Glass Orb Keepsakes From Pet Ashes

Glass orb keepsakes made from pet ashes offer a heartfelt and unique way to remember beloved companions. These memorial orbs have become a thoughtful alternative to traditional urns, blending art with memory in a way that keeps a little piece of your pet close by. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about these keepsakes, so I’m covering everything you’d want to know—from what they are, to how they’re made, and some things I think you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re considering one for your own pet.

👉 If you’re curious to see what these keepsakes look like or browse options, check out Spirit Pieces’ collection of pet memorial orbs here. They offer beautifully crafted orbs made with your pet’s ashes, in a wide range of colors and designs.

What Are Glass Orb Keepsakes From Pet Ashes?

Glass orb keepsakes are decorative spheres, usually about the size of a baseball, made by incorporating a small amount of cremated pet ashes into molten glass during the glassblowing process. The final orb displays swirling colors and delicate patterns, often with the ashes clearly visible in unique designs. These orbs can sit on a shelf, catch the sunlight on a windowsill, or serve as a private remembrance right on your desk.

The concept of memorial art isn’t new, but glass orbs have become popular thanks to their beauty and the way they turn ashes into something visually uplifting. Many pet owners choose them because they are a more subtle and artistic tribute compared to keeping remains in a standard urn. Glass is durable, customizable, and easy to keep wherever you want a reminder of your pet’s presence. For families or individuals who don’t want the look of a traditional urn, orbs make for a beautiful and even conversation-worthy choice for remembrance.

The Process: How Glass Orbs With Pet Ashes Are Made

Making a glass orb from your pet’s ashes relies on both science and artistry. Here’s a quick look at how the process usually works:

1. Sending a Small Portion of Ashes: Most artists or memorial companies need just a teaspoon of ashes for each orb. They’ll give you a secure shipping kit and clear instructions.
2. Glassblowing Begins: The glass artist gathers clear or colored glass on a blowpipe, shaping it carefully as it heats up in the furnace.
3. Adding Ashes: The artist pulls a small amount of ashes into the hot glass, often rolling the molten sphere over the ashes to embed them in swirling shapes or gentle clouds.
4. Shaping and Cooling: The orb is shaped with tools while being kept at the right temperature. Once the artist is happy with the look, the orb cools slowly to avoid cracks.

The result is a unique keepsake that visually blends your pet’s ashes with glass and color. Each orb is totally one of a kind; no two will ever look exactly alike. Many artists let you customize the color palette or design, offering different swirls, stripes, or even glow in the dark effects. I find it reassuring that a bit of my pet can become something so beautifully crafted.

🐾 Many memorial artists, like Spirit Pieces, handle this process with care and expertise. They offer an excellent selection of pet ash orbs you can customize with your favorite colors and designs.

Why People Choose Glass Orbs Over Traditional Urns

While urns are the standard, many pet lovers go with glass orbs for these reasons:

• Subtlety: I can keep an orb out in my living room, and visitors just see a piece of art, not a container for ashes.
• Personalization: Picking colors or styles helps the keepsake feel more connected to your pet’s spirit and personality.
• Durability: Glass orbs won’t degrade over time and are easy to clean and move when you need.
• Comfort: People often say that holding a glass orb or seeing it in the sunlight brings them a sense of peace and closeness.

Ultimately, glass orbs are about creating a positive memory point. I’ve seen friends who used to shy away from looking at urns now proudly display their pet’s orb as a centerpiece. The eye-catching look of the glass also makes it a conversation starter for those who are comfortable sharing their pet’s memory with guests, while still remaining a more private remembrance for others.

Factors to Consider Before Ordering a Glass Orb With Pet Ashes

Buying a glass orb keepsake is a personal process, and a few details are worth thinking about:

• Size and Display: Do you want something small for a desk, or a larger statement piece for the living room? Measure your space to ensure the orb is the right fit for where you imagine keeping it.
• Color Scheme: Many artists let you choose from a variety of colors. Think about your pet’s favorite toy, or your home decor, when picking the right palette. If you’d like to remember specific traits, color matching can be a meaningful way to remember your companion’s essence.
• Turnaround Time: Depending on the artist, expect a wait of about two to eight weeks. The process takes time since each orb is handcrafted and must cool properly before shipping.
• Shipping and Handling of Ashes: Reputable memorial companies use secure packaging and tracking. Still, I’d make sure you’re comfortable with mailing a portion of your pet’s ashes and check that the artist explains their process clearly.

Careful research helps buyers make informed decisions about which artist and style suit their needs best. Reading up on customer reviews can be reassuring, too. Experienced artists will typically highlight their process and share feedback from previous customers, building trust and making it easier to choose.

