhere to live.
More families are navigating decisions around cremation and ashes than ever before. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate is projected to be 63.4% in 2025, more than double the projected burial rate (31.6%). And the Cremation Association of North America reports the U.S. cremation rate was 61.8% in 2024. As cremation becomes more common, families are also exploring more ways to remember—especially after a beloved pet, where the bond is daily, intimate, and often wordless.
“Ashes in glass” memorials for pets have grown in popularity because they’re both art and comfort: a pendant you can wear on a hard day, an orb that catches light on a windowsill, a small heart you can hold when you need something tangible. This guide will walk you through how these memorials are made, what costs and turnaround times often depend on, how to ship or share ashes safely, and how to choose an artist with confidence. Along the way, we’ll also keep the bigger picture in view—because the most peaceful plan usually starts with a simple decision: where will the main portion of ashes rest, at least for now?
What “ashes in glass” really means
An “ashes in glass” memorial uses a small portion of cremated remains (often called cremains) as part of a glasswork process. Depending on the artist, the cremains may be introduced into molten glass, layered between glass elements, or incorporated during kiln-forming or lampworking. The goal is not to “melt” the ashes (they won’t melt like glass does), but to suspend a symbolic amount within the finished piece so it becomes part of the memorial’s color, texture, or subtle sparkle.
That subtlety is important to understand up front. Some pieces show visible white flecks; others look more like faint stardust; some hold the cremains in a discreet internal layer. If your heart is set on being able to see the ashes clearly, you’ll want to choose the style and artist accordingly—and it’s okay to name that preference plainly when you ask questions.
It also helps to remember that “ashes in glass” is usually one part of a broader memorial plan. Many families choose a primary urn first, and then commission glass art using only a small portion. If you’re still deciding on that “home base,” browsing pet cremation urns can help you picture what feels right in your space. If you want something that feels warm and personal (especially for a shared family memorial), pet figurine cremation urns can feel like a gentle presence rather than a formal container.
How ashes-in-glass memorials are made
Artists use different glass methods, but the emotional logic is often the same: take something that feels heavy—grief, absence, the finality of ashes—and transform it into something you can live with. The practical steps usually look like this.
First, you choose a piece and a style. Some people want something wearable, like a pendant; others want an object for the home, like an orb, heart, or paperweight. Many studios offer color choices, patterns, and small personalization details. These choices affect both cost and timing because some designs require more labor, multiple firings, or more complex finishing.
Next, the studio typically requests a small portion of cremains and provides instructions for sending them. Some artists use both “hot shop” and “cold” processes; others work only with kiln-formed glass or only with lampwork. The core idea is that cremains are handled as a delicate inclusion—introduced at a controlled moment, then sealed within glass so the final memorial is stable and lasting. One example explanation of this kind of process can be found in the overview from Locked in Art, which describes using cremation ashes during glass creation as part of memorial jewelry-making.
Finally, any cremains not used are commonly returned. For example, some studios explicitly note that only a small amount is required and that unused ashes are sent back with the finished piece. Scattered Glass describes collecting a small amount for creation and returning any ash not used.
If you want a broader view of “specialty memorials” beyond glass—like diamonds or even vinyl records—Funeral.com’s guide Turning Ashes into Diamonds, Glass, and Vinyl Records can help you compare what each option involves before you commit.
How much ashes you typically need
One of the most comforting facts about ashes-in-glass memorials is that they usually require a very small portion. That matters if you want to keep most of the ashes together in a primary urn, share small amounts among family members, or simply feel protective of what you have.
Because processes vary, artists’ requirements vary too. As one example, Scattered Glass states that each art piece requires approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cremation ash. Another example, You Are Forever, says that generally you may need about 1/8 to 1/4 of a teaspoon for a cremation orb or similar glass memorial. The takeaway is reassuring: you’re often sending a symbolic amount, not “most of the ashes.”
If you’re dividing ashes among multiple people, this is where pet keepsake cremation urns and cremation jewelry can work beautifully alongside glass art. Some families keep the main portion in a pet urn, use a small glass pendant for daily closeness, and reserve a keepsake urn for a second household or a future scattering ceremony. If you’re wrestling with whether it’s “okay” to divide ashes, Funeral.com’s article Keepsake Urns and Sharing Urns: When Families Want to Divide Ashes offers a gentle, practical way to think about it.
What ashes-in-glass memorials cost (and what you’re really paying for)
Costs for ashes-in-glass memorials vary widely, and it’s normal to feel a bit stunned when you first browse. Try to remember that you’re often paying for skilled labor, careful handling, multiple creation steps, and a process that’s intentionally slow because the material can’t be rushed.
Price depends most on size, complexity, and finishing. A simple pendant is usually less expensive than a large orb or sculptural heart. Pieces that include precious-metal settings, engraving, custom colors, or “one-of-a-kind” design work tend to cost more. Rush options (if offered), special packaging, and insured shipping can also affect the final price.
