by J. Malec
As new materials are explored, designers are expanding the concept of traditional urns for ashes. Titanium is an increasingly popular choice for cremation jewelry. Silicone rubber and carbon fibers are other unusual materials being used to produce unique urns and urn jewelry.
The Titanium Store, LLC in Texas states that “titanium has rapidly become a highly sought after metal in the prestige market. The consumer has been exposed to it in a variety of high-end luxury and utilitarian products, and is now able to identify titanium as representing quality and endurance, as well as a kind of sleek, classic beauty.”
There is something for everyone, including both men and women’s designs. The Diamond Cross titanium cremation necklace represents classic elegance in a religious theme. The titanium heart ash pendants and bracelets, such as the Narrow Titanium cremation bracelet, are great examples of the high quality work being done in this area today.
Other Materials Being Explored in Cremation Urns
Designers have also been investigating the use of silicone rubber and carbon fibers for urns.
In 1993 a Dutch design firm, Jongeriuslab, produced a soft urn made of cast silicone. As described by the designer: “The skin and its material qualities have defined the design of Soft Urn. … Whereas most artificial materials look forever young, neutral and hygienic, Soft Urn has the feel of handicraft due to the addition of traces of the casting process. Soft Urn was soon recognized as a significant example of the ‘Dutch’ or ‘conceptual’ approach to design.”
Another exploration into material use has been that by Neil Conley. The Earn/Urn is composed of carbon fibers reclaimed from aircraft through a new incineration process. The goal of this project was to develop a sustainable carbon fiber composite and a manufacturing process that made the material suitable for the production of fine products. According to an online article on the project in dezeen magazine: “Carbon fibre is, by all intents and purposes, a manufacturing marvel. For applications that require a superior strength to weight ratio, it is unmatched by any single polymer or metal. … carbon fibre has become the staple material of Aerospace, as well as many other hi-tech industries.”
Either cast silicone or carbon fiber can be used to create custom cremation jewelry. If you have the budget and time to commission a boutique design firm, speak with them about your options. If you are still in search of ideas for unique materials for cremation urns or jewelry, consider reading through OneWorld Memorials’ blog entry on the topic “Cremation Urns: A Variety of Materials to Suit Your Needs.”
There are countless materials to explore. With the right imagination and research, designs and unusual materials could be combined to create a unique memorial urn or a piece of keepsake jewelry.
J. Malec is a visual artist and writer whose work often deals with themes related to loss and healing. She lives in Minneapolis, and spends much of her time practicing permaculture in the city.