Miniature Urns for Ashes: What are the Different Types?
As cremation continues to rise in popularity, many people are turning to miniature urns to memorialize their loved ones. Not only is cremation more ecologically friendly than a traditional casket burial, but in most cases it’s also more affordable and offers the additional benefits of creative memorial options. Let’s take a look at the different types of miniature urns available and how to use them.
What is a Mini Urn?
There are three main types of miniature urns: small urns, keepsakes, and jewelry that holds ashes. Broadly speaking, all three are tiny containers of ashes. However, one can be worn, and one is meant to be displayed. Miniature urn jewelry is also known as cremation jewelry or memorial jewelry. Urns or keepsakes intended for display vary widely, ranging from miniature versions of the classic urn shape to modern or artistic figurines.
How Much Does a Mini Urn Hold?
This answer depends entirely on the size of the miniature urn. Whatever the type, your mini urn likely won’t hold more than a tablespoon of cremation ash. If your miniature urn is designed to be worn like jewelry, the amount is smaller, likely closer to ½-¼ of a teaspoon or less.
This is one of the reasons people are choosing miniature urns over the traditional size; it’s easier for more people to have a bit of cremation ash to cherish. Many families or friend groups choose to have the same kind of miniature urn or choose different styles based on preference, but everyone has one to remember their departed loved one by.
Another reason miniature urns are so popular is that there is a type and style for everyone. From modern sterling silver jewelry, with various styles for all, to glass figurines that no one would know is an urn to simple, smaller traditional urn shapes, there is a miniature urn that works for anyone.
If you’re worried about filling a miniature urn, that’s okay. Many people are concerned about this part of the process. Please check out our guide on filling miniature urns and cremation jewelry with ashes. It has practical how to’s and tips for the emotions that may arise during this process.
How to Display a Mini Urn?
You can display a miniature urn any way you want. You can even display miniature urn jewelry. Many people choose this option for reasons ranging from protecting the jewelry to not wanting to wear ashes. Other people wear their miniature urn jewelry daily for the comfort of having a part of their loved one close to them.
There’s a similar principle for miniature urns made for display. You can choose a mini urn that looks like an urn and display it solo or with other mementos of your departed loved one. A framed photo, favorite keepsakes from your loved one, and perhaps a vase of cut flowers or a potted plant could complete this memorial display.
Other people choose a more inconspicuous option; many miniature urns look like small figurines that anyone would use to decorate their home. No one needs to know that this figurine holds cremation ashes.
This is solely a matter of preference; there’s no wrong way to display (or not) a miniature urn, as long as it’s done with care and respect for you and your loved one. It can be easy to fall into the trap of comparison and thinking there’s a right way or a wrong way to grieve. (It’s okay; this is a difficult time and often uncharted territory.) Here at the Living Urn, we regularly hear from people who have waited years to purchase urns for their loved one’s ashes. Grief has its own mysterious timeline; if your loved one’s ashes waited patiently in a closet for years—that is all right.
How Do You Seal a Mini Urn?
Generally, you’ll use glue made for your urn material and a toothpick to seal your miniature urn, whatever the style. If your miniature urn has instructions for filling and sealing, please follow those closely.
Miniature urns typically seal in two ways: with a screw or with a lid or stopper. Sealing any miniature urn is essential to protect the ashes from moisture or spillage. We recommend taking your time with the filling and sealing process, no matter the type of mini urn you have. It can be delicate work; miniature urns are smaller, and wearable ones are often relatively tiny. Filling your miniature urn may also be quite emotional since you’re handling your loved one’s remains.
Set aside time, prepare your workstation, and gather your supplies: a clean, large cloth, glue appropriate for your miniature urn’s material (wood, metal, glass, ceramic), a toothpick, funnel, or piece of paper and tape. Put curious pets away so they don’t jostle you or, in the case of cats, hop on the work surface to investigate. If you share your home with young children, you may want to arrange care or do this while they are sleeping. You may want privacy, or you may want company; either way, ask for what you need to fill and seal your miniature urn or urns.
For wearable mini urns, fill the jewelry carefully using a small funnel. If you don’t have a funnel, or if one didn’t come with your urn, you can fashion one out of a piece of paper and tape. Make sure there is enough room to secure the top. Use a toothpick to apply glue to the threads of the screw and re-fasten the top. Wipe away any glue that squeezes up to the top. The process is similar for display urns; just make sure you’re using the appropriate glue for your container.
Can Airport Scanners Detect Human Ashes?
Flying with cremated remains, whether in the form of a small urn, the container from the crematorium, or urn jewelry, takes some care and planning. Generally speaking, miniature urns that are worn are acceptable to pass through TSA. If you’re worried about being separated from it when going through the scanners, you can pack it in your carry-on baggage.
Issues can arise when flying with a larger container of cremated ashes, which may or may not apply to miniature urns. It’s recommended to keep your miniature urns on your person or in your carry-on luggage. While the TSA doesn’t have a scanner to detect human remains specifically, if they cannot see inside the urn, they won’t allow it to board the plane and may damage the urn or spill ashes if the container is opened.
Another reason for carrying miniature urns with you when you fly is the simple fact that it could easily get damaged in your luggage. Or, worse, your bags could get lost and, with it, your priceless mini urn.
Miniature Keepsake Urns from the Living Urn
The Living Urn offers various beautiful miniature urns in different styles, types, and materials. From modern, wooden miniature planter urns to soothing ceramic and glass figurines to wearable mini urns for every taste, you can find the perfect miniature urn to honor your loved one and bring you comfort and peace.