There are many of reasons that drive people to choose cremation rather than a traditional burial. For one thing, burial is not for everyone, due to concerns that stem from everything from the spiritual to the practical. For another, many want to leave something behind for their loved ones. That is why many choose an ash keepsake that can contain their ashes in unique and personal ways. There are so many ways that you can memorialize a loved one through an ash keepsake; through memorial keepsakes, you can honor not only their memory but their true personality.

Why Do So Many People Choose Cremation?

Some view cremation as ?trendy?. This couldn?t be further from the truth. In fact, cremation has been around since before the Roman Empire. From 27 B.C. to 395 A.D., cremation was a major practice in the Roman Empire, with remains generally kept in elaborate urns. Some choose cremation because it?s a part of their culture, with some religions and cultures preferring cremation. Others choose it because they appreciate the idea of scattering or keeping ashes over traditional burial. Finally, a recent concern with the environment has many choosing cremation as a more ?green? option. 1 million steel caskets are buried in America each year. These do not degrade, leaving a permanent footprint on the world. Furthermore, embalming fluid is another concern. In the 22,500 cemeteries across the United States, 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid are buried each year. Of course, nobody needs a reason to pick cremation. For some, it?s simply right.

What Is An Ash Keepsake?

The term ?ash keepsake? encompasses everything from scattering urns to cremation necklaces. While some choose urns for the simple purpose of scattering all of the ashes someday, others would prefer to keep ashes in memoriam. Of course, urns are not the only ways that people can keep ashes around them. Some choose cremation jewelry, a practice older than you might think. Cremation jewelry has been in existence since at least the 16th century. However, it?s widely associated with the Victorian Era, when it was at the height of its popularity.

Why Cremation Jewelry?

Cremation jewelry goes beyond unique sympathy gifts. For one thing, it?s a way for people who wish to scatter the majority of their loved one?s ashes to keep a very small portion permanently. It doesn?t take up much room, and in fact is a creative way to memorialize who someone really was. There?s nothing bland about cremation jewelry; it can be religious or non-religious, and personalized with initials when requested. Some choose to keep a picture of their loved one in a cremation jewelry locket. Others are happy to simply remember the departed through their favorite color, or a charm bracelet commemorating their favorite things.

It?s up to you to decide the best way to remember who?s been lost. But cremation jewelry is an option, and a unique one at that.