How much of the ashes are used in a cremation orb?

Only a small keepsake amount — often around a spoonful. Because so little is needed, one person's ashes can be shared across several pieces for different family members, with the rest kept, scattered, or interred as you choose. Most studios return any unused ashes.

Can you see the ashes in the finished glass?

Yes, usually. The ashes tend to appear as soft white or pale clouds, wisps, or ribbons within the colored glass. The exact look depends on the artist's technique and your color choices, and because the glass is handmade, no two pieces are ever identical.

Is it safe to mail ashes to a glass studio?

It can be, when done correctly. Studios typically provide instructions and sometimes a kit for sending a small amount. Within the US, the Postal Service is the only carrier that ships cremated remains and has specific packaging and mailing requirements, including tracking, so follow both the studio's guidance and current carrier rules. See our transporting ashes guide for details.

How long does it take to make a cremation paperweight?

Timing varies by studio. Handmade glass involves a queue, the making itself, slow cooling, and shipping both ways, so many families find it takes several weeks, or longer during busy periods. If you need it by a certain date, tell the studio when you order.

What happens if the glass memorial breaks?

Quality glass is durable, but accidents happen. Ask the studio in advance how they handle breakage during making or shipping — many will remake a piece if it's damaged in transit. For everyday safety, keep it on a stable surface and use any stand provided.

Keepsakes

The Best Cremation Orbs & Paperweights

A cremation orb or paperweight is a small glass memorial with a pinch of ashes swirled through it by hand, made to sit where you see it every day. These are our favorites, each one of a kind.

Our picks

My Favorite Cremation Orbs & Paperweights

Every piece is hand-blown with a small portion of ashes, so no two are ever alike.

Our favorite

Zenith Swirl Ashes Memorial Orb

$178

A hand-blown orb with the ashes carried through a ribbon of color. The piece families choose most.

See orb→

Astral Swirl Small Memorial Paperweight Orb

$200

A smaller orb with a galaxy-like swirl, sized for a bedside table.

See orb→

Astral Swirl Multi-Color Memorial Paperweight Orb

$200

The multi-color version of the Astral, catching a different shade from every angle.

See orb→

Eternal Flame Ashes Memorial Paperweight

$189

A flame with the ashes rising through it, like a candle that never goes out.

See paperweight→

Mystic Dual Flame Memorial Paperweight

$198

Two intertwined flames in one piece, often chosen for parents or a couple.

See paperweight→

Luna Oval Spiral Memorial Paperweight

$185

A calm oval spiral, understated enough for any room.

See paperweight→

Large Sculpted Heart Paperweight

$240

A weighty sculpted heart that feels substantial in the hand.

See paperweight→

Cosmic Teardrop Ash Memorial Paperweight

$245

A teardrop of deep cosmic color, quietly expressive of grief and love at once.

See paperweight→

Infinity Pyramid Flame Memorial Paperweight

$185

A pyramid with a flame at its center, geometric and modern.

See paperweight→

Products link to You Are Forever, our sister memorial store, or to partners; we may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown were current when this guide was updated.

What a cremation orb or paperweight is

A glass artist works a small amount of ashes into molten glass, where they appear as white swirls or flecks caught in the color. Orbs are spheres, and paperweights come as flames, hearts, teardrops and pyramids, most between two and seven inches.

Only a teaspoon or so of ashes is used, so a family can commission several pieces and still keep, bury or scatter the rest.

How it works

You order the piece, and the studio sends a small kit for a spoonful of ashes. The artist blows the glass by hand around them, anneals it slowly for strength, and ships the finished memorial back, usually within a few weeks.

Choosing a piece

Pick the form first: a sphere reads as sculpture, a flame suggests a candle kept burning, a heart says what it says. Then choose colors, since many families pick a shade their person loved or wore. Keep glass out of harsh direct sun and it will hold its color for a lifetime.

FAQ