Ashes Keepsake Ideas: Creative Ways to Remember
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Beyond a traditional urn, there's a wide range of creative, meaningful ways to keep a small portion of ashes close — from cremation jewellery and small keepsake urns to art glass, and other personal mementoes. These options let families incorporate remembrance into everyday life in a way that feels natural and comforting.
Popular ashes keepsake ideas
- Cremation jewellery — pendants, rings, and bracelets containing a small amount of ashes, worn close to the body; see our complete guide to cremation jewellery.
- Keepsake urns — small decorative urns, often matching a larger family urn, suited to sharing among relatives.
- Art glass and paperweights — ashes incorporated into hand-blown glass pieces, creating a unique, colourful memorial object.
- Photo frames and memory boxes — some keepsake products combine a small ash compartment with space for a photo or memento.
Why keepsakes have grown in popularity
As families increasingly look for ways to keep a loved one's memory present in daily life — rather than only in a dedicated memorial space — small, personal keepsakes offer a way to do this comfortably and discreetly, whether worn as jewellery or kept somewhere meaningful at home.
Combining several keepsake types
Many families choose more than one keepsake format — for example, a piece of jewellery for close family alongside a shared keepsake urn for the home — see our guide on building a complete memorial set for how these can work together.
A gentle note on quantity
Keepsakes generally only need a very small amount of ashes — often just a teaspoon or two — so choosing several keepsake formats doesn't require dividing the majority of the remains; a main urn can still hold the bulk of the ashes.
Choosing keepsakes that suit different personalities
Not everyone in a family will want the same type of keepsake, and that's completely fine — one person might prefer a discreet piece of jewellery worn daily, while another feels more comfortable with a small urn kept quietly at home. Offering a choice of formats, rather than deciding on one for everyone, often results in something that feels genuinely right for each individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative alternatives to a traditional urn?
Cremation jewellery, small keepsake urns, art glass pieces, and memory boxes are all popular, meaningful alternatives or additions to a traditional urn.
How much ash is needed for a keepsake item?
Generally only a very small amount, often just a teaspoon or two, meaning a main urn can still hold the bulk of the remains even if several keepsakes are created.
Can I combine a keepsake with a traditional urn?
Yes, many families choose a keepsake — such as jewellery or a small urn — alongside a larger primary urn, rather than choosing only one format.
Should every family member choose the same type of keepsake?
Not necessarily — offering a choice of formats, such as jewellery or a small urn, often suits individual preferences better than one format for everyone.
At Premium Urns, we help Australian families find a memorial that feels right, without any pressure. Explore our keepsake urns online, or get in touch with our team if you'd like a hand choosing.
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