Cremation remains options

There are new ways to memorialize your loved ones’ cremated remains. Here are four new cremation remains options to consider:

Eterneva

For centuries, diamonds have been a symbol of eternal love. Thanks to an evolution in technology, you can now extract carbon from cremation remains to grow a diamond.

Eterneva, a grief wellness company based in Austin, Texas, takes the process of creating a diamond one step further, transforming the growth of a memorial diamond into a cathartic journey for grieving loved ones. When you choose to have a diamond made from your cremated remains, your loved ones will receive monthly updates on the process so they can witness your transformation into a special gem.

A name or message can be engraved on the diamond that is visible through a jeweler’s microscope so you’ll be able to ensure the diamond is uniquely yours.

Once the diamond is complete, it will serve as a daily reminder of the love you shared. Plus, when others notice the diamond, it gives your loved ones opportunities to share stories about you. Leaving an heirloom encourages healthy grieving and lets your loved ones know you are right by their side.

Parting Stone

We now offer a solid alternative to traditional cremated remains called Parting Stone. Phaneuf families that have received Parting Stones have been very happy with the results.

The concept is you share solid cremated remains with your loved ones. The stones are unique in size and shape and resemble river rocks. You can hold them and display them in ways not possible with traditional cremated remains aka ashes. You can also share them with many loved ones as cremated remains produce about x stones. 

A unique aspect of Parting Stones is that cremated remains from different loved ones can be combined together to form stones. For example, if Grandpa’s remains have been in an urn for some time, and Grandma just passed, they can mix to create a unique set of stones – a one-of-a-kind keepsake for all the grandchildren.

The stones feel and look very beautiful. To see a family member pick up a stone for the first time is something special. The stones are packaged in an elegant and minimalistic way and come with a card from the artist that formed and processed them, so that the family has the opportunity to write the artist a note if they would like to express any emotions or feelings.

Parting Stones for pet cremated remains are also available. Our arrangers can speak with you more  about Parting Stones.

Life Forest

Life Forest is a unique cemetery in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, located next to conservation land with hiking trails and swimming creeks. Phaneuf’s arrangers discuss Life Forest with families that choose cremation but also seek to be part of the environment. At Life Forest, trees replace headstones.

Patricia Rosenberg was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2014, and after a few rounds of chemotherapy, she decided to stop treatment. Patricia loved the outdoors, as does her husband Alan, so when they started planning for her end-of-life, they wanted to be “harmonious with nature.”

At first, Alan and Patricia discussed the idea of burial at sea with Buddy Phaneuf. The challenges with that type of farewell are the cost, the unpredictable weather and the travel needed to legally put a body into the water. 

“We had a whole conversation about cremation, and he told me about the carbon offsets they do because of the environmental impact of cremation,” Alan said. “Then he told me about Life Forest. You choose a planting that symbolizes the love of your loved one who is going to be there  instead of a traditional cemetery where you’re just looking at row upon row of cold stone.”

They chose a serviceberry tree to help feed the birds that visit Life Forest. Alan’s granddaughter died three days before Patricia, and is buried in the adjacent spot.

“I have a real passion for what they do. They made a bad situation easier,” Alan said.

Andvinyly

Jason Leach of Scarborough, England, offers “good vibrations” to those seeking a unique use for loved one’s cremated remains. His company, Andvinyly, uses granular remains to create playable vinyl records as cremation keepsakes.

The big difference between this and a regular album is that cremated remains are sprinkled into the vinyl during production, creating raised areas on the record. Those raised areas are audible when played on a turntable as pops and cracks.

“The fact that I will die one day got me thinking and talking to people about dying. People tend to not talk about it. It’s very much a closed-off subject for a lot of people, Leach said. “That got me thinking, what do I want to leave?”

You can choose a 7-inch or 12-inch record with custom tracks and artwork.