To give you a sense of real-world pricing examples, Eternal Peace Memorial lists cremation pendants with pricing that can start under $100 for some designs and rise depending on style and complexity. For larger glass memorial objects, some studios list pieces in the low hundreds depending on size and design; for instance, You Are Forever shows cremation paperweights and similar items with prices that vary across products. Treat these as examples, not universal pricing—each artist sets costs based on their technique, time, and materials.
It can also help to zoom out and connect this decision to your overall budget and funeral planning choices. If you’re sorting out expenses and feeling unsure how everything fits together, Funeral.com’s explainer on how much does cremation cost can be a grounding starting point—even if pet cremation pricing differs from human services, the budgeting framework and questions to ask can still help you feel more in control.
Turnaround times: what’s normal and what can slow things down
One of the hardest parts of ordering any custom memorial is the waiting. You’ve already waited through illness or a sudden loss, and your nervous system wants things to be settled. But glasswork is often a multi-step process, and most reputable artists don’t promise overnight results.
Many studios describe turnaround times in the range of weeks after they receive the ashes. For example, Scattered Glass notes that once they receive the kit with cremation ashes, orders may ship within 2–6 weeks. You Are Forever describes expecting an artist to send back a memorial within about 6–8 weeks after receiving the ashes. The differences reflect what’s being made and how the artist works.
Turnaround can also be affected by seasonality (holidays and memorial dates often create surges), the need for multiple firings, supply constraints, or the artist’s own queue. If your goal is to have a piece by a specific anniversary or birthday, it’s okay to say that up front and ask what timeline is realistic. A respectful studio will answer clearly without overpromising.
How to ship (or share) ashes safely
Shipping cremated remains can feel intimidating, especially when those remains belong to a pet you protected in life. The key is to separate what feels emotionally scary from what is practically manageable: you are almost always sending a very small amount, and there are established mailing standards designed to protect the shipment.
In the U.S., the United States Postal Service provides specific guidance for shipping cremated remains. USPS Publication 139 explains that when you need to ship cremated remains, the Postal Service offers Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Express International, along with packaging guidance to protect the shipment during transit. It also notes that this applies whether you are shipping the remains of a loved one or a pet to an artisan to create a work of art, and it outlines “sift-proof” container requirements and the use of the Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box. See USPS Publication 139 for the step-by-step packaging and preparation details.
Even if your studio provides a kit, you can still create your own calm, careful system at home when you portion ashes. Choose a quiet time, clear a stable surface, and place a tray or baking sheet underneath your workspace so any accidental spill is contained. Use a clean spoon or scoop and a small, secure container that seals well. Label it clearly (even just for your own peace of mind), and keep the rest of the ashes closed and safely stored while you work. If you feel emotionally unsteady, ask someone you trust to sit with you—not to take over, but to make the moment feel less alone.
If you’re not shipping but sharing ashes between households, consider using a dedicated keepsake vessel rather than improvised containers. That’s where small cremation urns and keepsake urns can be especially helpful, because they’re designed to be secure, dignified, and easier to handle. For pets specifically, pet urns for ashes in keepsake sizes can help families share fairly without turning the moment into a stressful technical project.
Choosing the right artist: a buyer checklist in plain language
Because you’re trusting someone with a portion of your pet’s remains, you deserve clarity. A reputable artist or studio will welcome careful questions—and won’t pressure you to move faster than you’re ready.
Ask about visibility expectations. Do the ashes typically show as specks, swirls, or a subtle haze? Is the effect consistent, or does it vary by color choice? If you want a more visible inclusion, ask which designs make that more likely and which designs tend to look more “blended.”
Ask what portion is required and what happens to the rest. A trustworthy studio will tell you how much to send and what they do with unused cremains. Some studios state plainly that they use a small measured amount and return the remainder with the finished piece, like the example language on Scattered Glass.
Ask how shipping is handled and what standards they follow. If they provide a kit, what carrier and service do they recommend? If you’re in the U.S., it’s reasonable to ask how their process aligns with USPS guidance like Publication 139. Clear, practical answers are a good sign.
Ask about timing and communication. When will you be notified that the ashes arrived? Will you receive tracking guidance? How often do they update you? A studio that can name a realistic range—like the weeks-long timelines noted on pages such as You Are Forever—is generally more trustworthy than one promising unrealistically fast turnaround.
Ask about durability and care. Will the piece be glass-only or set in metal? Is it meant to be worn daily or occasionally? What cleaning methods are recommended? For wearable pieces, it can also help to compare styles within Funeral.com’s cremation necklaces collection if you want a jewelry option that’s designed specifically as a chamber for ashes rather than a glass inclusion style.
Ask about policies before you send anything. What happens if the package arrives damaged? What if you change your mind after ordering? What are the return or remake policies (if any)? You’re not being difficult—you’re being responsible.
If you want more guidance on wearable memorial options in general, Funeral.com’s articles Cremation Jewelry 101 and Jewelry from Pet Ashes: How It Works, Costs, and Choosing a Design You’ll Love can help you compare what different pieces hold and how they’re typically sealed.