Choosing a Glass Artist or Memorial Company

Artists who make pet ash keepsakes have different styles and skill levels. Here’s what I look for:

• Portfolio photos of prior work, so you know what to expect;
• Clear policies on handling ashes and return shipping;
• Information about the materials used and great quality images on their website;
• Transparent pricing, with no hidden fees.

Reaching out directly with your questions is a good way to see how communicative and empathetic the artist is. Most pros in this field care deeply about their work and understand they are making something really meaningful. Don’t hesitate to ask for more photos, or even to chat about custom ideas you might have to make your orb reflect your pet’s story more closely.

One trusted option worth exploring is Spirit Pieces. They offer a wide range of glass orb keepsakes specifically made for pet memorials, with clear handling policies, transparent pricing, and beautiful gallery photos so you know exactly what to expect.

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Glass Orb

This is where you can let your personality (and your pet’s memory) shine. Here are some ideas I’ve seen that people really like:

• Color Matches: Use color blends that remind you of your pet’s fur, eyes, or favorite blanket.
• Embedded Objects: Some artists will include tiny stones, bits of metal, or even flecks of collar tags along with ashes for an extra custom touch. Personalizing your orb like this can make it even more special by including more than just ashes; it becomes a real tribute to your pet’s memory.
• Engraving: Many companies offer custom bases or plaques for the orb, where you can have your pet’s name and dates inscribed. This adds a personal touch and is ideal for those who want to keep their orb in a prominent place.
• Matching Sets: If you want to share your pet’s memory with multiple people, artists often offer sets of smaller orbs, each containing some of the same ashes. This can be especially comforting for families or close friends who shared a bond with the pet.

You can also ask for a matching pendant, paperweight, or even a candle holder using the same process, if you want to keep your pet’s memory throughout your home. The flexibility in crafting these keepsakes means your pet’s tribute can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like.

Tips for Handling and Caring for Glass Memorial Orbs

These glass orbs are built to last, but they do need some care:

• Keep Out of Direct Sunlight: Strong sunlight over many years can fade colored glass. I keep mine where it gets plenty of light, just not direct all day long.
• Dust Regularly: Use a soft microfiber cloth to keep dust from collecting and hiding the color and patterns. Regular cleaning keeps your orb looking its best and allows the colors and design to really pop.
• Handle With Care: Glass is tough, but dropping an orb on hard tile can break it, so I always keep mine on a stable surface and away from the edge.
• Water and Cleaning: For stubborn smudges, a bit of glass cleaner on a lintfree cloth will do the trick. Just don’t soak the orb or expose it to harsh chemicals.

With just a little attention, your glass orb can stay bright and beautiful for decades. Some artists also provide care instructions that you can refer back to, so you’ll always know how to look after your keepsake.

Examples: Real-Life Stories and Applications

I’ve talked to plenty of pet owners who say their memorial orbs have made a real difference in their healing adventures. For some, the orb becomes a daily spot for quiet moments of gratitude; for others, it’s a way to keep a happy memory on display during family events and holidays. Let me share a few more experiences to highlight the different ways people use them:

• One friend keeps her orb near her favorite reading chair, catching the morning sun and reminding her of soft purring naps together.
• Another splits ashes into two orbs, one for her and another for her sibling. It’s brought a lot of comfort to both, letting them share the memory no matter how far apart they live.
• Some people place their orb near family photos or mementos, so it blends into their everyday life as a comforting presence.

These keepsakes don’t have to be hidden away—instead, they bring good memories front and center, keeping your pet’s light shining in your day to day life.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get lots of questions about glass orb keepsakes, so here are some quick answers based on my experience and what I’ve learned from others:

Question: Is it safe to mail ashes for a glass orb?
Answer: Yes, as long as you use the provided kit and follow instructions. Reputable artists use secure, tracked shipping to keep everything safe.

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Question: How much ash is actually used?
Answer: Usually just a teaspoon, so you’ll have plenty left if you plan to use the ashes for other memorial options too.

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Question: Can I choose the colors and design?
Answer: Most artists let you choose everything—from the color swirls to the shape and finish—so yours can be completely personalized.

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Question: How strong is the finished orb?
Answer: It’s sturdy, like a paperweight, but still glass, so you’ll want to handle it gently and keep it away from sharp drops onto hard floors.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing a glass orb keepsake to honor a pet is really about blending art, memory, and healing. With all the options for customization and the craftsmanship that goes into each piece, these orbs are a special way to keep your pet close even when they’re gone. Taking time to find the right artist, picking the colors and design that feel right to you, and planning the best place to display it can all help keep those precious memories alive in a beautiful and comforting way.

If you’re ready to create a beautiful glass orb keepsake for your pet, I highly recommend browsing the options at Spirit Pieces. Their handcrafted memorials are some of the most stunning and meaningful I’ve come across.

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