Bronze Urns

Bronze Urns: Choosing an urn for a loved one is a difficult and often trying task. First there is the issue of determining what he or she would have liked, commonly followed by the decision of whether or not to bury the urn. And while these are all important things to consider, the most important thing to remember is that the cremation urn memorial is just as much for you as it is your loved one. You will be the one looking at it and caring for it each day. And while it does represent the love and memories you and your loved one shared together, it must be special for the both of you.

One popular material many individuals and families choose is bronze. Bronze is a material that has stood the test of time- just like your admiration for your loved one. Available in several finishes, including satin, hammered and brushed, this material is carefully crafted to create cremation urns that endure forever. Commonly used for indoor and outdoor memorials alike, bronze has been used for plaques and awards, statuary and vases. It is one of the strongest metals that is commonly used for urns and is low-maintenance and durable.

While many do not consider bronze an easy material to work with, those who work with it will acknowledge that technology has come a long way over the past few years. Bronze urns have slowly evolved from traditional and plain to artistic and unique. In fact, bronze urns are commonly found in two popular shapes: the vessel and the cube.

The Bronze Cremation Urn/Vessel

Vessel urns, or traditional vase-shaped urns, date back to the early Roman Era and have been commonly used for centuries. Although bronze wasn't a common or popular material back then, it has increasingly become a popular material on today's market.

Vessel urns typically offer easy opening and closing through the top of the urn. This feature is great for those who may be nervous about their ability to fill the urn with ashes in a smooth and clean manner. It also makes it look less like a cremation urn and more like a decorative vase.

Many vessel urns come with decorative carvings and a choice of finishes. Some are available with custom engraving and may be displayed on a decorative stand.

The Bronze Cube

If you prefer a more contemporary urn with sleek, clean lines, a cubed bronze urn may be exactly what you are searching for. Available in a multitude of finishes, cubed urns may be ordered to stand straight up or to lie horizontally. These urns are becoming more popular because of the flat space that can be used for embellishments. Many urn companies offer religious and non-religious adornments, medallions, name plates and more. These embellishments help keep the memorial truly personal.

Most cube urns are top loading although some may be loaded from the back. However, they are typically easy to fill.

Burying Bronze

While you have already been faced with the "cremate or bury" decision, you may still be faced with a similar issue- whether or not to bury your loved one's ashes.

While many families and individuals choose to keep their loved one at home where they may be with him or her every day, some choose to give their loved one a final resting place. The decision is completely personal and should not be made with haste.

If you do choose to bury your loved one's ashes you will be glad to know that bronze is a suitable material for burials. However, while it does not wear like other materials, it is advisable that you safeguard your cremation urns in an urn vault.

Caring for Bronze Urns

When a dusting is required it is recommended that you use a soft micro fiber cloth that will trap and remove dust particles from its surface. By using this eco-friendly method, as opposed to a method involving household cleaners, you avoid the possibility of any damage that may be caused to the beautiful bronze surface.