How do you choose an urn?
You may be thinking about keeping the ashes of a dear deceased person or a beloved (pet) animal in an urn. The choice of an urn is very personal and can depend on a number of elements. In this article we provide tips for choosing and buying (online) the right urn.
We would like to apologize in advance for all the (technical) details, which - especially during a difficult time - can be very confronting. However, we feel it is very important to inform you as best we can around making the choice of the right size urn.
Take your time
It can be difficult to find the right urn quickly. That's normal. Above all, take the time to look at different models and materials. Discuss options with family or friends as well, if necessary.
You can also ask the crematorium if they might want to keep the ashes longer. Or you can collect it in the crematorium's standard ash container and choose an appropriate urn later. The ashes can then be moved into your chosen urn(s).
Who is the urn for?
You can choose an urn that suits the deceased's personal style and way of life. The shape, color and material of the urn are then an extension of the deceased's taste.
Of course, you can also choose an urn that suits your style, interior or living environment. You can find more about this in the following article: Commemorating a loved one in your interior
Choice of material
Urns can be found in all types, sizes, shapes, colors and materials. The most commonly used materials are ceramic, metal, wood, marble, glass, bronze, copper and steel.
Artemis manufactures and sells only ceramic urns. Because they are fired at high temperatures, glazed ceramic urns are frost-resistant and thus suitable for both indoor and outdoor placement.
Will all the ashes fit in an urn?
The size or volume is often the starting point when choosing an urn. In the Artemis webshop you can find urns ranging from 300ml to 4,500ml (4.5 liters). The product page indicates the volume and dimensions of each urn.
You can choose to keep the total amount of ashes in one urn, keep some of the ashes in an urn and scatter some, or divide the ashes among several urns (smaller urns or mini-urns).
Artemis ' largest urns are suitable for storing the full amount of ashes of an adult person. If you want to keep all the ashes in one urn, it must be able to hold at least 3.5 to 4 liters.
You can also opt to divide the ashes among several urns for other close family members, for example.
We also recommend that you always keep some of the ashes separate (e.g., in the ash container you received from the crematorium), should the urn break or be lost.
An exact & detailed overview of the volume of ashes of a deceased person by body weight can be found in this article: Determining the correct volume of your urn
It is best to contact your funeral director or the crematorium to request the exact amount of ashes and determine on that basis which urn(s) you would like to order.
About shapes and colors
In addition to the material, the shape and color also play an important role in making your choice. Feel free to browse through our collection and take your time to decide which model suits you or the deceased. We offer spherical, cylindrical, conical, and jug-shaped urns.
Notice. All of our urns are handcrafted by local, passionate ceramicists. Each one is unique and handmade with love and patience. Therefore, the urn you will receive may be different in shape, color & pattern from the images shown and information mentioned on the website or in our brochures.
Determine where the urn will be placed
It is important to take a moment to think about where the urn will be placed. This can be at one of the next of kin's home, but you can also interred the urn in the family grave, in a columbarium (wall with niches) or a special urn garden of the crematorium.
Please inquire in advance if the urn of your choice is appropriate and keep in mind the dimensions of the room or niche in which the urn will be placed. Thus, we recommend that you pay close attention to the dimensions listed.
At home or with relatives, you may place the urn basically anywhere (in the house or garden).
Most urns are suitable to be placed both indoors and outdoors. This is indicated with each urn. Ceramic urns that are fully glazed (like most from Artemis) are weatherproof and frost-resistant.
Do you have a question?
You can call us at +32 476 31 75 60, or send us an e-mail. We are ready to listen to your wishes and to work with you to find the appropriate urn.