Modern bronze is a combination of copper, zinc, and tin. It is formed in three basic ways. It can be rolled into sheets, or cast into shapes using either the "lost wax" or sand casting methods. Urns made from sheet bronze are normally shaped into squares and rectangles. Intricate castings use the "lost wax" method. Designs to be cast into metal are first sculpted in wax, which is covered with fireproof molding materials. It is then heated until the wax can be removed leaving a cavity into which the molten bronze is poured.
For urns with less detail, a likeness of the urn is made in wood or metal. This "pattern" is then pressed into two beds of fine, damp sand. The beds are then matched and locked together to form one mould. Molten bronze is then poured into the mould and the sand discarded after the metal has cooled. Any roughness in the final finish is removed by sandblasting.

Hardwoods often used for urns include oak, maple, cherry and walnut. The distinctive grain pattern of hardwood makes each urn unique. The warmth of wood is enhanced by either a gloss or satin finish.

Because of its distinctive variegated patterning, each marble urn is unique in appearance. The intricate natural designs of the various elements within the original stone are enhanced by its highly polished surface.

Cultured marble is a second type of stone urn. It is produced from limestone chips, which have been mixed with an adhesive and colouring, then cold formed and polished.

The Chinese first made porcelain in the sixth century. The main ingredients include fine white clay, ground glass particles and powered animal bones.
Baking at extremely high temperatures produces the hard, almost translucent material known as porcelain. The colourful decorations are achieved by painting the finished product with brilliant, which melts the glass particles in the paint, producing the hard, durable surface.
CHECK THIS Each urn is an object of beauty, reflecting the care and skill of the artisan who created it.

Cold casting bronze involves filling a mould with a mixture of bronze powder and a small amount of resin. No heat is required as the mixture cures at room temperature. When the urn is removed from the mould it is hand polished to remove any slight imperfections and to create the gloss, which makes bronze so attractive. A clear coating may also be applied to protect the surface.

Cloisonné is an enameling technique developed in the 12th century. On a solid bronze casting delicate metal strips are raised in relief to form the pattern. Each resulting cellular space is filled with glasslike enamel. The urn is then fired and polished, revealing intricate detail in bright, vivid colours.

Glass was discovered during the time of the Phoenicians. Made from silica, lime and flux, today's artists fuse the glass at temperatures above 2100°F and then use a blowpipe to expertly shape each piece. From this ancient tradition of glass working, elegantly shaped and polished urns are crafted in a variety of unique styles and colours. Whether they are buried, or placed in a columbarium, glass urns will retain their appearance for centuries to come.

With few exceptions, any urn can be personalized, including both round and flat surfaces in a variety of materials, including bronze, stainless steel, marble, hardwood and glass.
Personalizing an urn may include engraving photos, emblems and personal information on its surface. A number of standard illustrations can be laser-engraved on urns, or a custom design service will engrave black and white art on the urn, based on a photo provided by the family. Insignias and emblems representing fraternal interests are also available. Bronze appliqués such as a cross, angel, rose or flowers can be attached to the surface of an urn. Brass plaques engraved with the deceased's name and age are also used.

Keepsake urns, designed as exact miniatures of the larger urns, are used to hold a small portion of the cremated remains or simply to serve as a memento. These urns vary in size but usually do not exceed 5 inches in height and are crafted in most of the materials mentioned.

When choosing to scatter, the selection of the right urn is important. Those made of bronze, marble and ceramic can be extremely heavy and cumbersome. There are urns designed for the easy removal of the cremated remains. They are lightweight and usually made of plastic or thin sheet metal. Each open from the top allowing the cremated remains to be poured out in a dignified manner.
Once used, some of these urns may be discarded, while others may be used as a vase or keepsake container.