How Are Your Loved One's Ashes Kept Safe?
Have you ever wondered what really happens between the moment your loved one's ashes leave you and the moment they come home?
Our commitment to your loved one
Ash Handling & ID Tracking Process
Our processes are designed to meet the standards set by SAIF and with reference to FBCA Codes of Practice for the management and handling of cremated remains.
We take our responsibility to you — and to your loved one — seriously at every stage.
1. Before your ashes arrive — your
collection kit
Before anything else, we send you everything you need. Your ash collection kit contains a small secure jar — holding up to 50 grams of ash, in line with Royal Mail guidelines — together with prepaid tracked return packaging. Simply place your ashes into the jar, seal it securely, and return it using the packaging provided.
Your kit is dispatched as tracked, signed-for post. You will receive confirmation once it has been delivered to you.
2. Receipt and unique identification
Every set of ashes sent to Afterstone is assigned a unique ID reference the moment it arrives. This reference is individual, permanent and remains with your loved one throughout the entire process.
Your unique ID is cross-referenced against your order code and, where ashes have been referred through a funeral director or crematorium, their reference codes are captured alongside – creating an additional layer of security and a complete chain of
custody from the very first contact with us.
We confirm safe receipt by email the same day your ashes arrive with us.
3. Individual handling — always
We never work with more than one person or pet’s ashes at a time. Every Afterstone piece is created Individually, from start to finish, before we begin the next.
Each set of ashes is placed on a dedicated, individually labelled tray. Your loved one’s ashes never leave that tray during the creation process. All equipment and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned between each piece. Your loved one’s ashes never come into contact with anyone else’s — at any point.
Because our process requires no kiln, there is no stage at which ashes from different individuals could ever be in the same space simultaneously. Unlike kiln-based processes — where multiple pieces may be fired together and identification relies on heat-resistant tags — our process means your loved one’s ashes remain on their individual
tray, in our hands, from start to finish. There is no bottleneck. There is no shared space. There is no ambiguity.
4. Tray ID tracking throughout
Your loved one’s dedicated tray is permanently labelled with their unique ID reference from the moment their ashes arrive to the moment the finished piece is packaged for return.
The tray — and everything on it — is the constant. Your loved one’s ashes, their piece in progress and all associated materials remain together on that tray throughout the entire creation process.
5. Documentation and compliance at every stage
Our documentation process has been designed to the standard of a regulated compliance environment. Every stage is recorded, cross-referenced and checked:
— Receipt — date confirmed, unique ID assigned, order code and source reference logged, signed-for delivery confirmed
— Pre-creation check — ID reference verified against order before work begins
— Creation — tray ID confirmed and documented throughout
— Quality check — finished piece verified against ID reference and order specification
— Pre-dispatch check — final ID and order confirmation before packaging
— Dispatch — tracked, signed-for delivery confirmed and logged
No piece leaves our studio without a completed documentation record.
6. Hand finishing and quality check
Once your piece is complete, it is hand-finished — smoothed, perfected and, where applicable, a soft felt base is added to protect your surfaces. Each piece is then carefully quality checked against your order specification before packaging begins. Only when we are completely satisfied does your piece move to the packaging stage.
7. Presented with care
Your finished piece is placed in
a quality gift box, together with your sealed collection jar containing any unused ash if applicable. Everything is packaged with care — because the moment you open it matters.
8. Keeping you informed — every step of the way
We know that entrusting someone with your loved one’s ashes is an act of trust. We never take that lightly.
From the moment your ashes arrive we keep you updated throughout — confirming safe receipt, letting you know when your piece is being created, and giving you advance notice of when it will be dispatched so you can ensure someone is home to receive it.
Your loved one will never sit unattended on a doorstep. We will always agree on a delivery date that works for you — and if your plans change, we will work around you.
9. A safe return home
When your piece arrives, it will be delivered by tracked, signed-for service. Because the chain of care doesn’t end until your loved one is safely back in your hands.
We will email you to check it has arrived safely.
And from that moment, they are with you again.
