12 things to do with cremated Ashes in 2026, including what's genuinely new

If you're deciding what to do with your loved one's cremated remains, this guide covers every option available in the UK right now — starting with what's genuinely new. By the end you'll know exactly what exists, what it costs, and what might be right for you.

Traditionally, ashes ended up in one of three places: an urn on the mantelpiece, scattered somewhere meaningful, or worn as jewellery. All still valid. But there's now a growing middle ground: ways to have a loved one's ashes present in your world, in your home, in your daily life — without wearing them.

New and genuinely different ash options

1. Ash memorial stones and pieces

Also called ash-into-stones, living stones', 'cremation stones, solidified cremation stones, cremain stones or cuddle stones.

They vary in how they are made, how ecological their materials and process are, how much ash is incorporated, how much ash you need to supply, and how much they cost. Some vendors offer pebbles only. Others — like Afterstone — offer a wider range of pieces designed to sit in the home: vases, trinket bowls, spherical pots and hearts, as well as pebbles.

Prices range from around £100 to £1,300. The higher end includes specialist cremated remains courier costs of around £600 – a legal requirement when sending more than 50 grams by courier. It's also worth considering that sending a large quantity of cremated remains by post carries an inherent risk — if something goes wrong in transit, those remains cannot be replaced. Sending a smaller amount, as required by Afterstone and some other providers, limits that risk and potential worry, considerably.

Afterstone makes ash memorial pieces in Devon – pebbles, a heart, a trinket bowl, a spherical pot and a vase – each made individually from your loved one's ashes combined with ecological minerals. From £115. View the Afterstone collection.

2. Cremation art — ashes into artwork

Ashes mixed into paint, resin or other artistic materials to create a unique piece. Paintings, resin pieces and mixed media works are available from specialist cremation artists across the UK. The ash itself contributes to colour and texture — no two pieces are the same. Costs are between £90-£500 with most in the £250 region. 

3. Ashes into a Christmas decoration

Cremated remains are incorporated into glass or ceramic Christmas tree decorations. A quiet, personal way to keep a loved one present at a time of year when their absence is felt most. From £50 upwards. 

4. Ashes into a tattoo

Cremated ash mixed into tattoo ink by specialist studios. A small number of UK tattoo parlours offer this. The result is a permanent memorial that literally carries the person within it. From £300 upwards depending upon size and complexity.

5. Ashes into pottery and ceramics

Cremated remains incorporated into handmade ceramic pieces, including urns. The ash becomes part of the clay or glaze itself. A functional piece with meaning built into the material. From £100 upwards. 

6. Ashes into fireworks

Cremated ashes incorporated into a bespoke fireworks display — a highly visible, celebratory and shared moment. Several UK companies offer this, including Heavenly Stars Fireworks. For someone who loved colour, noise and a good gathering, this can feel exactly right. From £95 upto £4,000 for a full display.

7. Ashes into an artificial reef

Cremated remains are incorporated into concrete reef structures placed on the seabed. Solace Reef off Weymouth is the first of its kind in the UK — a permanent living underwater legacy supporting marine life. From £3,500

Not new, but worth knowing

8. Ashes into glass

A glass artist fuses cremated ash into handblown glass. The ash creates unique colour variations. Available as paperweights, pendants, marbles and ornamental touchstones.  From £95 upto £3,000

9. Ashes into a vinyl record

Cremated remains pressed into a playable vinyl record — including a favourite song, spoken messages or simply silence. A meaningful option for music lovers. From £900 upto £3,000.

You've probably already heard of these

10. Ashes into jewellery

Cremated ashes fused into pendants, rings or bracelets, or sealed in a compartment within a piece. The most widely known option for incorporating cremated remains into a keepsake. Consider material used and durability/longevity of the piece. Widely available across the UK. From £60 upwards.  

11. Ashes into a lab-grown diamond

Cremated remains subjected to extreme heat and pressure to create a genuine lab-grown diamond. Chemically identical to a mined stone. Can be set into any jewellery piece. One of the most established newer options — and one of the most expensive. From £600 upwards to £20,000 depending upon carat, colour and diamond cut chosen. 

12. Ashes into a living tree — with the right soil

If you want cremated remains to nurture a living tree, use a specialist soil blend designed for the purpose – not standard compost.

Cremated ashes have a pH of around 11.8. Normal soil sits between 5 and 8. That gap means cremated remains are highly alkaline and contain sodium levels far beyond what plants can tolerate. Scattered directly around a tree or mixed into regular soil, they are more likely to harm the tree than help it.

Specialist blends such as Living Memorial's RTN soil are specifically formulated to neutralise that alkalinity and dilute the sodium – releasing the beneficial nutrients within the ash so the tree can genuinely thrive. From £50-£115. 

Which option is right for you?

Many families choose more than one. Keep a small amount of cremated remains in a handmade ash memorial piece. Share pebbles between family members. Keep cremated ashes close in your home without storing them in an urn. There is no deadline and no single right answer — only what feels right for the person and those who loved them.

Afterstone creates handmade ash memorial stones and pieces, engraved memorial stones and coordinated farewell products, made in Devon. afterstone.co.uk | vmarsh@afterstone.co.uk | 01392 925061