In the difficult days after the death of a loved one, it can sometimes be hard to decide what to do with their remains. This choice may depend on their wishes, as well as your own preferences and feelings. If your loved one opted to be cremated, keeping some or all of their ashes could provide a reassuring physical presence, bringing comfort during a time of grief.
You may choose to keep them at home before scattering them in a special place, or you might like the idea of being able to hold them close forever in the form of a beautiful piece of cremation ash jewellery. At Gillotts, we offer a range of beautiful urns, caskets and keepsakes, as well as specially-designed cremation jewellery. Below are some of the options that we can provide.
Wooden cremation caskets
Available in light or dark wood, our traditional wooden cremation caskets are favoured by some for their natural appearance and can be a good idea if you might later change your mind and decide to have the ashes buried in a cemetery or churchyard plot. These containers for ashes after cremation can also be kept in the home indefinitely. All of our wooden cremation caskets can be personalised with custom engravings, or by adding a favourite photograph.
Solid brass urns
Gillotts also offers solid brass urns in a wide range of designs, so you can choose one that best reflects the character of the departed. Many of the styles are available in two different size options – a full-sized urn will hold all of your loved one’s ashes while a smaller ‘keepsake urn’ can carry a small portion and might be preferred by those who are planning to scatter some of the ashes, or by family members who each want to take a share. When you take the ashes home, you’ll then be able to keep them on display – perhaps alongside photos and other treasured items like letters or a lock of hair.
Teardrop urns
An expressive alternative to a traditional urn design, teardrop urns have a simple, contemporary look that will appeal to modern tastes. The stylised tear-shaped design symbolises sadness but these urns can also feel soothing, due to their weight and smooth, curved form. Teardrop urns look more like attractive ornaments than urns, meaning nobody will know their precious contents unless you tell them. At Gillotts, you’ll find teardrop urns in several different styles, including ornate designs with symbolic details like falling leaves or doves in flight. You can also choose a teardrop urn with a classic copper finish, or with pretty Mother of Pearl inlays.
Companion urns
Companion urns come in a matching set, allowing the ashes of two people to be kept alongside each other. These are also sometimes known as ‘couple urns’, as they are frequently chosen by married couples who have both decided to be cremated but eventually want to rest alongside each other. At Gillotts, we offer companion urns made from solid brass, some of which are accompanied by a matching stand.
Keepsake-sized hearts
An option for those who want to keep their loved one’s ashes close by, or travel with them without wearing them as jewellery, keepsake-sized heart urns are also a popular choice for family members who choose to share the ashes between them. Made from high-quality brass, our keepsake-sized hearts are smooth and weighty, making them comforting to hold. You can choose from nine different styles, some of which are provided with a stand or presentation box. There’s even a paw print design to hold a much-loved pet.
Keepsake jewellery
Some people like the idea of being able to take their loved ones remains with them wherever they go, keeping them close by every day in the form of cremation jewellery for ashes. At Gillotts, we are now able to offer a wide range of cremation jewellery, including bracelets, necklaces and rings in designs as unique as you are.
Our necklace styles include a simple, modern cylinder, as well as traditional locket-style hearts which are available in a gold or silver coloured metal and can be engraved and embellished or left plain. We can also provide a range of colourful and characterful pendants, such as those shaped like a dolphin, butterfly or cat, or featuring sparkling crystals. As the cremation ashes are discreetly hidden inside of the piece, the significance of your jewellery can remain your secret if you choose.
Solid silver & 9ct gold necklaces
A piece of cremation ash jewellery is something you’ll always treasure. If you want to make sure that your necklace lasts a lifetime, or you plan to wear it every day, you might decide to choose one made from precious metal. Our hand-crafted solid silver and 9ct gold necklaces are available in five timeless designs, including a heart, circle, teardrop, cross or cylinder.
Fingerprint & engraved jewellery
Whether your loved one is being buried or cremated, their fingerprints can be engraved onto a piece of memorial jewellery for you to keep forever and remember them by. Before the funeral, we’ll carefully take fingerprints from the deceased and send them off to be incorporated into a design of your choice. Fingerprint pendants can also be engraved with up to ten characters, and can be personalised with a name or date. You can also create a necklace using an existing ring, which a fingerprint on a circular disc can be suspended inside.
Cremation teddy bears
Our soft and cuddly memorial teddy bears have a concealed compartment in which you can place a small number of ashes or another meaningful item such as a lock of your loved one’s hair. Soft to touch and comforting to hold, you’ll be able to give your bear a hug while knowing that you are also keeping that special person close.
Get in touch
You can view our full range of urns, caskets and cremation ash jewellery in our urns and jewellery brochure or alternatively, contact our friendly staff for help and further advice.