How ashes-in-glass fits into a bigger memorial plan
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t choosing the glass memorial. It’s deciding what happens to “the rest” and how to make choices that future-you will still feel good about. A calming approach is to plan in layers.
Layer one is the “home base.” Many families start with pet urns that feel right for home display—something that can sit quietly in a meaningful place and make grief feel less scattered. If you’re early in the process, Funeral.com’s guide Pet Urns for Ashes: A Complete Guide for Dog and Cat Owners walks through sizes, materials, and common decision points. If you want a more general view across materials and styles, you can also explore cremation urns for ashes, which can be helpful if your household has experienced both human and pet losses and you want a cohesive memorial space.
Layer two is “shared closeness.” This is where keepsake urns, small cremation urns, and cremation jewelry shine. Glass art can be part of this layer too, because you’re using only a small portion. For some families, it’s comforting to keep most of the ashes together but still have a portable reminder for the days that hit harder. If you’re navigating different comfort levels among family members, Funeral.com’s guide to keeping ashes at home can help you think through safety, placement, and boundaries with compassion.
Layer three is ceremony or final placement. Some families scatter. Some place ashes in a garden. Some choose a water burial or water release ceremony with a biodegradable urn. If that resonates, Understanding What Happens During a Water Burial Ceremony explains what the ceremony can look like and what containers are typically used. You can also browse biodegradable & eco-friendly urns for ashes if your plan involves nature and you want a vessel designed for that setting.
It can be helpful to remember that there isn’t one “right” answer to what to do with ashes. The right answer is the one that respects your bond, your budget, your household’s needs, and your future self. CANA emphasizes the flexibility and variety of memorial options available with cremation and how final placement influences choices like urn type and setting; see their overview of cremation memorial options for a big-picture perspective.
Alternatives to ashes-in-glass (if glass isn’t the right fit)
Sometimes you love the concept but realize the process would be too emotionally activating right now. Or you prefer a memorial that feels less fragile. Or you simply want more options before you decide. That’s wise—not hesitant.
If you want color and artistry without commissioning a custom inclusion, consider a glass urn instead. Funeral.com’s glass cremation urns for ashes collection offers luminous pieces designed for display, which can be a beautiful way to honor a pet’s presence in the home.
If you want something warm and handcrafted with a more grounded feel, ceramic can be a comforting alternative. Explore ceramic cremation urns for ashes for options that feel artistic but sturdy.
If your priority is sharing, simplicity, or portability, cremation jewelry can be a straightforward choice because it’s designed specifically to hold a tiny symbolic portion. Start with Funeral.com’s cremation jewelry collection or browse cremation necklaces if you want a wearable option with familiar styles. And if you’re considering doing “some in jewelry and the rest in an urn,” Funeral.com’s guidance on combining memorial forms can help you feel confident that you’re not breaking any rule of love—you’re simply making room for different kinds of closeness.
A simple decision worksheet (to make this feel less overwhelming)
Start with the “home base.” Where will the main portion of your pet’s ashes rest for the next six months? A full pet urn at home, a keepsake urn split between households, a temporary container while you decide—any of these can be valid. The goal is stability, not perfection.
Name what you want the glass memorial to do. Do you want a wearable reminder on hard days, or a home object that catches light and feels peaceful? If it’s wearable, do you want something subtle and private, or something that visibly reads as memorial jewelry?
Set a comfort boundary around shipping. Are you okay mailing a small portion to an artist, or would you prefer a memorial that doesn’t require shipping cremains right now? If you are shipping, write down what would make you feel safe: tracking, clear instructions, a kit, confirmation when the ashes arrive, and a written policy on unused ashes being returned.
Write your “visibility preference” in one sentence. “I want the ashes to be clearly visible,” or “I prefer a subtle inclusion,” or “I don’t want to see the ashes, I just want them included.” This sentence will help you choose the right style and ask the right questions.
Choose a timeline that respects your grief. Do you need this by an anniversary date, or is it better to let the process unfold slowly? Remember that many artists describe turnaround in weeks after receiving ashes, and that patience often correlates with quality.
Pick a budget range without judging yourself. Write a number that feels doable, then note what matters most within it: size, customization, speed, or durability. If you’re making multiple memorial choices at once, return to the broader question of funeral planning and how you want to allocate funds across urns, keepsakes, jewelry, and ceremony.
Decide what “fair” looks like if more than one person is grieving. If multiple family members want a connection to the ashes, consider combining forms: a main urn, one or two small keepsakes, and a single ashes-in-glass piece that can be displayed in a shared space or rotated seasonally. Grief doesn’t always split evenly, but remembrance can.
Above all, be gentle with yourself. Choosing a memorial is not a test of devotion. It’s simply one way of saying, in a world that keeps moving, “You mattered here.” And if a piece of glass art—quiet, luminous, made with care—feels like the right way to carry that truth forward, you now have a practical roadmap for doing it safely and with confidence.
